Yungang Grottoes

Chinese name: 云冈石窟
Foreign name: Yungang Grottoes
Geographical location: South foot of Wuzhou (Zhou) Mountain, north bank of Wuzhou River, Datong City, Shanxi Province
Opening hours: 9:00——17:00 (ticket sales stop at 16:30)
Attraction level: AAAAA level
Ticket price: Peak season (April 1-October 31): Adults 120 yuan/person Off-season (November 1-March 31 next year): 100 yuan/person
The era in which it lived: the Northern Wei Dynasty
Protection level: the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units, world heritage list
Panoramic Tour：https://www.720yun.com/t/2fvksl89p1q?scene_id=43626951
Official Website: https://www.yungang.org/en/index.html
Email: ygskwz@163.com
Tel: (+0086) 0352-7992622

Yungang Grottoes

The Yungang Grottoes are a collection of ancient Buddhist cave temples located near the city of Datong.

They are one of the most famous examples of Chinese Buddhist art and architecture and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Yungang Grottoes, formerly known as Lingyan Temple and Stone Buddha Temple. It is located at the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain in the western suburbs of Datong City, Shanxi Province, on the north bank of Wuzhou River. The highest point of Mount Wuzhou is called Yungang, hence the name Yungang Grottoes. The rulers of the Northern Wei Dynasty advocated Buddhism, built temples and caves extensively. The main part of this grotto group was completed before the Northern Wei Dynasty moved the capital to Luoyang, from about the first year of Heping to the eighteenth year of Taihe (460-494). The grottoes are excavated against the mountain, stretching for 1 kilometer from east to west. From east to west, the cave area is divided into three areas: east, middle and west according to the natural mountain situation. There are 45 main caves and 209 subsidiary caves, with a carving area of more than 18,000 square meters. The highest statue is 17 meters, the smallest is 2 centimeters, there are more than 1,100 Buddhist niches, and more than 59,000 large and small statues.

Yungang Grottoes Video

Yungang Grottoes Tourist Map

Things to do in Yungang Grottos

1.Explore the Caves

The Yungang Grottoes consist of 53 major caves, each with its own unique sculptures and artwork. Take your time to explore each cave and appreciate the incredible skill and artistry that went into creating these masterpieces.

2.Admire the Statues

The statues at Yungang are some of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art, with intricate details and lifelike expressions.Marvel at the skill of the ancient craftsmen who created these incredible sculptures.

3.Visit Cave 20

Also known as the “Music Cave,” Cave 20 features a large statue of the Buddha surrounded by musicians and dancers.It is one of the most famous caves in the complex and is not to be missed.

4.Take a Guided Tour

To fully appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the Yungang Grottoes, consider taking a guided tour. Knowledgeable guides can provide insights into the history and significance of the site.

5.Enjoy the Surrounding Scenery

The Yungang Grottoes are located in a scenic area, surrounded by hills and forests. Take a break from exploring the caves to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

6.Visit the Museum

The Yungang Grottoes Museum displays a variety of artifacts and exhibits related to the site’s history and cultural significance. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding of the site and its importance in Chinese history

Yungang Grottoes Travel Guide

English tour guide explanation and Yungang Museum explanation service

English explanation fee of 380 yuan
Yungang Museum’s explanation fee is 50 yuan

Have more than seven years of work experience in explaining, be able to comprehensively and in-depth explain grotto-related knowledge, have a deep understanding of relevant knowledge, and have a strong ability to expand knowledge. The fee is 380 yuan.

Scan The QR Code for Booking The Tickets

Yungang Grottoes Official Wechat

Route 1 (Tour time is about one day)：

Tanyao Square——Foguang Avenue——Yungang Art Museum——Historical Museum of Yungang Academy——Relief wall of worshiping Buddha——Lingyan Temple (mountain hall and water hall)——Grotto group——Yungang Museum——Performing Arts Center—— Yungang Northern Wei Dynasty Shadow Play and Puppet Museum – Premier Zhou Memorial Room – Shibing Art Museum – Shihuo Street

昙曜广场——佛光大道——云冈美术馆——云冈院史馆——礼佛浮雕墙——灵岩寺（山堂水殿）——石窟群——云冈博物馆——演艺中心——云冈北魏皮影、木偶馆——周总理纪念室——石兵美术馆——食货街

Route 2 (Tour time about two hours)：

Tanyao Square——Foguang Avenue——Worshiping Buddha Relief Wall——Lingyan Temple (Shantangshuidian)——Cave Group——Shihuo Street

昙曜广场——佛光大道——礼佛浮雕墙——灵岩寺（山堂水殿）——石窟群——食货街

How To Get To DaTong By Flight

Flight number	City of takeoff and landing	Takeoff time	Landing time
Sunan Ruili Airlines 苏南瑞丽航DR5009	Chengdu Tianfu Airport – Datong Yungang Airport	09：50	12:10
Southern airlines南航CZ2618	Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport – Datong Yungang Airport	06:55	08:30
china eastern 东方航空MU5201	Shanghai Pudong International Airport – Datong Yungang Airport	22:05	00:50
china eastern东航MU6733	Wuhan Tianhe Airport – Datong Yungang Airport	09:40	11:55
Tianjin Air天津航空GS7827	Tianjin Binhai International Airport – Datong Yungang Airport	09:55	11:25
china eastern东方航空MU6733	Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport – Datong Yungang Airport	06:50	11:55