THE MOGAO CAVES
GANSU PROVINCE, CHINA
High above the Dachuan River in the Gansu Province, the Mogao Caves are home to one of the most important collections of Buddhist art in the world. Constructed in 366 CE, the network of nearly 500 caves offers visitors the opportunity to view a stunning collection of sculptures and murals. Here they can see the history of the Silk Road as it happened and enjoy a unique insight into the day-today life of medieval China.
The caves are situated close to the Dunhuang Oasis, where two major routes of the Silk Road met, and the Magao Caves are a splendid place in which to observe a millennia of Buddhist art, some of it inspired by the silk route travellers who passed through. The attached visitor centre also shows a variety of films explaining the history of the Silk Road and the significance of the site, while ticket prices include a guided tour of a selection of the caves.
Mon-sun: 8.00am-6.00pm (Apr-nov), Mon-sun: 9.00am-5.30pm (Dec-mar) ¥258