Yungang Grottoes Cave 10 – Vairocana Buddha Cave

Yungang Grottoes Cave 10 – Vairocana Buddha Cave

Yungang Grottoes Cave 10 – Vairocana Buddha Cave is a cultural tourism attraction.

Cave 10, known as the Vairocana Buddha Cave, was carved between 471–494 AD. “Between the window niche on the north wall of the front chamber and the arched gateway, layers of Mount Sumeru rise in undulating peaks, with two dragons entwined around the mountainside. The slopes are covered with dense forests and racing animals. On the outer side, the Asura deity sits cross-legged on one leg, multi-headed and multi-armed, holding the sun and moon in its hands. The eastern and western walls each feature three bays of house-shaped niches, inside which the Buddha statues have serene expressions, and the bodhisattvas wear tranquil expressions. Beneath the Jambu tree, a half-lotus seated contemplative bodhisattva rests one hand on its cheek, immersed in the Four Noble Truths. The guardian warriors on the east and west sides of the cave entrance wear feathered crowns and hold vajra clubs, with kind expressions. The main image in the rear chamber is the Bodhisattva Maitreya, with one attendant bodhisattva on each of the east and west walls. The south wall features a niche depicting the jataka tale of Shakyamuni subduing heretical teachers through benevolent teachings.” Floral and plant motifs, as well as decorative patterns, are spread throughout the caves of Yungang, occupying nearly one-seventh of the decorative space. Among them, designs featuring the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise are the most common, especially in the caves of the second phase. These four creatures were regarded by the Han people as celestial deities, known as the “Four Spirits” or “Four Divine Beasts.” It is said they reside in the four directions—east, west, south, and north—in the heavens, serving to stabilize the cardinal directions and symbolize good fortune. Animal and plant motifs play an extremely important role in the decorative art of the Yungang Grottoes. The border engravings above the lintels of Caves 10 to 12 feature continuous symmetrical honeysuckle patterns in low relief, with prominently carved high-relief depictions of the Vermilion Bird, white deer, lotus flowers, and transformation figures. This decorative art can be considered a new creation with national stylistic characteristics. In terms of decorative themes, the most significant are the lotus patterns and scrolling vine motifs.

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

Type: Ancient Monument / Sculpture / UNESCO World Heritage Site

Rating: AAAAA

Recommended Visiting Time: 20–40 hours

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)

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