Yulin Grottoes, also known as Yulin Temple and Wanfo Gorge, is an important component of the Dunhuang Grottoes art system.
Below is a brief introduction:
- Geographical Location: Located in the Nanshan Gorge, about 70 kilometers south of Guazhou County, Gansu Province. The Yulin River runs through the gorge, and the grottoes got their name from the dense elm trees lining the riverbanks.
- Historical Evolution: The exact founding date remains unconfirmed. The existing caves were first built in the Tang Dynasty, then successively extended and renovated during the Five Dynasties, Song Dynasty, Uighur period, and Western Xia Dynasty, with construction concluding in the Yuan Dynasty.
- Cave Overview: The grottoes are divided into upper and lower layers, totaling 43 caves—32 on the east cliff and 11 on the west cliff. The main cave layouts include central pagoda pillar caves, central Buddha altar caves, and large Buddha caves.
- Artistic Features: The painted sculptures have suffered severe damage, and most existing statues are rebuilt later. Notable examples include the 24.7-meter seated Maitreya Buddha statue and the approximately 11-meter-long reclining Sakyamuni Nirvana statue. The murals are well-preserved overall, covering an area of about 4,200 square meters, with rich content including sutra illustration paintings, Buddha portraits, and Buddha life story paintings. Their styles are categorized into five periods: the Tang Dynasty, Five Dynasties and Song Dynasty, and Western Xia and Yuan Dynasty. Among them, the murals in Cave 25 of the Tang Dynasty and Cave 3 of the Western Xia Dynasty are regarded as masterpieces.
- Cultural Relic Value: Belonging to the same Dunhuang art system as the Mogao Grottoes, Yulin Grottoes is known as the “sister grottoes” of Mogao Grottoes. It was listed as one of the first batch of Key National Cultural Relic Protection Units in 1961.
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