Xiangtangshan Grottoes - A stunning artistic treasure that has traversed a thousand years.

🌟Historical Background: The Xiangtangshan Grottoes were carved during the Northern Qi Dynasty of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (550 - 577 AD). The Northern Qi was a dynasty established by the Xianbei people. From Emperor Gaozu of Northern Qi onwards, successive emperors worshipped Buddhism. With the support of the imperial court, Buddhism almost reached the status of a national religion. Based on this, the Xiangtangshan Grottoes were carved on a large scale. 🌟Grotto Landscape: Walking into the Xiangtangshan Grottoes is like travelling back a thousand years. The Buddha statues inside the grottoes are exquisitely carved and lifelike. Each Buddha statue has a unique expression and demeanor, making one marvel at the superb craftsmanship of the ancient artisans. Although they have been eroded by time, they still give a sense of the past glory. 🌟Historical Culture: The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are an important Buddhist grotto complex and are among the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. They are known as one of the "treasures of Northern Chinese grotto art." The grottoes also contain engravings of scriptures from the Northern Qi period, with diverse artistic forms. These engravings record the history of the grottoes and the development of Buddhist faith, and have important historical value. However, they have been repeatedly damaged and looted by humans, and many fine pieces are scattered in Japan and European and American countries. 🌟Experience: The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are located on a mountain. From the entrance, there are two sections where you can take a shuttle bus (sold separately). Take an electric car from the entrance, and transfer to a mountain car at Changlesi Temple. Taking a car can save time and effort. The most impressive caves are the Big Buddha Cave, the Shakyamuni Cave, and the Scripture Engraving Cave. There are also other caves with unique features, such as the Sui Buddha Cave and the Song Dynasty Cave! Ticket: 98 yuan/person (including sightseeing shuttle bus) Opening hours: 8:00 - 17:30 Transportation: Self-driving is recommended, with ample parking space.