Tianlongshan Grottoes

The Tianlongshan Grottoes contain a network of caves carved into two mountains, featuring over 1,500 stone statues and 1,144 relief sculptures across twenty-one caves.

The construction of these Buddhist grottoes began during the Northern Wei Dynasty in 386 AD and continued through multiple dynasties until the Tang period ended in 907.

The sculptures within the caves demonstrate the evolution of Buddhist art in China, incorporating artistic influences from Central Asia during the Tang Empire period.

Located at coordinates 37°44′10″N 112°22′37″E, the grottoes can be reached by bus or taxi from downtown Taiyuan, with regular transportation services available.

During the 1920s, numerous sculptures from these caves were removed and distributed to museums worldwide, prompting current digital preservation efforts through the Tianlongshan Caves Project.

Location: Taiyuan

GPS coordinates: 37.73760,112.38567

Latest update: March 5, 2025 00:14