Buddhist Caves & Grottoes of China

History Buffs as well as tourists interested in the Buddhist Caves ask about which ones they should see. There are four main sites and all in northern and northwest China. Above are the Longmen Grottoes at Luoyang which are located between Xian and Beijing. The best preserved caves are at Dunhuang in north central China called the Mogao Caves. There are over 750 well preserved caves with the best art started in 366 B.C. You are not allowed to take photos but they have a wide assortment of books available. In Turpan just east of Urumqi in far northwest China you will find the Bezcklik Thousand Buddhist Caves but not as dramatic as the others. Turpan is the 2nd lowest place on earth behind the dead sea and one of my favorite places to visit on the Silk Road. At Datong just north west of Beijing 7 hours by train are the Yungang Grottoes. The Datong and the Luoyang caves can be visited on my Ancient Capitals package tour and the Dunhuang and Turpan Caves can be visited on my Silk Road package tour. Custom tours can be arranged to your interests and specifications of course and that is what I do best. Over 25 years of travelling in China gives me an excellent background to prepare customized tours to your interests and budget. Check my web site and continue to read my blog with over 100 stories and photos on Tours to China and Tips on China Travel.  Click on the photos for full screen viewing.