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Wanfotang Rock Cave
万佛堂石窟
5.6
247 Reviews
No.5 of Best Things to Do in JinzhouOpen Opening hours of Wanfotang Rock Cave
No Pets Allowed | + 2 More
Recommended sightseeing time:1.5-2 hours
Address:
Yixian, Jinzhou, Liaoning, ChinaMap
Phone:Ticket inquiry：+86-416-7575337
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寶寶Cindy5/5
Outstanding2025.6.17 The Wanfotang Grottoes are located on the north bank of the Daling River, 9 kilometers northwest of Yixian County, Liaoning Province. They are the oldest and largest grottoes in Northeast China, and the northernmost and easternmost grottoes in the Northern Dynasties of China. The Wanfotang Grottoes were first built during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Due to years of natural weathering and disrepair, most of the grottoes have been damaged and collapsed and no longer exist. It is known as a treasure house of grotto sculpture art in northern China. It is also a scenic spot that integrates cultural and natural landscapes. It was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 1988. The Wanfotang Grottoes are divided into two areas, the west and the east. The west area was excavated by Yuan Jing, the governor of Yingzhou, the general of Pingdong, in the 23rd year of Taihe in the Northern Wei Dynasty (499 AD) to pray for the emperor, and the east area was built in the third year of Jingming in the Northern Wei Dynasty (502 AD) to comfort the Khitan envoy Han Zhen to pray for the people. During the construction of the grottoes, the Northern Wei Dynasty's national master Tan Yao played an important role. There are 16 caves of various sizes and more than 430 statues in Wanfotang Grottoes. There are 9 caves in the west area and 7 caves in the east area. The sixth cave in the west area is relatively well preserved. It contains a cross-legged Maitreya statue, which is 3.5 meters high and is the largest statue in Wanfotang Grottoes. There is an inscription on the south wall of the sixth cave in the east area, which is a precious material for studying the history of northern ethnic groups and frontier history. 🍀
Wanfotang Rock Cave Highlights: Must-See Features and Attractions
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Wanfotang Grottoes are the earliest and largest grottoes in Northeast China, with high historical and artistic value. At the same time, Wanfotang Grottoes organically combines the magnificent cultural landscape with the dangerous, steep and beautiful natural landscape, making it more dazzling. The grottoes are divided into two areas, east and west, with 16 caves of different sizes. The western area grottoes were carved in the 33rd year of Hehe in the Northern Wei Dynasty (499), with a total of nine caves, divided into two layers. There are three small caves on the upper layer and six large caves on the lower layer. The first, second and sixth caves are the largest from the west. The valuable thing in the second cave is the "Statue Stele of Yuan Jing, the Governor of Yingzhou, Pingdong General". The inscription was made on the wall of the cave, with 304 characters, each of which is vigorous and elegant, and the brushwork is vigorous. The sixth cave is large, and a large Maitreya Buddha is exposed outside, which is more than ten feet tall and has high artistic value. The eastern area was carved in the third year of Jingming in the Northern Wei Dynasty (502), with a total of seven caves. On the lintel of the fifth cave is engraved "Han Zhen Statue Inscription", with 269 characters remaining, recording the whole story of how Han Zhen and 74 other people came together to build the caves.
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No Pets Allowed
No pets allowed
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It is forbidden to carry incense and candles, and all religious activities are prohibited.
*The above information is for reference only. Please refer to the actual information provided by the attraction.
