Feilaifeng Grottoes, Buddhist sculpture series at Lingyin Temple area, Hangzhou, China.
Feilaifeng Grottoes contain more than 300 stone figures carved into natural limestone cliffs, depicting Buddhist deities and religious narratives. These sculptures are scattered across multiple levels of the rock face, with each work representing different aspects of Buddhist teachings.
Work on the carvings started during the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century and continued across many dynasties, resulting in varied artistic styles. Each historical period left behind its own sculptural additions and shaped the overall appearance of the site.
The carvings show how Buddhist beliefs were expressed in stone and what artistic skills different generations possessed. Walking through the cliffs, you notice how differently various artists portrayed the same religious subjects.
The main entrance to the scenic area is where visitors can buy combined tickets for both the grottoes and the adjacent temple. It is wise to wear comfortable walking shoes since the terrain is uneven and involves walking on stone and rocky ground.
The carvings display their original stone color and texture without any paint or modifications added since they were created. This untouched surface lets visitors experience the rawness and directness of the original artist's vision.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
