Gongxian Grottoes

Gongyi Grottoes Temple is located at the foot of Dali Mountain, 9 km northeast of Gongyi city, nestled against the mountain and facing the water with picturesque scenery. Once praised as "a secluded retreat of misty streams and cloud-kissed cliffs," it is now a national AAA-level tourist attraction. The temple preserves five grottoes, one Thousand-Buddha niche, 255 small niches, three cliffside statues, and a total of 7,743 carved Buddha images, along with over 200 inscribed stone tablets. Among its treasures are 15 exquisite imperial Buddhist reliefs, renowned for their meticulous composition, masterful craftsmanship, and vivid character portrayals, making them rare gems in Buddhist art.

Gongyi GrottoesCommissioned by the Northern Wei imperial family, the Gongyi Grottoes Temple was established by Emperor Xiaowen, with cave excavation beginning during Emperor Xuanwu's reign. Thousands of Buddhist statues were carved, followed by additional smaller niches created during the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Tang, and Song dynasties. The Gongyi Grottoes Temple represents a continuation of...Longmen GrottoesIt was carved later, combining the foreign influences of Buddhist art with the traditional Han Chinese artistic style of the Central Plains.