# Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟)

Datong, Shanxi Province · North China, China · Guidebook rating: 5/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/yungang-grottoes
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** ¥120 (April–October); ¥100 (November–March)
- **Opening hours:** 9：00—17：00
- **Time needed:** 4–5 hours
- **Address:** Located 16 km west of central Datong
- **Getting there:** Near Yungang (bus stop)
- **Good for:** History & Culture, Temples

## About Yungang Grottoes

One of China’s Four Great Grottoes, Yungang was first carved during the Northern Wei dynasty. Its 45 caves contain more than 50,000 statues, most of which were completed before the Northern Wei capital moved to Luoyang. The outdoor Great Buddha (a seated Shakyamuni) in front of Cave 20, about 14 metres tall, is the most representative work at Yungang. Unfortunately, pollution around the grottoes is severe, and many statues are covered in coal ash.
Key caves at Yungang include Cave 3, the largest; Cave 5, which houses the largest statue; Cave 6, which is highly representative; Cave 15, the Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas; Caves 16–19, the earliest carved; and the aforementioned Cave 20.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 1843. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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