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
Feb 11, 2026Death Valley National Parks Anniversary

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Aug 22, 2025Rolling hills of the Palouse, Washington
Sep 27, 2022Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Jul 19, 2019A place fit for the gods
Jun 30, 2024Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Sep 8, 2019Just a couple of yellow-billed hornbills
Sep 5, 2019A lush, green escape
Mar 8, 2018Celebrate International Women’s Day
Jun 24, 2026Pollinator Week
Jun 16, 2024Happy Fathers Day!
Jun 8, 2024National Rivers Month
Nov 25, 2019The migrating monarchs of Michoacán
Jul 20, 2026International Moon Day
Jun 14, 2022Museum Mile Festival
Sep 27, 2021Sharp-dressed bug
Nov 28, 2021Celebrating Panama s independence
Jul 8, 2018Travel Sunday: Flamenco in Granada, Andalusia, Spain
May 9, 2019An endless journey
Jan 21, 2022National Hug Day
Jan 6, 2019A winter wonderland in Northeast China
Sep 1, 2019Bidding summer adieu
Mar 1, 2025Womens History Month
Jul 22, 2023National Hammock Day
Apr 14, 2019A view fit for a queen
Nov 10, 2020Baddest of the badlands
Dec 21, 2021Winter solstice
Aug 17, 2020A giant relic in Java
Aug 23, 2019Harvest time in the Palouse
Apr 17, 2019Happy birthday to the Peak!
Jul 23, 2022National Moth Week
Jan 14, 2020Going head-to-head with winter