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Wanfotang Rock Cave Photos: Trip Moments
Pathfinder Episode 142: Riding into the CaveToday's ride, 100 km: Stop 2: The cave behind Wanfotang. 🌺 There is a series of caves behind Wanfotang. I've been to the Wangchan Cave halfway up the mountainside many times before. It's beautiful, with stalactites from top to bottom. It shouldn't be far from here. This cave is large and very close to the road. After pushing the bike for five minutes up a 30-50 meter gravel slope, I got the bike into the cave. 🌺 With the bike as a reference, you can get a better sense of the size of the cave.raine_7991
Wanfotang GrottoesThe Wanfotang Grottoes are located on the north bank of the Daling River, 9 kilometers northwest of Yixian County in Liaoning Province. As of 2015, they are the earliest and largest grotto complex in Northeast China, and also the northernmost and easternmost grotto complex among the Northern Dynasties grottoes in China. The Wanfotang Grottoes were founded during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Due to years of natural weathering and lack of maintenance, most of the grottoes have been damaged and collapsed, no longer existing. They are acclaimed as a treasure trove of stone carving art in northern China, and the Wanfotang Grottoes are also a scenic area that integrates cultural landscapes with natural scenery. In 1988, it was designated as a national key cultural relics protection unit.AnthonyYoung123/
Wanfo Temple Caves in Yixian, JinzhouThe Wanfo Temple Caves are located on the north bank of the Daling River, about 9 km northwest of the city of Yixian, Liaoning Province. They are the earliest and largest group of caves in Northeast China. Construction began in 499 AD, during the 23rd year of the Taihe era of the Northern Wei Dynasty. The caves were built by Yuan Jing, the then governor of Yingzhou, to pray for the royal family. The construction was supervised by Dharma Master Tan Yao. There are more than 20 caves (niches) and 430 statues in the two areas, showcasing the artistic styles and historical changes from the Northern Wei Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty. Overview of the West Area The West Area is the main part of the Wanfo Temple Caves, consisting of 9 caves divided into two levels. Cave 1 is the largest, and the statues of Buddha and the donors on the central pillar are precious relics from the Northern Wei Dynasty. Cave 6 features a statue of Maitreya with crossed legs, standing 3.5 meters tall, showcasing the typical style of Northern Wei statues. The West Area also includes the Yuan Jing statue inscription, which is of great calligraphic value and is considered to be "the best of the Yuan Wei inscriptions." Overview of the East Area The East Area consists of 7 caves, which were mainly excavated by private individuals during the 3rd year of the Jingming era of the Northern Wei Dynasty, when Yuan Jing, the then governor of Yingzhou, sent an envoy to Khitans. Although the statue inscription of Han Zhen on the south wall of Cave 4 is badly damaged, it is of great historical value and is an important physical evidence for studying the history of northern ethnic groups and border regions.MELINA MILLER
Jinzhou Yixian Must-See List | Wanfotang Grottoes | Awe-inspiring | Regrettable| Wanfotang Grottoes | Awe-inspiring | Regrettable. A day trip to two must-see attractions in Jinzhou Yixian. First stop, the Wanfotang Grottoes, nestled on a hillside by the water. Unfortunately, the grottoes are not perfectly preserved, with many weathered beyond recognition. However, the vibrant colors of the dyes are still clearly visible, offering a captivating glimpse into the past and a truly awe-inspiring experience. A place where ten thousand Buddhas return to their source, promoting peace and tranquility.Emily~Walker-Elizabeth
Exploring Yixian: A Thousand-Year-Old Treasure in Western LiaoningIn today's tourism boom, while many popular spots are crowded with visitors, there's a hidden gem in western Liaoning - Yixian County, which quietly exudes its unique charm, waiting for people to uncover its mysteries. Yixian, an ancient city with over 2,200 years of history, is like a thick history book with every page filled with stories. Since its establishment as a commandery during the Yan and Qin dynasties and as a county in the early Han dynasty, it has witnessed the rise and fall of the Five Yan and Liao Xiao dynasties. Along the historical river of multi-ethnic integration, it has painted a magnificent scroll. The Buddhist and Taoist cultures nurtured here complement each other brilliantly. Many historical figures have emerged from this region - Zhuanxu, one of the "Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors," expanded territory here; the Former Yan royal Murong Wei built Daji City along the Daling River; and numerous outstanding figures like Empress Dowager Xiao Chuo of the Liao Dynasty and Yuan Dynasty's famous minister Yelü Chucai left their marks here, creating a profound cultural heritage. When we set foot on this land, we're first drawn to the ancient buildings that carry thousands of years of history. Fengguo Temple is undoubtedly Yixian's brightest pearl. As one of the eight major Liao structures and a royal temple