China Gansu Jiuquan Mogao Caves
Ancient Buddhist complex in China, featuring 492 temples adorned with frescoes and statues dating back to 4th-14th centuries.
Tips from the community
The
Mogao Grottoes are a 1700-year-old hub of Chinese art, history, and culture in Northwestern China. While here, you can make your way through the 492 cells and caves while admiring the largest collection of Buddhist art in the world. With art spanning 1000 years, it feels like going on an archaeological expedition while you witness sculptures, portraits, paintings depicting stories of the Silk Road, medieval China, and the meeting of ancient cultures. The Caves were abandoned once the Silk Roads fell into disuse in the 1400s and once it was discovered, so were many inspiring treasures, like the world’s earliest printed book and 50,000 ancient documents. For anyone interested in Chinese history or Buddhist art, the grottoes are a must. .
booksandbao
5 years ago
I reserved the second day in Dunhuang to explore the
Mogao Caves, popularly known as Caves of the Thousand Buddhas. These caves were founded in the fourth century by a monk named Yuejun. Following his example, other monks excavated caves on the cliff, most of which are decorated with beautiful frescos.
The most comfortable way to travel to Turpan is on board the night train that, for a reasonable price, allows you to sleep in a cabin with first class bunk beds.
amanmehta
5 years ago
The Mogao Caves are a sprawling complex of Buddhist art and architecture located in Jiuquan Gansu, China. Dating back over a thousand years, the caves feature over 700 painted sculptures and countless wall murals that detail the history and mythology of Buddhism. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they represent some of the finest examples of Asian art and are a must-see destination for visitors to the region.
seeker
1 year ago
Mogao Caves Guides
- seeker (Seeker Editors)
Across the vast, diverse continent of Asia, there are seemingly endless World Heritage Sites to explore. Visit the sparse atomic bomb dome in Hiroshima, or walk for hours along the towering Great Wall of China. From sprawling rustic temple grounds to ancient statues of civilizations past- here is a collection of some of the prominent World Heritage Sites in Asia.
Mogao Caves Articles
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China: a dizzying mix of ancient culture, modern museums, vibrant festivals, delicious food, and breathtaking natural wonder. From crimson red beaches and soaring castles made of ice to authentic bao and bustling breweries, there’s something for every type of traveler. Here are 42 must-see temples, museums, castles, activities, restaurants that will blow your mind on […]
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The Silk Road was the traditional route through which caravans carried products from the East and the West for centuries. More than that, it was a corridor through which philosophical ideas, scientific knowledge and the foundations of Buddhism and Islam were transmitted. Want to go, but not sure where to start? We’ve created the ultimate […]