 Journey into Gansu Province (2) |
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 | | Mogao Caves |
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Dunhuang
The city of Dunhuang today is an excellent hub for travelers wishing to see the Mogao Caves; journey off into the sand dunes of the Mingsha (Echoing Sand) Mountains and around Crescent Moon Lake; and visit the Yumen and Yangmen Passes, as well as the West Thousand Buddha Caves.
The locals are especially kind and helpful; willing to help each other and travelers in the city. Any cab driver, without a doubt, could take you anywhere you want to go.
The Deyang River just beyond the Thousand Buddha Caves
Tour groups are easy to arrange, as well as organized overnight stays in the desert. As a pleasant detour, one can rent a bike and visit the city’s various food stalls and markets throughout.
The vendors sell goods ranging from mouth burning chilies to fragrant tea. One can see the influence of the Muslim world within the atmosphere and dress- a remnant of the Silk Road’s significance today.
The Mogao Caves are located 25 km east of Dunhuang; whereas the Thousand Buddha Caves are 35km in the opposite direction.
Today, due to the high volume of tourists and years of weather damage, the number of caves on display is becoming increasingly limited at both sites. The frescoes are locked behind doors, hidden from sunlight and to prevent any further damage from current environmental conditions.
The frescoes on the walls within each cave are finely painted with attention to the detail on thousands of Buddha figures, fei tian (figures like angels or goddesses), and images of prominent persons and their families commemorated.
Facsimile of frescoes found within the Mogao Caves
In addition to the decorated cave walls, two of the tallest Buddha statues in China are housed in these caves.
There is a striking, reclining Buddha statue, painted in gold leaf and surrounded by dozens of smaller figures representing people from the time. Many caves also include images of the donors to specific caves during that time.
It is evident that Chinese people are trying to preserve the Mogao Caves, both as a UNESCO site, and as a historical relic.
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
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| Agatha So |
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| Agatha So is an American living and working in Beijing. She has been working with PD Online since September 2007. After traveling throughout China and within Beijing for almost two years now, this country still remains fascinating to her in so many ways. She has spent more than a year traveling throughout China and within Beijing. She would like to share her experiences with you, and welcomes any comments or feedback you may have. |
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