The Wenshu Mountain Grottoes (文殊山石窟, Manjusri Mountain Caves), located in the Wenshu Mountain range of Zhangye, Gansu Province, are an ancient and significant site of Buddhist art and architecture. The grottoes, which were first established during the Northern Liang period (401-433 AD), stretch approximately 1.5 kilometers from north to south and 2.5 kilometers from east to west, covering an area of about 7.8 million square meters.
This site boasts over 30 caves from different dynasties, including the Manjusri Temple Cave, Thousand Buddha Cave, Ten Thousand Buddha Tower, Five Hundred Arhats Hall, and Avalokitesvara Cave. These caves house more than 500 precious Buddha statues and over 1,200 square meters of murals. There are over 100 existing niches, with early central pillar caves, meditation caves, and 28 temple ruins in front of the caves.
The most notable caves on the front mountain include the Thousand Buddha Cave and the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, while the Ancient Buddha Cave is prominent on the back mountain. These caves feature dome-shaped ceilings and nearly square central pillar layouts. The Wenshu Mountain Grottoes offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Buddhist art and architectural techniques, making it a valuable cultural and historical site.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Wenshu Mountain Grottoes
- Vlog about Wenshu Mountain Grottoes
- Other Attractions in Northern Zhangye
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 120 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0936-6164552 |
Location and Transportation
The Wenshu Mountain Grottoes are located in Qifeng Town, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province. They are nestled on the cliff faces of the Wenshu Mountain range’s front and back mountains.
Currently, there is no public transportation available to reach the grottoes directly. The most convenient way to visit is by renting a car or driving yourself. This allows for flexibility and ease in accessing this remote but culturally rich site.
Highlights of Wenshu Mountain Grottoes
Thousand Buddha Cave (千佛洞)
The Thousand Buddha Cave is a marvel of ancient Buddhist architecture. It stands 3.60 meters high, 3.94 meters wide, and 3.80 meters deep, featuring a central pillar structure. The cave’s vibrant murals, especially on the well-preserved west and south walls, depict countless Buddha figures. The central pillar is divided into three levels: the lower level is a square platform, while the upper two levels have round-arched niches, each housing a Buddha statue accompanied by two bodhisattvas.
The cave walls and ceiling are adorned with colorful murals. The ceiling showcases flying apsaras (heavenly musicians), while the upper sections of the walls are covered with numerous Buddha figures. The middle section features a depiction of a Buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas delivering a sermon, and the lower section portrays donor figures. This intricate artwork provides a vivid representation of Buddhist beliefs and the artistic prowess of the period.
Ten Thousand Buddha Cave (万佛洞)
The Ten Thousand Buddha Cave is slightly larger, standing 3.70 meters high, 3.55 meters wide, and 3.80 meters deep. It also features a central pillar with niches housing statues. The cave’s rich murals are particularly noteworthy, including a large depiction of the “Transformation Tableau of the Maitreya Sutra” from the Western Xia period and images of the Four Heavenly Kings, who are believed to protect the cave.
Ancient Buddha Cave (古佛洞)
The Ancient Buddha Cave is an impressive structure with a central pillar design. Measuring 5.3 meters in width, 5.1 meters in depth, and 3.9 meters in height, the cave features an arched doorway and vaulted passageway ceiling, oriented from west to east. The central pillar is divided into two levels, with a distinctly tapered upper section. Only the front face of the pillar has an arched niche, which no longer contains its original statue. The upper section of the niche was once adorned with seven Buddhas in two rows, later repainted in the Qing Dynasty to depict esoteric Buddhist deities.
The other three sides of the pillar do not have niches but feature remnants of Qing Dynasty murals. These murals include a fragmentary depiction of a Buddha delivering a sermon, superimposed over an older layer of wall paintings. The intricate layering and artistry of these murals provide a fascinating glimpse into the cave’s historical and religious evolution.
Marici Heavenly Figure (摩利支天图)
One of the most exquisite artworks in the Wenshu Mountain Grottoes is the Marici Heavenly Figure, located on the front wall of the Ancient Buddha Cave. This mural, framed in a wide, red border, measures approximately 130 centimeters in width and 120 centimeters in remaining height. Although partially damaged, it remains a striking example of Buddhist iconography.
At the center of the painting is the main deity, seated playfully on a square platform inside a large stupa. The deity has three heads and eight arms: the central face is a bodhisattva with three eyes, the right face is a female, and the left face is a pig. The eight arms hold various objects: two hands are clasped at the chest, two at the abdomen, while the left and right sides each have an upper and lower hand. The upper left hand holds a tree branch, and the lower left hand holds a bow. On the right side, the upper hand holds a needle and thread, while the lower hand holds an arrow.
Below the main deity is a smaller deity with one head and four arms, clasping hands at the chest and raising two hands to support a circular wheel. This figure stands on either side of the stupa, each revealing a chariot wheel. In the sky on either side of the stupa are flying apsaras, depicted amidst clouds, kneeling and holding trays. Standing bodhisattvas flank the stupa, each with four arms, holding various objects such as bows, arrows, needles, threads, ropes, and vajra bells.
