Mogao Caves
Dunhuang, China
Did you know?
- Type
- National park in Jiuquan, China
Visitor information
- Address: 2RR5+HMR, Dunhuang, Jiu Quan Shi, Gansu, China, 736206
- Phone: +86 937 886 9060
People also ask
What is the story of the Mogao Caves?
The Mogao Caves near Dunhuang were first constructed in the 4th century AD and were used as a site of Buddhist worship and pilgrimage. The caves contain over 400,000 square feet of frescoes and sculptures, making them one of the largest repositories of Buddhist art in the world.
Are the Mogao Caves a UNESCO site?
The Mogao Caves were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987. As a State Party, China has put all World Heritage sites under top-level protection.
How do you get to the Mogao Caves?
The Mogao Caves Area is located in the southeast outskirts of Dunhuang City, about 24km to the downtown area. To get to the Mogao Caves, you need to get to the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center first and purchase tickets to get on the shuttle bus to the Mogao Caves Area. It is about 16 km away from the scenic area.
Why are the Dunhuang caves significant?
Used by Buddhist monks since the AD 300s, the caves were the focus of worship and cultural interaction for thousands of years; they also served as a rich repository for precious art treasures and manuscripts that were rediscovered in the early 1900s.