Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China Feb 11, 2025

Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China

What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This collection of early Buddhist art is near Datong in Shanxi province, northeastern China. Carved into sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty, the grottoes comprise 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is a jaw-dropping 56 feet tall. But don"t stop there—each cave offers something unique. Some are like ancient storyboards, depicting tales from Buddhist scriptures, while others showcase detailed carvings of monks, deities, musicians, and even scenes of daily life under Wei rule. These caves blend influences from Indian, Central Asian, and local Chinese Buddhist art. Whether you"re a history lover or simply appreciate unique art, the Yungang Grottoes offer an unforgettable experience.

© Eric Yang/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Feb 11, 2018Te Rewa Rewa Bridge near New Plymouth, New Zealand
Feb 11, 2019There’s a dog in there somewhere
Feb 11, 2020Celebrating women in science
Feb 11, 2021It’s showtime for a precious crop
Feb 11, 2022harlem
Feb 11, 2023Milky Way over Zabriskie Point, California
Feb 11, 2024Folegandros Island, Cyclades, Greece
Feb 11, 2026Death Valley National Parks Anniversary

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Oct 30, 2019Cross this bridge if you dare
Mar 20, 2025Spring equinox
Nov 24, 2024Sonoma Coast State Park, California
Jan 15, 2021It s truffle season here in the Dordogne Valley
Nov 22, 2025Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan, China
Jul 15, 2018GOAL!
Mar 18, 2026Cherry blossoms at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon
Apr 20, 2026National Park Week
Oct 9, 2023Indigenous Peoples Day
Aug 24, 2021Surf s always up in Paia
Sep 18, 2018A red knot on the Shetland Islands, Scotland
Jan 13, 2019On the hunt
Jan 6, 2019A winter wonderland in Northeast China
Sep 23, 2022Golden jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake, Palau
May 5, 2018Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Jun 9, 2021Ring of fire
Aug 1, 2025Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Oct 2, 2022Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Aug 19, 2019On the wings of the Wright brothers
Apr 22, 2018Have a ‘beary’ good Earth Day
Apr 20, 2024National Park Week begins
Dec 27, 2023Kirkjufell, Iceland
Oct 11, 2025World Migratory Bird Day
May 16, 2020Let s run em up!
Jan 15, 2020Harvest season begins
Jul 14, 2025Shark Awareness Day
Jan 28, 2026Whanganui National Park, Retaruke, New Zealand
Nov 11, 2021Veterans Day
Oct 26, 2025National Pumpkin Day
Oct 18, 2018Fall comes to the Last Frontier