Yulin Caves (榆林窟), also known as Wanfoxia, Yulin Temple, or Shangdongzi, derive their name from the dense groves of elm trees along the riverbank. The exact founding date of Yulin Caves is unknown due to the absence of written records, but based on cave forms and relevant inscriptions, it is believed to have been initiated during the Northern Wei period before the Sui and Tang dynasties. Throughout its history, Yulin Caves have undergone extensive construction and embellishment with murals and sculptures commissioned during the Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Western Xia, Yuan, and Qing dynasties.
The cave complex comprises 43 grottoes spread over an area of 112,850 square meters, featuring a total mural area of 4,200 square meters. There are 10,856 colored paintings of Buddhas and Daoist figures, as well as 244 colored sculptures. Specifically, there are 3 Tang Dynasty caves, 8 Five Dynasties caves, 13 Song Dynasty caves, and 4 caves each from the Western Xia, Yuan, and Qing dynasties. The caves’ architectural forms, content, and artistic style bear similarities to those of the Mogao Caves, representing a distinct branch of Mogao Cave art.
Yulin Caves are renowned for their exquisite murals depicting Buddha and Bodhisattva images, grand Buddhist narrative scenes, diverse floral and avian motifs, and intricate decorative patterns. The artistic value of Yulin Caves surpasses that of Mogao Caves in certain aspects, making it a significant cultural and artistic treasure reflecting the rich religious and artistic heritage of ancient China.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Yulin Caves
- Other Attractions in East Dunhuang
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 40 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.30; Last admission: 16.30 (1st May – 31st October) 9.30 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 (1st November – 30th April) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-400-997-1608 |
Location and Transportation
Yulin Caves are situated approximately 75 kilometers southwest of Guazhou County, Gansu Province, along the banks of Yulin River (also known as Tashi River). They are located about 170 kilometers from Dunhuang.
To reach Yulin Caves from Dunhuang, visitors have several options. One can drive directly, taking advantage of the well-maintained roads for a smooth journey. Alternatively, travelers can opt to take a train or bus from Dunhuang to Guazhou County, and then transfer to a taxi for the remaining leg of the journey to Yulin Caves.
Highlights of Yulin Caves
Cave 3 of Yulin Caves
Cave 3, constructed during the late Western Xia period, stands out as one of the most mature and typical caves of its time, blending Han and Tibetan cultural elements along with aspects of both Esoteric Buddhism (Tantric) and Exoteric Buddhism. Its rectangular layout with a vaulted ceiling houses an octagonal three-tiered mandala (altar), adorned with intricate sculptures. The lower parts of the cave walls feature double-layered pedestals from the Qing Dynasty, supporting sculptures of eighteen Arhats (enlightened beings). The ceiling depicts mandalas, while the central area portrays the Five Buddhas of the cardinal directions.
On the eastern wall, scenes include Buddha’s life stories, while the southern and northern sides depict various mandalas related to Han and Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism practices, including the fifty-one-faced Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara mandala and the Taizang Realm mandala. The western wall above the entrance features the Vimalakirti Sutra transformation scene, with Bodhisattvas depicted on the south and north sides. The corridor walls depict donors offering rituals.
Cave 13 of Yulin Caves
Cave 13 of Yulin Caves, initiated during the Five Dynasties period and restored during the Song and Qing dynasties, is divided into front and rear chambers. The rear chamber features a covered dome ceiling with a central Buddha altar. The front chamber’s passageway suffered roof collapse but retains murals of Buddha’s back radiance and mountain scenes. The northern and southern walls of the passageway still display remnants of banners painted during the Five Dynasties, with partial figures of Bodhisattvas visible underneath.
In the front chamber, remnants of the Medicinal Master transformation from the Five Dynasties period are visible on the ceiling. The eastern wall above the door displays a depiction of the Buddha preaching from the Song Dynasty. Adjacent to the door are remnants of a dharma banner and Buddha’s light along with floral motifs. The southern and northern walls of the front chamber depict banners from the Five Dynasties, featuring heavenly armies, Bodhisattvas, and Yakshas.
Cave 25 of Yulin Caves
Cave 25 features a square main chamber with a central Buddha altar and a transverse front chamber connected by a long corridor. Notably, this cave houses murals depicting the Maitreya transformation with ancient Tibetan inscriptions and scenes of a Tibetan man and a Han Chinese woman’s wedding, dating back to the period between 776 and 781 AD during Tibetan occupation of Guazhou before they captured Shazhou. Despite the collapse of the main chamber’s ceiling, the Five Dynasties conducted a significant restoration that preserved the original works well.
The eastern wall of Cave 25 displays the “Eight Great Bodhisattvas Mandala” from Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism. The southern and northern walls of the front chamber depict scenes from the Infinite Life Sutra and the Maitreya Sutra transformations respectively. Flanking the front chamber’s entrance are depictions of Manjushri and Samantabhadra transformations guarding the Buddha’s realm.
Cave 29 of Yulin Caves
Located on the upper level of the eastern cliff’s north end, Cave 29 features a covered dome ceiling and was initially constructed during the Western Xia period, with later Yuan Dynasty additions and mural repairs. The cave interior has suffered varying degrees of smoke damage. Cave 29’s murals exemplify a distinctive Western Xia style, matured during the late Western Xia period.
The main wall (north wall) of Cave 29 prominently features a Buddha Preaching scene, flanked by murals of Water-Moon Avalokitesvara on each side, a common depiction during the Western Xia period. The murals are noted for their mystical ambiance, with Avalokitesvara seated on a diamond throne, enveloped in a semi-transparent halo, against a backdrop of blue waters, red lotuses, and picturesque bamboo and peaks.
