Yungang caves

The Yungang Caves (aka grottoes), located in the Shanxi Province of northern China, are a remarkable ancient complex of Buddhist cave temples. Carved into the cliffs of the Wuzhou mountain near Datong, the site is a masterpiece of early Chinese Buddhist art, dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 AD). The caves, which stretch over a length of approximately 1km, contain a vast collection of intricate sculptures and murals that reflect the flourishing of Buddhism in China during this period.
The Yungang Caves consist of 252 caves and over 51000 Buddhist statues and reliefs, showcasing a combination of Indian, Central Asian, and Chinese artistic influences. These statues range in size from small figurines to monumental representations of the Buddha, with the largest Buddha standing at an impressive 17m tall.
The site was originally commissioned by the Northern Wei emperors, who sought to demonstrate their power and religious legitimacy through the construction of these caves. Over time, the Yungang Caves became one of the most important centers of Buddhist art and learning in China. The caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
How to get to the Yungang caves
The caves are about 17km from Datong and can be easily reached by taxi.
Accommodation
There are countless hotels in Datong, bookable via hotel booking portals.