of the Liao Dynasty, it was built in 1020 (the ninth year of Liao Kaitai) and has nearly 1,000 years of history. Entering the Main Hall, you'll find the world's oldest and largest collection of colored clay Buddha statues. The solemn Buddha statues, exquisite paintings, and carvings tell stories of past glory in every detail. Famous architect Liang Sicheng praised it as a "thousand-year national treasure." The entrance fee is 40 yuan, and you can spend 2-3 hours here, try delicious zen food for 1 yuan, and experience the fusion of history and religion in a serene atmosphere. The Guangsheng Temple Pagoda, not far from Fengguo Temple, was built during the Liao Kaitai period and is one of the well-preserved Liao pagodas in the north. The towering pagoda appears particularly ancient and elegant in the sunset. With a 10-yuan ticket and 30 minutes to 1 hour to spare, you can appreciate the unique architectural style and exquisite craftsmanship of the Liao Dynasty. When the breeze blows, the wind chimes on the eaves ring gently, as if playing a melody that spans a millennium. The Wanfo Caves, as the oldest and largest cave complex in Northeast China, is renowned alongside the Yungang and Longmen Grottoes as the three major Northern Wei grottoes, celebrated as a treasure house of northern cave statue art. Regrettably, due to inadequate protection, only a small portion remains visible today. Nevertheless, the remaining Buddha statues and murals still showcase the ancient craftsmen's superior skills and the prosperity of Buddhist culture at that time. With a 40-yuan ticket and 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore, every statue and carving here tells visitors tales of time's passage. The Antai Gate, the only surviving gate among Yixian's four ancient city gates, has nearly 600 years of history. It stands quietly, witnessing the city's transformation and development. Free to visit and requiring only 10 minutes, you can feel the weight of history beneath this ancient gate. On special nights, you might be lucky enough to catch projection shows and light performances depicting Yixian's history, further experiencing the charm of this ancient city. The old Yixian Railway Station, recording the historical changes of Yixian, has become a popular photo spot. It has its unique charm both day and night, especially when illuminated in the evening, adding a touch of mystery. It's free to visit, and a 10-minute stay can create many beautiful memories. Additionally, there's the Bata Mountain pagoda forest built to commemorate eight stages of Buddha's life, with pagodas of varying heights arranged in perfect harmony; the Qingta Zen Temple, built in the Liao Dynasty with its magnificent octagonal thirteen-tiered solid brick pagoda and thriving incense offerings; and the Baolin Tower, known as the "Hanging Temple of the Northeast," with legends of historical figures like Emperor Yan and Emperor Qianlong - each site has its unique characteristics waiting for visitors to explore. In Yixian, besides the breathtaking ancient architecture, there's a variety of local cuisine to savor. The traditional dishes at Maolou Restaurant, the unique flavors of Magang BBQ, the classic taste of flavored pot-stewed meat, and the smooth, tender Liaoxi water tofu - each dish is like a key unlocking the gastronomic memories of Yixian. If you're planning to visit Yixian, transportation is very convenient. You can take the high-speed rail or train to Yixian Station, or choose to drive or hire a car. For accommodation, the Fengguo Temple homestay offers a closer experience of the temple's tranquility and mystery, while 7 Days Inn provides convenient and comfortable lodging. For touring routes, a one-day trip can follow Wanfo Caves -> Fengguo Temple -> Guangsheng Temple Pagoda -> Antai Gate -> Old Yixian Railway Station, which is compact and fulfilling. A two-day trip allows for a more in-depth experience: Day 1 visiting Baolin Tower -> Old Yixian Railway Station -> Fengguo Temple -> Guangsheng Temple Pagoda -> Antai Gate, and Day 2 exploring Wanfo Caves -> Bata Mountain -> Qingta Zen Temple. Remember to do research beforehand or find a guide to better understand the stories behind these sites. The best lighting at Fengguo Temple is around 3 PM, and you might even encounter cute squirrels. A day pass is more economical for one-day tours. The road to Bata Mountain isn't in great condition, so it's better to use a vehicle with high ground clearance. If time permits, you can also explore more mysteries at the Sino-German Paleontological Museum. In this fast-paced era, we're always searching for places where our souls can find peace. Yixian, this thousand-year-old city full of historical heritage and natural scenery, is like a paradise away from the hustle and bustle, waiting for us to discover its beauty and feel its charm. Before the ancient buildings become heavily restricted, while that rustic tranquility remains pure, why not take a spontaneous trip this weekend to Yixian? Start a dialogue with history and nature, and create unforgettable memories.ACG. Jessi 3426
