Mogao Grottoes(Thousand Buddha Cave, Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang Caves)

The Mogao Grottoes, also known as the Grottoes of a Thousand Buddhas, are located southeast of Dunhuang city. Construction of the Grottoes began during the Eastern Jin and Sixteen Kingdoms period and continued for over a thousand years until the end of the Yuan Dynasty. Boasting a vast collection of murals, grottoes, and artifacts, it is a world-renowned Buddhist art site. Here, visitors can admire the magnificent and richly detailed grottoes and murals, and learn about the thousand-year history of Buddhism in Dunhuang through buided commentary tours and films. It is a must-see for visitors visiting Dunhuang.

The current Mogao Grottoes attraction consists of two parts: the Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center and the Mogao Grottoes themselves. A combo ticket is available for both; tickets are not sold separately. Since September 11, 2014, the attraction has implemented a reservation system. visitors must book admission ticket in advance by phone or online and visit according to their reserved time slot. The daily limit is 6,000 visitors.

After making a reservation and collecting their tickets, visitors must first go to the Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center (they cannot go directly to the grottoes, otherwise they will not be allowed entry) to watch two 20-minute films about the Mogao Grottoes. One film, "A Thousand Years of Mogao," introduces the history and culture of the Mogao Grottoes, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding. The other film, "Dreamy Buddhist Palace," is a dome-screen movie showcasing many grottoes that are currently not open to the public, and it is very impressive.

After watching the film, take the attraction 's shuttle bus to the grottoes. buided commentary are available, and buided commentary enter the attraction in groups to explore the grottoes, typically visiting 8-10 grottoes at a time, with each visit lasting about an hour. The Mogao Grottoes are renowned for their murals and sculptures, which are truly magnificent. Inside the grottoes, you'll find paintings of Buddhas, flying apsaras, musicians, and fairies everywhere, ranging from towering nine-story seated statues to tiny bodhisattvas just a few centimeters tall. There are quantity statues in various forms, and you can learn more about them with the buided commentary. After the tour, take the attraction shuttle bus back to the digital exhibition center near the train station to conclude your visit.