Dunhuang caves
Description:
Dunhuang Caves is a temple complex consisting of caves of different sizes and purposes, located at different levels, many of them are interconnected. According to legend, Lezun cut down the first cave in 366 AD, after seeing golden light coming from Mingshaan Mountain.
After that, the temple complex received a large-scale development. More than 700 caves have been preserved, the size of which varies from completely small to huge, the height of which can reach about 50 m.
The cave temples are filled with art dedicated to Buddhism. Various statuettes, sculptures, wall paintings. Also in one of the caves were recently discovered historically valuable manuscripts, paintings painted on silk and much more. All these things date back to the IV – XI centuries, when the temple complex was most widespread.
It is believed that Buddhism penetrated into China through the Great Silk Road, on which the Dunhuang caves are located. Paintings on the walls, sculptures and statuettes are devoted to various topics related to Buddhism, and are an extremely valuable heritage. When visiting this cave, there is admiration and awe for such ancient exhibits.