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall GrottoesThe Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall Grottoes, first excavated in the 23rd year of the Taihe era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (499 AD), is the earliest and largest grotto group in the northeastern region. Due to years of natural weathering and lack of maintenance, most of the grottoes have been damaged and collapsed, no longer existing. It is known as the treasure trove of grotto sculpture art in northern China. Currently, only more than 20 grottoes (niches) and 430 statues remain. Among them, a 3.5-meter-high cross-legged Maitreya Buddha statue in the sixth grotto is said to be sculpted in the likeness of Emperor Xiaowen, considered a masterpiece of Buddhist sculpture and the crown jewel of the 'Four Treasures of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall.' The Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties period was the most prosperous era for Chinese sculpture. The Northern Wei Empire, which once unified northern China, is also known as the 'Dynasty Carved on Grottoes.' The colorful wall carvings, Buddha statues, and lotus flying apsaras caissons of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall Grottoes are precious relics of the Northern Wei, still vivid and lifelike after 1500 years. The 'Smiling Buddha' is the most beautiful statue in the Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall Grottoes. Although many parts have weathered, the Buddha statue smiles from any angle, earning it the title 'Mona Lisa of the East' from experts and scholars. It is said that craftsmen of various dynasties tried to imitate it, but none could replicate such a simple, natural, subtle, and kind smile. One of the 'Four Treasures of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall,' the Thousand-Hand Thousand-Eye Guanyin statue, is the only Ming Dynasty clay sculpture of Thousand-Hand Thousand-Eye Guanyin in the northeastern region. It is said that this Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue is very effective in answering prayers, and local devotees come to worship and pray for peace on the first and fifteenth of every lunar month. Behind the Thousand-Hand Guanyin Grotto, a thousand-year-old bodhi tree, the only one in the northeastern region, grows on the cliff. The tree is 1500 years old and is praised by experts and scholars as the 'northernmost, most beautiful, and oldest bodhi tree in the world.' Under the tree is an ancient well, said to have been dug by Li Shimin during his eastern expedition to Goguryeo. The well water is sweet. The 'Yuanjing Statue Stele' in the fifth grotto was handwritten by Yuanjing, the general who excavated the grottoes, in 499 AD. The inscription is vigorous and elegant, with a rigorous structure, praised by Kang Youwei as 'the best of the Northern Wei steles.' Today, the original stele is weathered and the characters are unclear.Mia Bell#73
Yixian Wanfo Temple GrottoesYixian Wanfo Temple Grottoes in Jinzhou are located on the north bank of the Daling River, 9 km northwest of Yixian County, Liaoning Province. As of 2015, they are the earliest and largest grottoes in Northeast China, and the northernmost and easternmost grottoes of the Northern Dynasties in China. The Wanfo Temple Grottoes were built during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Due to natural weathering and disrepair, most of the grottoes have collapsed and no longer exist. They are known as a treasure trove of stone carving art in northern China and were designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 1988.vasquez_the_valdez
Yixian County Wanfo CaveJinzhou Yixian County Wanfo Cave|||Jinzhou Yixian County Wanfo Cave The cave is over 1,500 years old and is a Northern Wei Dynasty cave complex. The western cave was built by General Yuan Jing, the governor of Yingzhou during the Northern Wei Dynasty, and was a royal cave. The chief designer was Master Tanyao, who built the Yungang and Longmen Grottoes. Three years after the completion of the western cave, Han Zhen built the eastern cave. In the early days, the western and eastern caves had a total of more than 16,000 Buddha statues, hence the name Wanfo Cave (Ten Thousand Buddha Cave), and more than 400 statues remain today. Cave 6 in the western area: There is a cross-legged Maitreya (Figure 2), 3.5 meters high, carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty, an early image of Maitreya, with long cheeks, long eyebrows, thin eyes, a high nose, and thin lips. Caves 6 to 2 are connected. Cave 5: Inside is a national treasure-level Wei stele, the Yuanjing Statue Stele (Figure 4), which is valuable because the characters carved on it are standard Wei script, and the carved characters are like brush writing. Caves 2 to 4 have some remaining murals and Buddha statues, such as male flying deities (Figures 5 to 7). Cave 1: The largest central square pagoda-shaped cave from the Northern Wei Dynasty (Figure 9), the most exquisite cave in Wanfo Cave. There are 13 Buddha statues (Figure 10): vertical three Buddhas (past Buddha, present Buddha, future Buddha), horizontal three Buddhas (Medicine Buddha, Shakyamuni, Amitabha), three-body Buddha: three identities of Shakyamuni (Nirmanakaya, Sambhogakaya, Dharmakaya), four-faced Buddha (Tang Dynasty). Highlights of the eastern area: 1. Smiling Buddha (Figure 12), generally, Buddha statues have very few expressions, and this smiling expression is a highlight. 2. Esoteric Buddhism Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara (Figure 14), late Ming and early Qing Dynasties. Each hand has an eye, reminding us that we should not be all talk and no action, but should combine action with vision. Dry-handed Avalokitesvara statues are relatively common, but Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara statues are rare. 3. Cliff carvings: Han Zhen Statue Stele inscription (Figure 13). 4. Thousand-year-old Bodhi tree (Figure 15): 1,500 years old, seven trees from the same root, with a spring underneath (Tang King Holy Water).Benjamin Ward Emily
