Gongxian Grottoes, Buddhist caves in Gongyi, China.
Gongxian Grottoes is a Buddhist cave complex set along a mountain slope in Henan, containing an extensive collection of stone sculptures carved into the rock. The site comprises multiple caves, thousand-Buddha niches, cliff sculptures, and numerous carved niches with inscriptions distributed across the face of the cliff.
The caves were initially carved in 517 during the Northern Wei Dynasty and expanded continuously through the Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties until the 13th century. This extended period of construction demonstrates sustained Buddhist patronage across multiple periods of Chinese history.
The central pillar caves display intricately carved Buddhist figures including seated Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, disciples, celestial kings, and musicians with period instruments. These images reflect the religious beliefs and artistic skills of the people who created them.
The site sits approximately 9 kilometers northeast of Gongyi City and features informational panels about Buddhist art history. Visitors can explore the caves and carved reliefs during regular opening hours with clear viewing paths along the cliff face.
The site preserves rare relief carvings depicting imperial religious ceremonies that reveal how Northern Wei rulers supported Buddhism through direct patronage. This royal involvement in the cave project stands out clearly compared to other sites from the same period.
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