Tangou Grottoes

The Tangou Grottoes are located approximately 35 kilometers northeast of She County in Mijing Village, Mijing Township, about 3,000 meters northwest of the village, situated in the Tangou Valley at an elevation of 751 meters. The grotto faces southeast and is carved into the middle section of a cliff, about 8 meters above the ground. This site was excavated during the Sui and Tang dynasties, covering an area of 5.4 square meters. The grotto entrance is adorned with an arched lintel, with the door standing 1…

Tangou Grottoes

The Tangou Grottoes are a cultural heritage site protected by Hebei Province.

Tangou Grottoes

The Tangou Grottoes are located approximately 35 kilometers northeast of She County in Mijing Village, Mijing Township, about 3,000 meters northwest of the village, situated in the Tangou Valley at an elevation of 751 meters. The grotto faces southeast and is carved into the middle section of a cliff, about 8 meters above the ground. This site was excavated during the Sui and Tang dynasties, covering an area of 5.4 square meters. The grotto entrance is adorned with an arched lintel, with the door measuring 1.4 meters in height and 1 meter in width. On either side of the door are carved lotus-entwined dragon pillars, and outside each pillar stands a carved celestial guardian. Below the pointed arch lintel is a curved lintel beam, decorated inside with a taotie mask and flying apsaras. To the left of the grotto entrance is a niche, within which are carved one Buddha, two disciples, and two bodhisattvas. On both the left and right sides of the niche are four smaller square niches each containing four carved arhats. On the right side of the niche door is a cliff inscription. The main chamber is square, measuring 2.16 meters in width and 2.5 meters in depth, with altars carved on three sides. The central altar features a Buddha, two disciples, and the main Buddha figure is partially damaged, seated on a lotus-shaped Sumeru pedestal. The disciples are on either side. On the eastern and western walls of the niche are carved one bodhisattva each, and the ceiling features a lotus-patterned caisson. This grotto exhibits typical sculptural styles from the Sui and Tang dynasties, demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship and artistic technique. It is now a key cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

Mijing Village: Mijing Village…… More detailed information about Mijing Village ++

Further Reading:

· First Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units in Handan City

· Fourth Batch of Cultural Relics Protection Units in Hebei Province