Check-in Strategy | The most northern ancient cliff cave group in China by latitudeThe Wanhua Cave in Yixian County is the last stop on the trip. Although Fengguo Temple is famous, it is not the oldest historical site in Yixian County. The Wanhua Cave, which was excavated in the 23rd year of Taihe of the Northern Wei Dynasty, is the more ancient Buddhist holy land. It is also the only cliff cave group in the northeast region and is known as the most northern cave in China by latitude. Upon first seeing the Wanhua Cave, one feels a sense of desolation. Due to natural weathering and lack of repairs over the years, there is little left of the collapsed caves. The remaining Buddha statues, carvings, and murals in the caves are also mostly damaged, which is heartbreaking. Although these Buddha statues, reliefs, and murals that have weathered the elements are not intact, they possess a flawed beauty that does not obscure their virtues. In comparison, the newly repaired caves nearby seem to have lost not only the old shadows of the caves due to the wind and sand but also the exquisite craftsmanship of the ancient artisans. The Wanhua Cave is built on the cliffs on the north bank of the Daling River, divided into eastern and western areas due to different excavation times, with the western area being earlier and the eastern area slightly later. 🔸Eastern area highlights: 1. There are 7 existing caves, severely weathered, with the 4th cave being the largest. In the middle, a sculpture of the Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin is worshipped, flanked by Manjushri and Samantabhadra. The Thousand-Handed Guanyin is a clay sculpture with a golden body, and each hand has an eye carved on it, symbolizing the unity of hand and eye. 2. A Bodhi tree over 500 years old, under which water droplets fall from the cliff all year round, is regarded as sacred Bodhi water by locals. Now, one can scoop and taste the water in the cave under the Bodhi tree. 🔸Western area highlights: 1. There are 9 existing caves divided into two levels, with the first and sixth caves being relatively well-preserved. 2. The first cave is the largest central square-column cave from the Northern Wei Dynasty, with a rich collection of statues and murals inside. 3. The sixth cave houses the largest statue in the Wanhua Cave – a cross-legged Maitreya Buddha statue, standing 3.5 meters tall, which is different from the commonly seen pot-bellied Maitreya Buddha. This statue is a typical Northern Wei representation of a lean and ascetic figure. 4. The fifth cave contains a national treasure-level Wei stele – the Yuanjing Sculpture Stele, the last Wei stele in the northern cave temples. Zhou Enlai once used this stele to refute the Russian fallacy that 'territory beyond the Great Wall has never been part of China since ancient times.' 5. On the mountain connecting the eastern and western areas, there is a uniquely shaped barrel-style pagoda, built by the Ming Dynasty general Wang Kai to celebrate his mother's birthday. Practical information for Wanhua Cave 🕑Opening hours: 8:00-16:30 🎫Ticket price: 40 yuan 🚗Transportation: The straight-line distance from the cave to the county town is only 8.3 kilometers, which is not far, but the road is tough. 1. Self-driving is definitely the most convenient, but the road up the mountain is quite narrow, and traffic jams may occur during peak periods. 2. Taking a taxi is more expensive with a fixed price of 50 yuan without using the meter. Taking a taxi from the county town to the cave is even more outrageous, costing 100 yuan for a round trip, so it might as well be a 100 yuan chartered round trip. 3. At the passenger transport station, you can take the northwest loop line to the cave. There is a departure timetable when going, but no fixed time for return, so you need to call the driver to arrange.madelinecollins86
