Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China Feb 11, 2025

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
Feb 11, 2026Death Valley National Parks Anniversary

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Apr 21, 2025International Dark Sky Week
Apr 30, 2020What kind of bird laid these eggs?
Aug 18, 2020Women s suffrage at 100
Oct 1, 2018It’s NASA’s 60th birthday
May 5, 2025Cinco de Mayo
Feb 27, 2026International Polar Bear Day
May 8, 2019’Chess on ice’
Apr 26, 2020Red skies at Ruby Beach
Feb 11, 2023Milky Way over Zabriskie Point, California
May 17, 2022Salt ponds of Maras, Peru
Sep 21, 2018A tower of light
Dec 15, 2018A long winter’s nap, perhaps?
Nov 20, 2022World Children s Day
Jan 22, 2018Bird’s-eye view of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
Feb 14, 2025Happy Valentines Day!
Mar 26, 2021The wild heart of Tasmania
Nov 4, 2024Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Jun 4, 2024Chestnut-headed bee-eaters, Bardia National Park, Nepal
Apr 26, 2024Arbor Day
Dec 23, 2025Reindeer, Lapland, Finland
Dec 22, 2023Ljubljana, Slovenia
Apr 25, 2024World Penguin Day
Sep 8, 2018It’s oh so quiet
Jul 25, 2019Jane’s Carousel delights
Jul 11, 2023World Population Day
Mar 5, 2026Evening over Göreme, Cappadocia, Türkiye
Apr 5, 2025Gaztelugatxe at sunset, Basque Country, Spain
Sep 17, 2025A young bull moose in Denali National Park, Alaska
Feb 4, 2018Male kori bustard, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
May 3, 2021It s Teacher Appreciation Week