The Pioneer of Large-Scale Stone Carvings — Yungang Grottoes in Datong

The Yungang Grottoes are located in Datong City, Shanxi Province. Carving began in the third year of the Huangshi era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (398 AD). It is the first product in China combining imperial political power with religious belief, and also the first grotto primarily featuring stone carvings, pioneering large-scale stone carving art in China. Although the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui were carved earlier than the Yungang Grottoes, they mainly feature clay sculptures and murals. The Yungang Grottoes integrate artistic styles from various Western Regions, reflecting cultural exchanges between the East and West. With Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei, Tuoba Hong (Yuan Hong), leading a southern campaign and relocating the capital to Luoyang, larger-scale grotto carving shifted to Longmen, pushing Chinese stone carving art to its peak. Currently, the Yungang Grottoes preserve 45 main caves carved from the Northern Wei to the Tang and Song dynasties, 252 stone niches of various sizes, and over 59,000 stone statues, forming a magnificent spectacle. Due to the long passage of time, many grottoes are exposed to wind and rain, suffering weathering and water erosion, becoming ruins. A few caves (Caves 5, 6, and 7) are relatively well preserved thanks to protective wooden structures in front of the caves. Entering the grottoes, professionals may feel a resonance with the ancients and achieve a spiritual dialogue, while ordinary visitors, even if unable to discern the details, will still marvel at the perseverance, devotion, imagination, and carving skills of their predecessors. Today, the Yungang Grottoes are not only ancient cultural relics but also an excellent place for cultural education and tourism leisure. The harmonious combination of grottoes, temples, and gardens creates a welcoming environment for visitors.