Jinzhou Wanfo Temple Grottoes| The earliest and largest grotto group in Northeast China|The earliest and largest grotto group in Northeast China. Wanfo Temple Grottoes, located on the north bank of the Daling River 9 kilometers northwest of Yixian County, Liaoning Province, is the earliest and largest grotto group in Northeast China as of 2015. It is also the northernmost and easternmost grotto group in the Northern Dynasties of China. The Wanfo Temple Grottoes were built during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Due to years of natural weathering and disrepair, most of the grottoes have been damaged and collapsed and no longer exist. It is hailed as a treasure trove of northern Chinese grotto sculpture art, and the Wanfo Temple Grottoes are also a scenic spot that integrates cultural and natural landscapes. It was designated as a national key cultural relics protection unit in 1988. The Wanfo Temple Grottoes are divided into east and west areas. The west area was excavated in the 23rd year of Taihe in the Northern Wei Dynasty (499 AD) by Yuan Jing, the General of Pingdong and the Governor of Yingzhou, to pray for blessings for Emperor Xiaowen. The east area was excavated in the third year of Jingming of the Northern Wei Dynasty (502 AD) by Han Zhen, the envoy to comfort the Khitan, and his officers and soldiers to pray for blessings for the people. The west area is the essence of the entire Wanfo Temple Grottoes. ✅West area ▪️The central square tower-type grotto left over from the Northern Wei Dynasty is the largest and most exciting grotto in the Wanfo Temple Grottoes. Its three sides of the cliff have Buddha statues, and the upper part has many painted Buddha statues. Although it has gone through more than 1,500 years and has been greatly damaged, it can still see its once magnificent and magnificent, with a typical Northern Wei grotto sculpture style. ▪️The second, third and fourth grottoes: connected together, the south wall is carved with small Buddhas in the style of a thousand Buddhas and flying apsaras reliefs, as well as small Maitreya statues in conversation, which are a miniature of the sixth grotto Maitreya with crossed legs. ▪️The symbol of the Wanfo Temple Grottoes, "Maitreya with crossed legs". It is 3.2 meters high, with drooping eyebrows and eyes, smiling but not smiling, thin and clear, and is the largest and earliest Maitreya Buddha statue in the Northeast Grottoes. But because of its age, weathering and destruction are very serious. ▪️The statue stele of Yuan Jing, the General of Pingdong and the Governor of Yingzhou. This stele was built during the excavation period of the Wanfo Temple (499 AD). Its preciousness lies not only in the calligraphy art of "opening the sky and shining brightly", but also in its historical significance. It refutes the nonsense of foreign forces that "the territory north of the Great Wall has never been China's territory since ancient times". ▪️The cliff inside the cave. There are rows of painted relief small Buddhas carved on it, and there is also a small Bodhisattva with crossed legs, with kneeling attendants on both sides. ✅East area ▪️Thousand-hand and thousand-eye Guanyin. There are fewer stone carvings in the east area, and the thousand-hand and thousand-eye Guanyin is the essence of the east grottoes. Guanyin sits on the throne, with 46 hands stretching out from around her body, each hand has an eye, looking down at all beings. ▪️A very small "Laughing Buddha" carved on the cliff. If you bump into it inadvertently, you will really laugh with this Buddha statue, which is very vivid and highly infectious. ▪️Round small pagoda. Built in the tenth year of Chenghua in the Ming Dynasty (1474). ✅Small tips 📍Grotto location: Wanfo Temple Village, Toutai Township, Yixian County, Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province 🚘Transportation: After arriving in Yixian County, you can charter a car to and from the Wanfo Temple in the city. The driver can wait for more than 1h for tourists to watch. After the visit, return to the county seat. The round-trip charter is generally 80 yuan. 🕐Day scene: 08:30-15:30 Stop admission at 15:00 Night scene: 17:30-21:30 Stop admission at 21:00KATHERINE MARSHALL
Jinzhou Yixian Fengguo Temple Travel GuideThere is a thousand-year-old city hidden in Liaoning Province, which is Yixian County, formerly known as Yizhou. Here, you can not only see the rise and fall of the Five Yan and the Great Liao, but also see historical sites such as the "Millennium National Treasure"! Fengguo Temple is one of them, and it is also the filming location of "The Grandmaster". [Opening Hours]: April 1 to October 31: 8:00–16:30 (last entry at 16:00) November 1 to March 31: 8:30–16:00 (last entry at 15:30) [Ticket Price]: Recommended [Fengguo Temple, Wanfo Cave] Joint ticket: CNY 69/person [Fengguo Temple, Wanfo Cave, Antai Gate Ruins] Joint ticket: CNY 79/person Single attraction ticket price: Fengguo Temple: CNY 50 Wanfo Cave: CNY 40 Antai Gate: CNY 10 Guangsheng Temple: CNY 10 [Activities]: Mahavira Hall: The main building of Fengguo Temple, the largest and highest-grade wooden structure among the ancient Buddhist temples in China, represents the highest level of Chinese architecture in the 11th century. The reason why the Mahavira Hall is not called the Mahavira Treasure Hall is that the rare treasures in the world are already in the hall. Liao Dynasty Painted Sculptures: The most important and precious treasures in the Mahavira Hall are 23 painted sculptures from the Liao Dynasty, including the world's oldest, largest, and most exquisite painted clay sculpture group of the Liao Dynasty, the "Seven Buddhas of the Past", as well as 14 Bodhisattvas and two Vajra Warriors. "Seven Buddhas of the Past": More than 9 meters high, sitting in one hall, majestic. From east to west, they are Kasyapa Buddha, Krakucchanda Buddha, Sikhin Buddha, Vipasyin Buddha, Visvabhu Buddha, Kanakamuni Buddha, and Sakyamuni Buddha. The Vipasyin Buddha in the middle is the tallest, reaching 9.5 meters. "The Most Beautiful Bodhisattva": The