2024 Cultural 'Summer' Journey (Nine): Northern Xiangtangshan Grottoes

Xiangtangshan Grottoes, located at the southernmost tip of Hebei, in the Fengfeng Mining District of Handan, is one of China's three major royal grottoes and one of the first batch of key cultural relics protection units in the country. Due to the deep caves, people can produce a loud echo by clapping or swinging their sleeves inside, hence the name 'Xiangtang' (Echo Hall). The grottoes were first excavated in the late Eastern Wei period, with the main construction completed during the Northern Qi (550-577 AD). Repairs and additional excavations were carried out during the Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods, forming the current scale. Xiangtangshan Grottoes mainly represent the Buddhist sculpture art of the Northern Qi period in the late Northern Dynasties, and are acclaimed by the academic community as the 'Northern Qi Model'. Xiangtangshan Grottoes are divided into two parts, north and south, about 15 kilometers apart. There are more than 30 existing grottoes, over 450 cliff carvings, more than 5,000 Buddha statues, and a large number of inscriptions and epigraphs. The Xiangtangshan Scenic Area, where the Northern Xiangtang Grottoes are located, is quite large. Entering the mountain gate, there is a large square, and in the distance, you can see an ancient pagoda. Below the pagoda is the site of the Changle Temple. From beside the Changle Temple, you can climb the mountain along the northern path, and the grottoes can be seen halfway up the mountain. It is said that the Northern Xiangtang Great Buddha Cave was built by the founding emperor of the Northern Qi, Gao Yang, as a tomb for his father, the Northern Wei power minister Gao Huan. The Great Buddha has a serene smile, a calm demeanor, and the flame patterns on the halo behind its head are brightly colored, paired with dragon patterns and scroll grass, creating a dynamic and static contrast that is solemn and majestic. Looking up at the unique pagoda-shaped niches and patterns carved on the walls of the cave, you can vaguely see the remaining paintings, which are very impressive! Currently, around 3 PM, sunlight will shine into the Great Buddha Cave. It is recommended to stay until after 5 PM when the tourists have left, and you can have the entire Great Buddha Cave to yourself. The Northern Xiangtang Sutra Carving Cave houses the first sutra carving stele in China. The walls of the cave are covered with sutra carvings, pioneering large-scale sutra carving. It is also the only grotto in Xiangtangshan with two Buddhas sitting side by side. As one of the three major royal grottoes, the Northern and Southern Xiangtangshan Grottoes have quietly and modestly guarded Fukou Pass for 1,500 years. The Northern Qi, such an absurd dynasty, built such grand and exquisite grottoes. The hopes of the people and the ambitions of the emperors are carved and sealed in the Buddha statues and niches of each grotto. Humanistic imprints and artistic innovations, after thousands of years, are still preserved in the Buddha's smiling eyes, vivid and lifelike~ Northern Xiangtang Temple