Shuanglong Mountain Grottoes

Shuanglong Mountain Grottoes

The Shuanglong Mountain Grottoes are located in Yuding Township, Zhongning County, and were carved during the Tang Dynasty. According to historical records such as *Lan You Jin Shi Lu* (Records of Metal and Stone in Longyou) and *Gansu Xin Tong Zhi* (New Gazetteer of Gansu), “Shi Kong Temple derives its name from the temple, which was established during the Tang Dynasty. The grottoes were hewn following the mountain’s contours, and the statues inside follow Tang Dynasty styles.” It is an important cultural and religious site along the Silk Road during the Tang Dynasty. The temple complex consists of 13 grottoes, among which the nine beamless caves are the most magnificent and form the center of the grotto complex. These caves are 25 meters high, 15 meters deep, and 13 meters wide, housing 88 Buddha statues. The niches on both sides feature colorful murals similar to those found in the Tang Dynasty caves of the Mogao Grottoes, earning it the title of “Little Dunhuang on the Silk Road.” Outside the caves stands a three-story hillside pavilion, towering and majestic, seamlessly integrated with the caves. At night, under the famous “Shi Kong Lights,” visitors feel as though they have traveled back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty, making for a truly captivating experience. The top of the grottoes is traversed by the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, with beacon towers scattered across the mountaintops. To the north lies the Tengger Desert, and not far to the south flows the Yellow River winding its way eastward. The landscape is both grand and unique. In 1961, it was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit by the People's Government of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

Yuding Township: Yuding Township is located 15 kilometers northwest of Zhongning County. It administers six villages, 62 villager groups, and has a total population of 15,443, with 17,756 mu of arable land. The northern part of the township is mostly hilly, rich in mineral resources such as coal and limestone, and also has certain reserves of metals including iron, tin, copper, and gold.

Economic Development

Leveraging its geographical advantages, the township has seen rapid progress in both industrial and agricultural development. The local Party Committee has been recognized by the Zhongwei Municipal Government as an “Advanced Grassroots Party Organization,” and all six village Party (general) branches in the township have met the “Five Excellences” standard.

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