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- Location: Anxi County, Gansu Province

Located 75 kilometers southeast of Anxi County in Gansu Province, the Yulin Grottoes (榆林窟) is a branch of the Mogao Grottoes and is similar to the ones found in Dunhuang County. There are 42 caves with complete frescoes, comprising of huge scripture drawings, portraits of Buddha, rare animals and plants, harvests, weddings, banquets, chess, brewing, music and dancing. It is famous for once housing a precious ivory Buddha that was transferred to the Palace Museum at the Forbidden City in Beijing.

The best time to visit is in the summer and fall. Anxi County is also famous for its stewed sheep entrails.

Travel tips:

- Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (May 1 to Oct. 31); 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Nov. 1 to April 30)

- Admission: 30 yuan (Chinese); 45 yuan (foreigners, includes tour guide)

- Tel: +86-93-72682507

- How to get there: Take a bus to Anxi County, then a taxi to Yulin Grottoes; or take a bus from Dunhuang Bus Station to Yulin Grottoes.