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Thousand Buddha Grottoes Dunhuang

Dunhuang is an oasis in Northwest China’s desert. Since the 2nd century BC Dunhuang had been a crucial stopover for Western and oriental merchants who search for trade and business.

According to the old legend, in 366 AD the monk Le Zun passed Dundang which was suddenly overcome with golden lights, as if tens of thousands of Buddhas had shown their presence to the common people. The monk hired workers to dig grottoes. 

This is what we called the Mogao Grottoes. The Mogao Grottoes span 1,600 meters and include 492 grottoes with 2,100 painted Buddha figures and murals covering 45,000 square meters. The work on the Mogao Grottoes lasted 1,500 years and reflected the development of Buddhism in China.

Dunhuang is a marvelous place where natural wonders and ancient art enchants each other’s beauty. Now Dunhuang is considered to be one of the most interesting places in China where overseas travelers must visit.