Yungang Grottoes Cave 15 – Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave

Yungang Grottoes Cave 15 – Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave

Yungang Grottoes Cave 15 – Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave is a cultural tourism attraction.

• Cave 15 features over ten thousand small seated Buddha statues, each with unique designs.

Attraction Introduction

The number of Buddha statues can be roughly counted as nearly a thousand, hence it is also known as the "Thousand Buddhas Cave." The carving of thousands of Buddhas was popular during the Northern Wei Dynasty, originating from the term "Three Kalpas and Three Lifetimes, Ten Thousand Buddhas." Buddhism refers to the past kalpa, present kalpa, and future kalpa as the "Three Kalpas," and each kalpa is further divided into past, present, and future "Three Lifetimes," collectively known as the "Three Kalpas and Three Lifetimes." In each kalpa and lifetime, a thousand individuals attain Buddhahood to guide sentient beings—this is what is referred to as the "Three Kalpas and Three Lifetimes, Ten Thousand Buddhas." Another Buddhist term is "Ten Directions' Buddhas of the Three Kalpas and Three Lifetimes," where each lifetime has a space centered around Mount Sumeru, divided into ten directions: east, south, west, north, southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest, above, and below, collectively called the "Ten Directions." Within each direction, there are the past, present, and future kalpas where Buddhas guide sentient beings. The "Ten Directions' Buddhas" signify an infinite, countless number. The terms "Thousand Buddhas" and "Ten Thousand Buddhas" indicate a large quantity, but not necessarily exactly "one thousand" or "ten thousand." The statues in the "Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave" are carved similarly in style, with uniquely designed Buddhas arranged neatly, spread throughout the inside and outside of the cave.

Address: Yungang Grottoes Scenic Area, Datong City, Shanxi Province

Type: Historical Site / Sculpture / World Cultural Heritage

Rating: AAAAA

Recommended Visiting Time: 20–40 minutes

Phone: 0352-3029625

Official Website: http://www.yungang.org/

Opening Hours:

Monday–Sunday 8:30–17:30 (April 1 – October 15); 8:30–16:50 (October 16 – March 31)

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Yungang Grottoes admission fee.