Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China Feb 11, 2025

Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China

What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This collection of early Buddhist art is near Datong in Shanxi province, northeastern China. Carved into sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty, the grottoes comprise 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is a jaw-dropping 56 feet tall. But don"t stop there—each cave offers something unique. Some are like ancient storyboards, depicting tales from Buddhist scriptures, while others showcase detailed carvings of monks, deities, musicians, and even scenes of daily life under Wei rule. These caves blend influences from Indian, Central Asian, and local Chinese Buddhist art. Whether you"re a history lover or simply appreciate unique art, the Yungang Grottoes offer an unforgettable experience.

© Eric Yang/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Feb 11, 2018Te Rewa Rewa Bridge near New Plymouth, New Zealand
Feb 11, 2019There’s a dog in there somewhere
Feb 11, 2020Celebrating women in science
Feb 11, 2021It’s showtime for a precious crop
Feb 11, 2022harlem
Feb 11, 2023Milky Way over Zabriskie Point, California
Feb 11, 2024Folegandros Island, Cyclades, Greece

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Nov 16, 2018Ancient art in the Amazon
May 16, 20193,000 years of history
Aug 28, 2021Relationship status: It s complicated
Mar 6, 2018Celebrating National Dentist Day
Aug 21, 2019Look before you leap
Jul 31, 2025Ring-tailed lemur
Nov 3, 2021World Jellyfish Day
May 31, 2021Here we honor the women who ve served
May 18, 2018It’s Endangered Species Day
Oct 22, 2024Palazzo Zuccari, Rome
Jul 18, 2023Great hornbill, Thailand
Aug 21, 2018Ingenuity in action on the Santa Monica Pier
Feb 21, 2018Innerdalsvatna Lake, near Ålvundeidet, Norway
Dec 10, 2024Lands End, Cornwall, England
Dec 4, 2021Cheetah mother and cub
Apr 16, 2024Union Square, Manhattan
Aug 30, 2018Castle Frankenstein in Darmstadt, Germany
Aug 17, 2023Things are looking up
Nov 5, 2020A medieval Moorish gem
Aug 20, 2023International Lighthouse Weekend
Oct 3, 2020In the belly of Fat Bear Week
Mar 31, 2022Happy Birthday, Eiffel Tower
Dec 29, 2024Borobudur Temple, Java, Indonesia
Apr 27, 2019Aloe in bloom
Jan 20, 2025Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Oct 25, 2021Dyavolski Most
Jan 8, 2020Take the stairs
Nov 19, 2023Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia
Oct 26, 2022Brocken spectre in Central Balkan National Park, Bulgaria
Apr 23, 2025Shakespeare Day