Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China Feb 11, 2025

What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This collection of early Buddhist art is near Datong in Shanxi province, northeastern China. Carved into sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty, the grottoes comprise 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is a jaw-dropping 56 feet tall. But don"t stop there—each cave offers something unique. Some are like ancient storyboards, depicting tales from Buddhist scriptures, while others showcase detailed carvings of monks, deities, musicians, and even scenes of daily life under Wei rule. These caves blend influences from Indian, Central Asian, and local Chinese Buddhist art. Whether you"re a history lover or simply appreciate unique art, the Yungang Grottoes offer an unforgettable experience.

© Eric Yang/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Feb 11, 2018Te Rewa Rewa Bridge near New Plymouth, New Zealand
Feb 11, 2019There’s a dog in there somewhere
Feb 11, 2020Celebrating women in science
Feb 11, 2021It’s showtime for a precious crop
Feb 11, 2022harlem
Feb 11, 2023Milky Way over Zabriskie Point, California
Feb 11, 2024Folegandros Island, Cyclades, Greece

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Apr 12, 2025International Day of Human Space Flight
Jun 7, 2021Dressed to impress
Aug 1, 2023National Mountain Climbing Day
Oct 19, 2025Apples ready for harvest in Minnesota
Mar 2, 2020And to think that I saw it in Cappadocia
May 23, 2022World Turtle Day
Apr 7, 2024International Beaver Day
Mar 21, 2018Celebrating the International Day of Forests
Dec 3, 2019It’s Giving Tuesday
Jan 29, 2021So, how long till springtime?
Nov 8, 2022Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Feb 14, 2022Maldives
Sep 24, 2020Till the cows come home
Sep 10, 2021Celebrating all things Austen
Aug 13, 2025Corona Arch near Moab, Utah
Jul 16, 2022American goldfinch
Jan 26, 2023Heavens Gate Cave, Tianmen Mountain National Park, China
Oct 10, 2024Kochia, Hitachi, Ibaraki prefecture, Japan
Apr 2, 2019Books for children of all ages
Jul 23, 2020At the foot of Dubrovnik s Gibraltar
Nov 8, 2025Bandon Beach in Bandon, Oregon
Mar 20, 2025Spring equinox
Sep 29, 2022World of WearableArt Awards
Jan 22, 2018Bird’s-eye view of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
Mar 5, 2022Mont-Saint-Michel
Oct 26, 2022Brocken spectre in Central Balkan National Park, Bulgaria
Nov 18, 2020An aviation celebration
Apr 23, 2024World Book Day
Dec 29, 2021Mountain goats
Dec 8, 2021Petrified Forest National Park