Lingquan Temple Grottoes

Lingquan Temple Grottoes is an extensive complex with thousands of caves carved into rock walls displaying Buddhist figures and religious motifs throughout. The carvings range from simple reliefs to elaborate multi-figure scenes spanning different periods, with an exhibition hall also presenting ancient manuscripts and ritual objects used in worship.

The site was established during the Eastern Jin Dynasty when an Indian monk chose this location to build a Buddhist sanctuary. The caves were expanded and enriched over centuries, with most surviving sculptures dating from the Sui and Tang periods.

The grottoes reveal how Buddhist artists expressed their faith through stone carving and told religious stories for pilgrims to contemplate. You can see today how these sculptures reflected the spiritual beliefs of people who visited this place over many centuries.

The complex is best explored in daylight since the carved details are most visible in natural light. Comfortable shoes are recommended as visiting involves walking over uneven terrain and between caves.

Many individual caves contain specific Buddhist themes and narratives that combined artistic craftsmanship with religious instruction for visitors. The Mahavira Hall houses a central Sakyamuni Buddha statue from the Tang period surrounded by other sculptures forming a cohesive spiritual composition.