Thousands buddhas cliff

Thousands Buddhas Cliff is a rock face containing over 210 carved statues and 43 inscriptions spanning 63 meters in length, created across different historical periods. The carvings display varying sizes and styles that reflect how artistic techniques changed over the centuries.

The first Buddhist sculpture was carved in 619 CE by a 70-year-old monk named Sha Dong, followed by additional works by monk Ming De. The carvings demonstrate how the Buddhist artistic tradition continued across multiple generations.

The carved figures display Buddhist forms alongside depictions of nobles, officials, and respected religious teachers from different periods.

Visits are possible throughout the year, with guided tours available that explain the historical significance of each carving. The site is protected and easily accessible for visitors wanting to learn more about the artistic and spiritual aspects.

During the Tang period, carving Buddhist statues was politically dangerous as official policies favored Taoism, yet monks persisted in their work. This made them important records of artistic resistance during a time of religious uncertainty.

GPS coordinates: 32.47139,105.84389

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:05