Fifteen kilometres west of central Datong, the Yungang Grottoes are carved into a sandstone cliff along the south bank of the Shi Li river and rank among the greatest achievements of Buddhist cave art in Asia — alongside Dunhuang's Mogao Caves and Luoyang's Longmen Grottoes. The complex contains 53 principal caves and more than 50,000 stone sculptures, ranging from tiny relief carvings to Buddha figures standing over 15 metres high.
The grottoes were commissioned by the Northern Wei dynasty in the 5th century CE, beginning around 460 AD under the supervision of the Buddhist monk Tan Yao. Construction continued for decades, and successive caves show the gradual sinicisation of Buddhist iconography as Chinese artistic conventions reshaped imported Central Asian forms. The caves designated 1 through 4 (the Tan Yao Caves) are the oldest and most impressive; Cave 5 and 6 together form a spectacular paired complex with a central stone pillar. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a five-star scenic area — meaning crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Allow at least half a day. Arrive early in the morning if possible. Audio guides are available at the entrance.