Jiaguo Grottoes

Jiaguo Grottoes

Jiaguo Grottoes is a cultural relic protection unit of Shanxi Province.

Jiaguo Grottoes (Fifth Batch of Provincial-Level Protected Sites)

Era: Northern Wei, Sui, and Tang Dynasties

Address: Northern side cliff of Guzhuang Line, east of Shiyao Bay, Jiaguo Village, Wanghe Town, Qinyuan County, Changzhi City

The initial carving date of the Jiaguo Grottoes is unknown, but the extant grotto statues are in the style of the Northern Wei to Sui and Tang periods. The grottoes are situated on a cliff approximately 145 meters long from east to west and about 2.5 meters high, facing south. Eleven caves were carved from east to west along the cliff, covering a total area of about 364 square meters.

The 11 caves vary in size, with widths ranging from 0.60 to 1.1 meters, depths from 0.30 to 1.7 meters, and heights from 0.80 to 1.20 meters. The statues inside the caves mostly feature a tripartite layout with three niches on three walls. Guardian kings or bodhisattva standing statues are carved beside the cave entrances, while the inner wall statues typically consist of a central figure flanked by two attendants—either one Buddha with two bodhisattvas or one Buddha with two disciples. The first cave on the eastern side originally had an inscription, now faded and unclear. The statue styles include the slender and ethereal forms of the Northern Wei as well as the fuller, round-faced styles of the Sui and Tang.

Source: Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau

Jiaguo Village: Located 5 kilometers from Wanghe Town, Jiaguo Village covers an area of 20 square kilometers, with 1,450 mu of arable land and a total population of 710 people across 230 households. The village boasts a long history, abundant resources, beautiful environment, and thriving culture. It has 18 Party members, a village committee consisting of 7 members (3 Party branch members and 5 village committee members), 16 village representatives, and generates over 330,000 yuan in collective income, with an average per capita income of over 5,400 yuan. Enterprises in the village include Shanxi Dibao Coal Industry Co., Ltd., which can provide employment for over 300 local surplus laborers. ... More detailed information about Jiaguo Village++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units