Bodhisattva on the east side of Kanakamuni Buddha, with a smile on his face, seems to be telling a story. Reclining Guanyin: Behind the Vipasyin Buddha, there is a reclining Guanyin statue with a male appearance, which was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. In the movie "The Grandmaster", the scene where Zhang Ziyi, who plays Gong Er, worships Buddha in the temple was filmed here, and it has become a popular spot for tourists to take photos. [Itinerary]: Recommended route: Fengguo Temple - Wanfo Cave - Antai Gate Ruins (or Guangsheng Temple Tower) Fengguo Temple: [Thousand-year-old Temple] Praised as the "Supreme National Treasure"! One of the eight Liao structures, the all-wood structure is a miracle in architectural history! It is also the filming location of "The Grandmaster". Wanfo Cave: Known as one of the three major grottoes of the Northern Wei Dynasty along with "Longmen" and "Yungang", it is the largest grotto group in Northeast China! Although the wind and sand have passed, the scenery of that time can still be seen. Antai Gate Ruins: 600 years of history, the only remaining ancient city gate in Yixian County. Guangsheng Temple Tower: An ancient and solemn Liao Dynasty ancient tower, standing quietly among the alleys of western Liaoning. [Food Recommendations] There is Zen food in the Fengguo Temple Scenic Area, which you can try. Mao Lou Restaurant: Monday to Sunday 05:00–21:00, No. 38-4, North of Dongjie Road, Yixian County, Jinzhou City.东北旅行包车
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2025.6.17 The Wanfotang Grottoes are located on the north bank of the Daling River, 9 kilometers northwest of Yixian County, Liaoning Province. They are the oldest and largest grottoes in Northeast China, and the northernmost and easternmost grottoes in the Northern Dynasties of China. The Wanfotang Grottoes were first built during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Due to years of natural weathering and disrepair, most of the grottoes have been damaged and collapsed and no longer exist. It is known as a treasure house of grotto sculpture art in northern China. It is also a scenic spot that integrates cultural and natural landscapes. It was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 1988. The Wanfotang Grottoes are divided into two areas, the west and the east. The west area was excavated by Yuan Jing, the governor of Yingzhou, the general of Pingdong, in the 23rd year of Taihe in the Northern Wei Dynasty (499 AD) to pray for the emperor, and the east area was built in the third year of Jingming in the Northern Wei Dynasty (502 AD) to comfort the Khitan envoy Han Zhen to pray for the people. During the construction of the grottoes, the Northern Wei Dynasty's national master Tan Yao played an important role. There are 16 caves of various sizes and more than 430 statues in Wanfotang Grottoes. There are 9 caves in the west area and 7 caves in the east area. The sixth cave in the west area is relatively well preserved. It contains a cross-legged Maitreya statue, which is 3.5 meters high and is the largest statue in Wanfotang Grottoes. There is an inscription on the south wall of the sixth cave in the east area, which is a precious material for studying the history of northern ethnic groups and frontier history. 🍀
2025.6.17 The Wanfotang Grottoes are located on the north bank of the Daling River, 9 kilometers northwest of Yixian County, Liaoning Province. They are the oldest and largest grottoes in Northeast China, and the northernmost and easternmost grottoes in the Northern Dynasties of China. The Wanfotang Grottoes were first built during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Due to years of natural weathering and disrepair, most of the grottoes have been damaged and collapsed and no longer exist. It is known as a treasure house of grotto sculpture art in northern China. It is also a scenic spot that integrates cultural and natural landscapes. It was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 1988. The Wanfotang Grottoes are divided into two areas, the west and the east. The west area was excavated by Yuan Jing, the governor of Yingzhou, the general of Pingdong, in the 23rd year of Taihe in the Northern Wei Dynasty (499 AD) to pray for the emperor, and the east area was built in the third year of Jingming in the Northern Wei Dynasty (502 AD) to comfort the Khitan envoy Han Zhen to pray for the people. During the construction of the grottoes, the Northern Wei Dynasty's national master Tan Yao played an important role. There are 16 caves of various sizes and more than 430 statues in Wanfotang Grottoes. There are 9 caves in the west area and 7 caves in the east area. The sixth cave in the west area is relatively well preserved. It contains a cross-legged Maitreya statue, which is 3.5 meters high and is the largest statue in Wanfotang Grottoes. There is an inscription on the south wall of the sixth cave in the east area, which is a precious material for studying the history of northern ethnic groups and frontier history. 🍀
It's great. There is a thousand-year-old ancient grotto on the bank of the Daling River. It is very exciting. There are nationally protected Wei steles and super cute smiling Buddha statues. It is definitely worth a visit.
