Thousand-buddha Grottoes, Nanjing, Buddhist rock carvings in Nanjing, China.
The Thousand-Buddha Grottoes are Buddhist sculptures and carvings cut into the rock face of a mountainside in eastern Nanjing. The caves hold hundreds of stone figures of varying sizes and complexity, carved directly into the rock walls over many centuries.
The grottoes were created during the Southern Dynasties period, between 420 and 589 CE, when Buddhism was spreading rapidly across China. Later generations, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties, added more figures and restored older carvings.
The sculptures show different carving styles that developed over centuries, reflecting how Buddhist beliefs were expressed through art at different times.
Access is possible by public bus from central Nanjing, followed by a short walk to the site. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes as the paths can be uneven and steep in places.
Some Buddha figures at this site were targets of looters and became damaged or lost over the centuries. The visible scars and missing features tell a story of how the site has weathered challenges throughout history.
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