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- Location: Datong City, Shanxi Province

Located at the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain 16 kilometers west of Datong, Shanxi Province, the Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟) were built against the mountain and extend about 1 kilometer from east to west. The construction of the caves was started under the auspices of the noted monk Tan Yao in 453 and took 50 years to complete.

The 53 grottoes include 1,000 niches with about 51,000 statues – a treasure-trove of cave art that combines traditional Chinese art forms with foreign influence, particularly Greek and Indian. The Yungang Grottoes are divided into three zones, and most of the grottoes are in the western zone, Each grotto has its own character. Sculptures here are noted for their vigorous features and rich variety that range from the smallest, only 2 centimeters, to the tallest – a 17-meter-tall Buddha.

Travel tips:

1. Tour guides are available for 120 yuan.

- Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. (April 15 to Oct. 27); 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Oct. 28 to April 14)

- Admission: 150 yuan (Free for soldiers, children under 1.4 meters, and retired and handicapped; Student discounts available)

- Tel: +86-35-23026230

- How to get there: Take Bus 4 from Datong Railway station to Xinkaili Bus Station, then take Bus 3 to Datong Yungang Grottoes Management Office.