On the north bank of the Daling River in Yi County, Jinzhou, Liaoning, there is a grotto excavated in the Northern Wei Dynasty. Because it is close to the Daling River, it is prone to floods, and the stone here is a bit loose. In addition, it has been looted and destroyed for many years, so it is severely damaged. However, it is still fortunately selected as the third batch of national key cultural relics protection units. The first thing you see when you enter the door is the West Grotto, which has two relatively well-preserved or still perceptible central tower column caves, a remaining cave, a famous Wei stele, and a hidden passage to avoid water. Among them, there are two small caves with complete shapes and exquisite carvings. Further in is the East Grotto, which has almost no complete caves, but the few small single pieces that have been preserved are also very worthy of appreciation. There are also some newly added stone statues, which are inevitably suspected of making up the number. Regarding the history of the grottoes, the wind of the Northern Wei Dynasty blew from the northwest to the northeast, which is really lucky and is really good news for grotto cliff lovers.
It is worth seeing. It is a precious grotto art in Liaoning. It is very rewarding to follow the guide to see it. I would like to especially thank the guide Peng for his explanation. He is serious, responsible and patient. Since I followed him halfway, he also explained the first two statues to me. Thank you very much! Fellow villagers from Northeast China must come to see Wanfo Hall when passing by Jinzhou. Due to the geographical location and soil quality, Wanfo Hall Grottoes are different from Longmen and Yungang. You will see less if you see them once. When you can vaguely identify these grottoes, you must seize the opportunity to see them and feel the traces of history left in Yixian, Liaoning.
Wanfotang Grottoes, a national 3A-level scenic spot, is the earliest and largest group of grottoes in northern China and a treasure house of cave sculpture art in northern China. The grottoes were first built during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Unfortunately, due to years of natural weathering and disrepair, most of the grottoes have been damaged and collapsed and no longer exist. The grottoes are located on the north bank of the Daling River in Yi County, Liaoning Province, less than 20 kilometers away from Yi County. There is no special tourist bus, and it takes about 20 minutes to drive by yourself. The scenic area is not large and 2 hours is enough. Some of the newly built Buddha statues are unfinished and the quality is unsatisfactory, which is inconsistent with the overall style of the scenic area. There are almost no services in the scenic area, so it can only be rated as 3A (a pity for such a good resource). The main attraction of Wanfotang Grottoes is the "Four Treasures of the Caves": First, the "Yuan Jing Statue Stele" in the fifth cave, which can be regarded as a national treasure (it was built by General Yuan Jing, the founder of the caves, in AD The first is the 3.5-meter-high cross-legged Maitreya in the sixth cave, which has a dignified look, long eyebrows, thin eyes, a high nose and thin lips. It is said to be carved in the image of Emperor Xiaowen, fully reflecting the characteristics of statues in the Northern Wei Dynasty; the third is the laughing Buddha carved on the cliff, which is the most beautiful statue in the Wanfotang Grottoes and is praised by Buddhist scholars and sculpture experts as the "Mona Lisa of the East"; the fourth is the only clay sculpture of the Thousand-armed Guanyin from the Ming Dynasty in Northeast China, sitting on a lotus throne. Another attractive thing is that on the cliff behind the Thousand-Armed Guanyin Grottoes there grows the only thousand-year-old Bodhi tree in Northeast China, which is praised by experts and scholars as "the northernmost, most beautiful and oldest tree in the world". The tree is 1,500 years old, and there is an ancient well under the tree, which is said to have been dug by Li Shimin during his eastern expedition to Goguryeo. Standing on the cliff, the Daling River bends and winds in front of the grottoes, the trees are green and the scenery is charming.
Tickets cost 35 yuan. As the oldest and largest group of caves in Northeast China, Wanfotang Grottoes is known as a treasure house of northern cave sculpture art. Although some of the caves have been damaged due to years of disrepair, the contents inside are still very shocking, and the historical and artistic value is still immeasurable.
The Wanfo Grottoes are from the Northern Wei Dynasty. Although they are not as famous as the four famous grottoes, some of the statues inside are still very exquisite. The crystallization of the wisdom of the ancient people is breathtaking, with exquisite craftsmanship and boundless imagination. It is a treasure of China.