Mogao Caves

candid China tips

 

Why the
Mogao Caves
are special

The man made Mogao Caves contain over 40,000 colorful wall art. If laid side by side, they would extend 30 kilometers (20 miles). The Mogao Caves also contain thousands of painted statues (see photo) and scholarly scrolls.

Mogao Caves
tips & insights

History in brief

The Mogao cave art (mainly Buddha related) first appeared in the 4th century and continued, with some interruptions, over the next thousand years.

For a long period, many of the Mogao Caves were sealed and forgotten. And, few people beyond the locals knew of the existence of the accessible caves - that is until about one hundred years ago when Western World museums and art dealers became aware of the artistic treasures.

Soon, they and their Chinese agents began exporting many of the irreplaceable scrolls to the West. Fortunately, nearly all the wall drawings and painted statues were left behind.

Natural preservation

The wall paintings have retained much of their bright hues because of the dry desert climate.

Cave 96

Only several dozen of the 492 existing Mogao Caves are open to the general public (for preservation purposes). However, most of the allowed caves are remarkable, especially Cave 96. This multi-stored cavern houses a stunning 33 meter (110 foot) high statue of Buddha.

Faiths

Although most of the artwork and scrolls relate with Buddha, some encompass other religious and philosophical persuasions including Confucianism and Taoism.

Silk Road

The caves are on the fabled Silk Road trade route that once commercially linked China and Europe.

Names

The Mogao Caves are also known as the "Mogao Grottoes," "Dunhaung Caves" and the "Caves of a Thousand Buddhas".

Nearest major airport

The Mogao Caves are 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the desert oasis town of Dunhaung (which has an airport) in Gansu province.

Pronunciation

Magao:  Mah-gow'oh

sponsored ad 

Explore my
candid country, region
and other travel guides
Click links for tips & insights

©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications