Datong , Shanxi district

This was the first time I  visit Datong in the Shanxi district . From the tour leader's explanation, we realised that it is a very dry county.

Upon arrival, after a late lunch, we headed to Yungang Grottoes - a collection of shallow caves located 16km west of Datong . It was reported that there are over 50,000 carved images and statues of Buddhas and Buddhisatvas within these grottoes. The imazing fact is, most of these carvings are around 1000 years old.

This place had been opened as a tourist attraction . Thus , expectedly had a nice entrance .....

a wooden carving at the entrance

The long corridor leading to the hill side

A midway tower with bells or chimes

Gate to the caves/ grottoes

This temple housed the first two caves

The first two caves were supposedly the most beautiful with colourful carvings . However , to protect the drawings, no photographs are allowed in these two caves .

other caves

The Buddha statue in one of the caves

Some of these caves may have been robbed, look at the holes left 

We are so small in front of this Buddha statue

Looking at these ruins, we just couldn't help marveled at the ancient men's superior craftmenship. These are just amazingly huge projects of the past .

Worthy visit - Yungang Grottoes .