The West Thousand Buddha Cave

The West Thousand Buddha Cave

The West Thousand Buddha Cave (西千佛洞), an indispensable component of the Dunhuang Buddhist art system, is separated from the renowned Mogao Grottoes only by the Echo Sand Mountain. Its name derives from its geographical position, nestled to the west of the Mogao Grottoes. The West Thousand Buddha Cave, a cornerstone of the Northern Wei Dynasty's early grotto tradition, boasts an impressive collection of 22 grottoes, 34 vibrant colored sculptures, and murals over 800 square meters. Each grotto has been partially rebuilt by the descendants many times, so that the style characteristics of multiple times appear in a cave, especially the Uighur reconstruction of the most. The murals and sculptures of the West Thousand Buddha Cave exhibit distinct regional flavors and chronological styles, offering a vivid showcase of ancient Chinese Buddhist art's unparalleled charm. Each piece is a breathtaking testament to the profound aesthetic and culturre values of this renowned grotto.

History about West Thousand Buddha Cave

The West Thousand Buddha Cave is dug on the cliff on the bank of the Danghe River. The excavation period from the Northern Wei, Western Wei and Northern Zhou dynasties to the Five dynasties and the Uighur period, the craftsmen of each dynasty painted one mural painting and Buddha statue after another. The art has been washed, eroded and collapsed by the river over a long period of time, so only 22 caves remain. In recent years, the West Thousand Buddha Cave has undergone a comprehensive restoration and repair process and has regained its structural integrity and stability. Today, only ten of these caves are open to the public, providing a rare glimpse into the rich historical and cultural heritage of this remarkable Buddhist site.

Unique Grottoes and Murals in West Thousand Buddha Cave 

1. Grotto 4

Cave No. 4 was built in the Sui Dynasty and was built in every subsequent dynasty. On the top of the vestibual hall of Cave No. 4 are painted two large flying statues, which are the largest ones in the existing Dunhuang grottoes.

2.  Grotto 16

Cave No. 16 was dug in the late Tang Dynasty, and the murals of Shazhou Uighur show flowers flying in the sky. The cave is divided into a front chamber and a main chamber. The main chamber is covered with a bucket shaped roof, and there is a Buddha bed on the north wall of the cave. The image of Buddha is round and beautiful. Red and green main color, fresh and elegant, wearing a peach-shaped crown of Uighur donors.

2.  Grotto 18

Cave 18, the largest cave in the West Thousand Buddha Cave, looking up is the best preserved and most colorful Bodhisattvas in the West thousand Buddha Cave. The color of the mural sutra on both sides is not gorgeous, but the painting is quite rich, and there is a halo of water ripples behind the head of the Buddha, which is a very vivid expression technique. There is a smaller Buddha statue just above the entrance door to the cave, which also has a halo of water ripples behind the head, and the picture is very well preserved, even like it was just painted, the skin color is even, the lines are smooth, and the colors are very good. It is a Buddha statue that can only be seen in the special Grottoes of Mogao Grottoes.

Features

Location: located to the west of Mogao Grottoes, 35 kilometers away from Dunhuang city, Gansu Province.

Scenic Spot Level: National 4A Level Scenic Spot

Chinese Name: 西千佛洞

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Travel Information

Opening Time: 08:00- 17：00

Ticket Price: Off Season: 15 CNY

                      Peak Season: 30 CNY

Service Number: 0937-8857158

Best Time for Visit: Late spring, early summer and fall    

Travel Tips

A trip to the West Thousand Buddha Cave requires adequate preparation, including keeping up to date with open information, dressing appropriately, taking necessary sun protection measures, bringing your own water, respecting cultural relics, maintaining environmental hygiene, paying attention to personal safety, understanding the cultural background and considering whether a guided tour is required. Make these preparations and your trip to Dunhuang will be more enjoyable and memorable.