Yulin Caves in Dunhuang

Yulin Caves in Dunhuang

Attractions Overview

There are 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals and 2,415 clay colored sculptures. It is the largest and richest Buddhist art site in the world.

English Name: Yulin Caves in Dunhuang
Type: Dunhuang Scenic Area, Dunhuang famous spots & Dunhuang attractions
Best Time: All Year Around
Recommended Visiting Hours: 2-3 hours

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Why is Yulin Caves So Special?

Mogao Caves is a shrine of Buddhist art treasures. A network of plank reinforced roads plying north to south 1,600 meters (5,249 feet) long lead to the cave openings, which are stacked five stories high some reaching up to 50 meters (164 feet). By the way, Mogao means high up in the desert.

Where is Yulin Caves

25 km (15.5miles) from downtown Dunhuang on the eastern slope of Echoing-Sand Mountain (Mingsha Shan)
When was the Mogao Caves built: in the year of 366 in Five Hus and Sixteen States (304 – 439)

History of Yulin Caves

According to Tang Dynasty (618-907), a monk living in Wuhu and 16 states witnessed the scene of 1,000 Buddha statues bathed in golden light. Inspired by this, he began the cave construction work spanning ten dynasties. Mogao Grottoes are commonly known as Thousand Buddhas Cave.

Buddhist art originated in India. Mogao sculptor improvises on the rock surface where the work under the chisel is not good. They placed clay sculpture in front of the cave wall, carved relief murals as the background, and decorated the side walls and ceiling with art. The largest statue is 34.5 meters (113 feet) high and the smallest is only 2 centimeters (0.79 inches) high.

Travelers will notice traces of Indian Buddhist art in early works. The latest works depict various trades and activities in the area. When you explore 735 caves, you will review the daily routines and special events captured by artists. Over the centuries, the quality of art has also experienced ups and downs, depending on the fate of Buddhism under the sponsorship of art. Artists of each dynasty painted with their unique palette. Visitors can distinguish the works of Tang Dynasty from the works of Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Best Time to Travel Yulin Caves

May to October every year is the best tourist season.

Dunhuang is a polar arid continental climate with an annual average temperature of 9.3 degrees celsius, an average temperature of 24.7 degrees celsius in July and between January and 9.3 degrees celsius. it is dry and rainy all year round, with a great temperature difference between day and night. in addition, Dunhuang has two major natural disasters, namely, dry hot wind and black sand storms, which tourists should take early precautions against.

How To Get There

  • Take a bus from Dunhuang Railway Station to the caves directly. The bus also passes by Dunhuang Hotel and Silk Road Hotel.
  • Take a taxi to Mogao Caves and it takes about 30mins.

Useful Travel Tips

Mogao Caves Tickets
Apr. – Nov.: CNY 258 for foreign visitors
Dec. – Mar.: CNY 160 for foreign visitors

 Note:
The admission fee includes Mogao Caves, Digital Exhibition Center, shuttle bus service between the Exhibition Center and the caves and foreign language interpreting service.
Opening Hours May – Oct.: 08:00 – 18:00
Nov. – Apr.: 09:00 – 17:30
Recommended Time for a Visit 3-5 hours

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Edited by Doreen/张洋