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The Kumtura Thousand Buddha Caves (Kumutula Qianfodong), also Qumtura, is a Buddhist cave temple site in the Autonomous Region of Xinjiang, China. The site is located some 25 km west of Kucha, Kuqa County, on the ancient Silk Road.<br/><br/> 112 cave temples survive, dating from the fifth to the eleventh centuries. Damaged during the Islamic conquests and subsequently by occasional habitation after abandonment of the site, Kumtura was visited by a number of the early foreign expeditions to Chinese Central Asia, including the 1902 Otani expedition, Oldenburg, and Le Coq. The last detached several wall paintings and took them back to Berlin, where they are now held at the Museum fur Asiatische Kunst.
The Yellow River (Huang He), is the most important waterway in China. The region around the confluence of the Huang He and Wei rivers formed the cradle of Chinese civilisation. The river is the third-longest river in Asia, following the Yangtze River and Yenisei River, and the sixth-longest in the world at an estimated length of 5,464 km (3,395 mi).
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Binglingsi Shiku (Thousand Buddha Caves) is a collection of caves and grottoes set in an inaccessible canyon by the Yellow River about 80km upstream from Lanzhou. The site's very isolation has protected and preserved Binglingsi, not least from marauding Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 76).<br/><br/> The first Buddhist grottoes at Binglingsi date from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (c. 317 - 420 CE), and construction continued for well over a thousand years throughout the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing eras.<br/><br/> The Bingling caves were often sponsored by wealthy patrons investing some of their Silk Road profits in accruing merit for this life and the next. A total of 183 caves, together with nearly 700 carved stone statues and 82 terracotta sculptures survive, many showing very clear evidence of South Asian Buddhist artistic influences – indeed, art experts agree that Binglingsi is a stylistic midpoint between the former monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, and grotto complexes further east within China at Datong and Longmen.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
The Mogao Caves, or Mogao Grottoes (Chinese: Mògāo kū) (also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas and Dunhuang Caves) form a system of 492 temples 25 km (15.5 miles) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.<br/><br/> The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. The first caves were dug out 366 AD as places of Buddhist meditation and worship. The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient sculptural sites of China. The caves also have famous wall paintings.
The Mogao Caves, or Mogao Grottoes (Chinese: Mògāo kū) (also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas and Dunhuang Caves) form a system of 492 temples 25 km (15.5 miles) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.<br/><br/> The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. The first caves were dug out 366 AD as places of Buddhist meditation and worship. The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient sculptural sites of China. The caves also have famous wall paintings.
The Mogao Caves, or Mogao Grottoes (Chinese: Mògāo kū) (also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas and Dunhuang Caves) form a system of 492 temples 25 km (15.5 miles) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.<br/><br/> The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. The first caves were dug out 366 AD as places of Buddhist meditation and worship. The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient sculptural sites of China. The caves also have famous wall paintings.
The Mogao Caves, or Mogao Grottoes (Chinese: Mògāo kū) (also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas and Dunhuang Caves) form a system of 492 temples 25 km (15.5 miles) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.<br/><br/> The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. The first caves were dug out 366 AD as places of Buddhist meditation and worship. The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient sculptural sites of China. The caves also have famous wall paintings.
The Mogao Caves, or Mogao Grottoes (Chinese: Mògāo kū) (also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas and Dunhuang Caves) form a system of 492 temples 25 km (15.5 miles) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.<br/><br/> The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. The first caves were dug out 366 AD as places of Buddhist meditation and worship. The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient sculptural sites of China. The caves also have famous wall paintings.
The Mogao Caves, or Mogao Grottoes (Chinese: Mògāo kū) (also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas and Dunhuang Caves) form a system of 492 temples 25 km (15.5 miles) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.<br/><br/> The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. The first caves were dug out 366 AD as places of Buddhist meditation and worship. The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient sculptural sites of China. The caves also have famous wall paintings.
The Mogao Caves, or Mogao Grottoes (Chinese: Mògāo kū) (also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas and Dunhuang Caves) form a system of 492 temples 25 km (15.5 miles) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.<br/><br/> The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. The first caves were dug out 366 AD as places of Buddhist meditation and worship. The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient sculptural sites of China. The caves also have famous wall paintings.