Grottoes in China--We Had No Idea!

Also in Dunhuang were the MoGao Grottoes (or Caves). To call them "caves" is like calling the National Cathedral a village "chapel." We were unprepared for what we saw. Our tour started with two films (with translation headsets) showing the history and importance of these grottoes. There were over 1,000 caves carved into the hills between 1,600 and 800 years ago. Half the caves have elaborate paintings covering every square inch of space. They depict in surprisingly well-preserved paint the various "Sutras" or Buddhist scriptures. The detail is incredible. It's possible that in a single cave you'll see everything in Buddhist heaven (such as flying Buddhas called "Asparas") as well as an ancient family having a mundane, earthly kind of picnic in the park. There are massive maps painted on some of the walls depicting sacred areas. In addition to painted walls, most of the caves have painted statues of Buddhas, Bodhisatvas, and Buddhist disciples formed in elaborate detail from clay. This is an UNESCO International World Heritage site that has only been open to public for a couple of decades. For over 500 years, these caves were simply buried in the sand, which fortunately preserved them, keeping them from light, air and moisture. I kept pinching myself, thinking in my head, "This incredible, unrefurbished painting or sculpture was made a thousand years before Christopher Columbus even thought about coming to America."

It was well worth the trip.

Unfortunately, taking pictures inside the caves was not allowed.

Just a few of the caves from a distance. These caves were not included in those on the tour because they did not have paintings or statues.

This modern wall protects the caves. Behind each numbered door is a cave.

This was a "library" cave made by the ancients.

The caves were on multiple layers.

The main, iconic cave of Mogao caves.

I didn't take this picture. I found it on the internet, but it is typical of the paintings and statues found in the caves. All paint is original. 

The night market after our long day.

Night Market food court. We had several couples join us for skewers. Donkey meat was on the menu, and we should have gotten some but didn't. There's always next time.