云冈石窟，大同，山西省，中国 Yungang Grottoes, Datong, Shanxi province, China (© Eric Yang/Getty Images)

云冈石窟，大同，山西省，中国 Yungang Grottoes, Datong, Shanxi province, China (© Eric Yang/Getty Images)

历史的守望之眼 The watchful eyes of history

云冈石窟，大同，中国

云冈石窟中汇聚了51,000尊古代雕像，这座早期佛教艺术杰作位于中国山西省大同市附近。石窟开凿于1500多年前的北魏时期（公元386-534/535年），现存主要洞窟45个，附属洞窟209个。最引人注目的是第5窟中的巨大佛像，高达56英尺，令人叹为观止。这只是冰山一角，每个洞窟都展现其独特魅力。有些洞窟宛如古代画卷，描绘佛教经典故事；另一些则展示僧侣、神祇、乐师，甚至北魏时期的日常生活场景。

第16至20窟被称为‘昙曜五窟’，是云冈石窟最早开凿的洞窟，由高僧昙曜主持修建。游览时，千万不要错过第20窟中呈冥想姿态的露天大佛，其旁还有一尊站立的侍佛像。这些洞窟融合了印度、中亚及中国本土佛教艺术风格，呈现出文化交融的壮丽奇观。无论是历史爱好者还是艺术鉴赏家，云冈石窟都将带来一次难忘的体验。

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.