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- Location: Dunhuang County, Gansu Province

Located on the eastern slope of Mingsha Mountain southeast of Dunhuang County in Gansu Province, the Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟) is one of three noted grottoes in China and also the largest, best preserved and richest treasure house of Buddhist art in the world.

Also known as Thousand Buddha Cave, a monk named Yue Seng chiseled the first cave here in 366, during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The endeavor continued through later dynasties, up until the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), resulting in the fantastic group of caves that can be seen today.

Today, 492 caves still stand, containing some 2,100 colored statues and 45,000 square meters of murals. These murals, if joined together, would cover a length of 30 kilometers. The caves vary in size. The smallest one just allows a head's space, while the largest one stretches from the foot to the top of the mountain, spanning more than 40 meters. Despite years of erosion, the murals are still brightly colored, with clear lines.

Travel tips:

- Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Admission: 160 yuan (includes tour guide)

- Tel: +86-93-78869008

- How to get there: Take a bus from Dunhuang Restaurant to Mogao Grottoes.