Mogao Grottos in Dunhuang

The Mogao Grottos, also known as "The Thousand Buddha Cave", are noted as one of the most important cultural and historical sites in China, especially for the Buddhist art treasures that can be found inside. Located 15.5 miles southeast of Dunhuang City, the grottos are one mile in length and wind their way through the broken cliff at the eastern foot of Mingsba Hill. There are five layers of caves built into the mountain. According to historical records, the Mogao Grottos were constructed in 366 BC. Today there are 492 caves in which visitors can find well-preserved murals and sculptures that were made during the different dynasties throughout Chinese history. In 1989, the United Nations listed the Mogao Grottos as one of the specially protected cultural relics, and in 1991, they were added to the UNESCO world natural and cultural heritage list.
Inside the caves, visitors will discover thousands of square meters of frescos, created by layering cement and clay and then painting it. Each dynasty features different styles and themes, and although they typically feature Buddhist imagery, there is great deal of variety in the content. The Mogao Buddhist sculptures were typically constructed with terracotta and then covered with a carvable plaster surface that was painted after being carved. Cave number 17 is particularly famous for its Buddhist scriptures and artwork.


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