Mogao Caves
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As a Google Local Guide with a passion for cultural heritage, I can confidently say that the Mogao Caves (also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes) are among the most extraordinary and mesmerizing sites I’ve ever had the privilege to visit. The Mogao Caves are an unparalleled treasure trove of Buddhist art and culture, representing over a millennium of history along the Silk Road. Each cave is a masterpiece, with intricate murals, sculptures, and manuscripts that provide a vivid portrayal of the spiritual and artistic life of ancient China. The sheer diversity and detail in the artwork are breathtaking, offering a deep dive into the religious, cultural, and artistic traditions of the time. The conservation work done at Mogao is exceptional. Despite the age of the murals and statues, the colors remain vibrant, and the details are remarkably well-preserved. The efforts to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site are evident, and the visitor experience is thoughtfully designed to minimize impact while maximizing educational value. The use of guided tours ensures that the historical context and significance of each cave are communicated effectively. The guided tours provided are highly informative and essential for understanding the significance of the site. The guides are knowledgeable, offering detailed explanations that bring the history and art to life. Audio-visual presentations available before the tour begin also provide valuable context, making the visit even more enriching. The limited number of caves open to the public on each visit ensures that the experience is intimate and immersive, allowing for a deeper connection with the site. There’s a profound sense of spirituality and reverence within the caves. As you explore the dimly lit grottos, you can feel the presence of history and the devotion of the monks who created these stunning works of art. It’s a humbling experience that invites reflection on the intersection of art, faith, and history. The Mogao Caves site is well-managed, with excellent facilities, including a modern visitor center that provides comprehensive information and services. The pathways and access to the caves are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable visit. The staff are courteous and eager to assist, enhancing the overall experience. The Mogao Caves are a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, or spirituality. The site offers an unparalleled glimpse into the ancient world, beautifully preserved and presented. It’s a place that leaves a lasting impression, both for its aesthetic beauty and its deep cultural significance. Highly recommended for travelers seeking a unique and profound experience in China.
JacobJacob
10
Located at: Dunhuang, Jiu Quan Shi, Gansu, China 🇨🇳 in the Gobi desert Hours of Operation: 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. open 7 days a week The Mogao Caves were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987. As a State Party, China has put all World Heritage sites under top-level protection. Mogao means “peerless.” Mogao Cave is sometimes known as “Caves of the Thousand Buddhas.” It was first constructed in 366AD and represents the great achievement of Buddhist art from the 4th to the 14th century. 492 caves are presently preserved, housing about 45,000 square meters of murals and more than 2,000 painted sculptures. Cave 302 of the Sui dynasty contains one of the oldest and most vivid scenes of cultural exchanges along the Silk Road, depicting a camel pulling a cart typical of trade missions of that period. Caves 23 and 156 of the Tang dynasty show workers in the fields and a line of warriors respectively and in the Song dynasty Cave 61, the celebrated landscape of Mount Wutai is an early example of artistic Chinese cartography, where nothing has been left out – mountains, rivers, cities, temples, roads and caravans are all depicted. This place managed to stay under the radar for centuries. Along a one-mile long trail of cliffs beside the Dachuan River are the Mogao Caves, a complex of human-made caves and cells that preserve Buddhist statues and paintings spanning a whole millennium, from the fourth to the 14th centuries. Part of this complex of caves and cells is also a library (Cave 17) that in addition to Chinese texts, also houses Tibetan, Turkic, and Hebrew documents. Unfortunately, most of the 50,000 documents found in the library were readily sold to foreign (mostly Western) hands. The most valuable of these was the Diamond Sutra, one of the oldest printed books in existence (now at the British Library in London).
Ricky WongRicky Wong
00
The whole complex is big, it starts from the visitor center which provides all the necessary information and services. After buying the tickets, a local English speaking guide attired in uniform led us into a 3 D Theatre with audio visual presentation to give a better understanding on the Caves before the start of the tour . After the movie, it was a long walk to the Mogao Caves. Alot of tourists , thus a long queue to the Caves. We noticed that there are hundreds of caves carved into the side of a mountain and were distributed, row after row, low & high up to 5 stories. The Lady Guide told us there are approx. 735 Caves only 492 Caves with Buddhist murals & statues. We were shown 6 caves namely 329/332/334/16-17/328/ 428 . As the entrance aluminium door is locked, She needs to unlock for us to enter, so it is relatively restricted. Although the caves are small, inside contain the magnifiicient Buddhist Murals & statues , great to have the lady guide whom is very detailed in her explanation to interprete the meaning of each paintings and statues in the cave. The whole complex is very well maintained and is large with lots of photography opportunities. It took us about 4 hours to walk through. A treasure of Buddhism and history, indeed a must see !!!
susan chowsusan chow
00
I am always impressed by how the Chinese preserve and protect their heritages. Sometimes this protection causes pretty limit for visitors. The Mogao caves are the proof. To Mogao area you have to take Dunhuang geopark's sightseeing bus from Dunhuang city (about 20km). Visiting is restricted to the area in front of the restored caves. Photographs are only allowed in front of the 9-storey pagoda. I was a bit disappointed that the restored area looked like a stone hotel. Most of the doors of caves are locked to protect the great heritages inside. You only are allowed to visit some special caves under the guidance of local guides. These caves are small, but inside are magnificent Buddhist mural paintings that without the explanation of local guides it's difficult to understand the meaning of them. I hope to have an occasion to come back here again.
Hương ThanhHương Thanh
10
The visit to the Mogao caves was a very managed affair! There are only 6000 tickets per day for sale (RMB200 per tix) and u should buy the tickets ahead of time over the website or at the ticketing centre in town. After that, we took a cab to the starting point, the Mogao Caves experience centre, where we were treated to 2 movies that explained the history of the place. after that, a bus took us to the caves, about 15 minutes ride. A guide is then assigned to every group, where all of us had a headset fitted, so would hear her commentary. The Caves contain Buddha images and wall art, some of which date back to 100 BC, so every cave is LOCKED, and opened by the guide as we arrived. We toured 5-6 caves, where we have a chance to marvel at the artefacts and relics within. This is one place u cannot miss when u're in Dunhuang.
Michael ChanMichael Chan
20
If going at a busy time, be sure to arrive at the time you booked because they were VERY inflexible about us showing up earlier than we booked. We got unlucky with a very rude front gate guard, I think if it was someone not on a power trip it wouldn't have been a problem as I've heard most people don't have issues arriving earlier than their booked time. You have to watch 2 boring movies then you take a bus to the actual caves. The English tour was very small but the Chinese tour was packed. The caves are very impressive with paintings from the 7th century and statues from the 19th century. The 7-story pagoda containing the 3rd largest ancient Buddha in the world are both very impressive. And the museum next to the caves is interesting as well. But the art gallery nearby is trash.
Mike VAMike VA
00
Nearby Attractions Of Mogao Caves
Thousand-Buddha Cave
Dunhuang Academy China College History Exhibition Hall
Mogao Hotel

Thousand-Buddha Cave
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Dunhuang Academy China College History Exhibition Hall
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Mogao Hotel
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Basic Info
Address
2RR5+HMR, Dunhuang, Jiu Quan Shi, Gansu, China, 736206
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Phone
+86 937 886 9060
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Description
The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes or Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, form a system of 500 temples 25 km southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.
attractions: Thousand-Buddha Cave, Dunhuang Academy China College History Exhibition Hall, Mogao Hotel, restaurants:

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