More than 180 scholars and experts from cultural heritage institutions, scientific research institutions, and universities gathered in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province, in mid-October 2023 to engage in discussions on topics such as digitalization, revitalization and utilization of cultural heritage in grotto temples.

The colossal Buddha of Yungang Cave 20. [Photo by Zhao Wengui]

The golden autumn sets off the grandeur of the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage site in the city of Datong. The gentle sunlight shines on the gorgeous grotto statues in tranquility. These statues have retained their unparalleled beauty throughout thousands of years of vicissitude. In front of Cave 20, visitors stop from time to time to capture its colossal Buddha, the most spectacular one at this world heritage site.

The Yungang Grottoes, a treasure trove of cultural relics dating back to more than 1,500 years ago, house an astounding collection of over 59,000 splendid Buddha statues. They do not only reflect the past glory of Buddhism but also epitomize the cultural exchange and integration between Asia and Europe.

Cultural treasure

During his inspection tour in Shanxi Province in May 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Yungang and stressed the protection of the grottoes as they are the "treasure of human civilization." As a national project built by the royal family of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534), the Yungang Grottoes represent the highest level of cultural development at that time. The fusion of the Eastern and Western cultures can be found in each and every cave.