Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China Feb 11, 2025

Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China

What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This collection of early Buddhist art is near Datong in Shanxi province, northeastern China. Carved into sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty, the grottoes comprise 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is a jaw-dropping 56 feet tall. But don"t stop there—each cave offers something unique. Some are like ancient storyboards, depicting tales from Buddhist scriptures, while others showcase detailed carvings of monks, deities, musicians, and even scenes of daily life under Wei rule. These caves blend influences from Indian, Central Asian, and local Chinese Buddhist art. Whether you"re a history lover or simply appreciate unique art, the Yungang Grottoes offer an unforgettable experience.

© Eric Yang/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Feb 11, 2018Te Rewa Rewa Bridge near New Plymouth, New Zealand
Feb 11, 2019There’s a dog in there somewhere
Feb 11, 2020Celebrating women in science
Feb 11, 2021It’s showtime for a precious crop
Feb 11, 2022harlem
Feb 11, 2023Milky Way over Zabriskie Point, California
Feb 11, 2024Folegandros Island, Cyclades, Greece
Feb 11, 2026Death Valley National Parks Anniversary

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Nov 20, 2019Atop the roof of Africa
Oct 10, 2020Birds of a feather
Oct 7, 2024Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg, Germany
Sep 8, 2022Seville, Spain
Feb 24, 2019A long path to freedom
Dec 28, 202350 years of the Endangered Species Act
Feb 29, 2024Leap day
May 6, 2024The Roaches ridge in the Peak District, England
Mar 30, 2018The Vestibule at Diocletian s Palace, Split, Croatia
Apr 25, 2018National Park Week: Wind Cave National Park
Oct 4, 2022World Space Week
Nov 29, 2019Opt outside today
Dec 20, 2024Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Apr 22, 2025Earth Day
Nov 1, 2023Native American Heritage Month
Jun 18, 2022International Surfing Day
Sep 24, 2024Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Feb 28, 2023Atrani, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Apr 14, 2024Bowling Ball Beach in Mendocino County, California
Mar 5, 2020The desert blooms
Jan 2, 2024Prayer flags in Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
May 22, 2023International Day for Biodiversity
Apr 16, 2019The birth of Bauhaus
Apr 11, 2018Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, China
Apr 21, 2023Procida, Italy
Oct 20, 2023International Sloth Day
Sep 23, 2021Last stop before leaving the solar system
Jun 3, 2018Travel Sunday: Liverpool
Dec 12, 2025National Poinsettia Day
Jun 28, 2020Keep shining