Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China Feb. 11, 2025

Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China

What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This masterpiece 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 (386–534/535 CE), the grottoes contain 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is a jaw-dropping 18 metres 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.

© Eric Yang/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

A sky full of stars

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jun. 19, 2025Vila Franca Islet, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Jul. 9, 2025Independence Day of the Argentine Republic
Nov. 7, 2023Kirkilai lakes, Biržai Regional Park, Lithuania
Sep. 30, 2023Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Check out these ‘sea cows’
Where is this majestic museum?
Feb. 11, 2025Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China
Celebrating Canada and Englands common bond
Oct. 22, 2024Palazzo Zuccari, Rome
Nov. 6, 2024Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, United States
Rising with the sun
Nov. 17, 2025Red fox
Paddle power
Nov. 26, 2025World Olive Tree Day
Go hug a mountain, if you can
Nov. 22, 2023Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
A rainbow that’s worth the rainfall
Zion National Park turns 103
Fresh finds in Fraser Valley
Apr. 25, 2025World Penguin Day
Feb. 13, 2024Mardi Gras
Jun. 15, 2024International Surfing Day
Jun. 5, 2024World Environment Day
Jun. 30, 2025Asteroid Day
Stripes in sight
Oct. 9, 2024Aspens near Marble, Colorado, USA
Golden cliffs of deep space
As curious about you as you are about them
Oct. 14, 2024Fishing boats at Coco Beach in Goa, India
May 18, 2025International Museum Day