Dunhuang ( Day Two )

Artur was biting at the bit to visit the Buddhist Magao Grottoes with all its beautiful murals and sculptures.  Especially after his disappointment a couple days previous.  Up until this point I had never heard of them but I was happy to venture out and check them out.  What I wasn't expecting to find was that they are one of the most visited tourist sites in China.  It was busy with coach loads of tourists from all around the world.  It is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage listed site.

The site of the caves is approximately fifteen kilometres from Dunhuang.  There are new car parks, shops, restaurants, toilet blocks, administration buildings and much more.  The caves are many numbering 1470 in total.

Cameras are strictly prohibited within the caves but photographs can be taken in the grounds.

We employed an English speaking guide to take us through ten of the caves including the two caves containing the two largest Buddhas.  Most of the caves are not open to the public.

These female monks from Korea were among the visitors.

The timber facade, to the cave containing the second largest Buddha in existence, was under repair.

The original century old sculptures are to valuable to have on display but they have replicas.

They also have five replica caves set up with appropriate lighting.  No photography in there either apparently.  After the eighth cave I thought I had seen enough but the ninth and tenth caves were just spectacular.  The size and detail that has survived the centuries is amazing.  

Nearby there is the Han dynasty Great Wall constructed of mud, gravel and reed.  Large sections of it have lasted over two thousand years so the method works.  We are going to the Great Wall at Jiayuguan tomorrow which is constructed in a similar manner.