The Longyou Grottoes in Gansu hold ~200 caves in steep cliffs, started under the Later Qin (late 4th–early 5th c. AD) and continued for centuries. Monumental Buddhas reach 15-16m tall. Craftsmen attached clay to the cliff so bodies projected outward, needing elaborate scaffolding to haul materials skyward. �️
Longyou Grottoes: nearly 200 cliff caves with colossal clay figures in Gansu
ChinaArchitecture
Key facts
- The Longyou Grottoes are located in Gansu, China, on a mountain with steep, nearly vertical walls
- Nearly 200 caves and niches were cut into the cliffs at different elevations
- Monumental Buddha and Bodhisattva groups contain figures approximately 15 to 16 meters (49 to 52 feet) high
- Construction began around the late 4th and early 5th centuries AD, particularly during the Later Qin period
- Construction continued under numerous later dynasties, spanning centuries of patronage
- Craftsmen used the natural cliff as a structural foundation and combined it with modeled clay and other materials to create projecting bodies
- This clay-on-cliff technique allowed figures to extend outward from the mountain rather than remaining shallow reliefs
- Extensive wooden scaffolding and galleries were required to transport timber, tools, clay, pigments, and water to platforms high above the ground
Site mentioned
Sources
Maijishan Grottoes, Tianshui - Book Tickets & Toursgetyourguide.com
A honeycomb of Buddhist cave shrines carved into a sheer cliff, Maijishan stuns with giant clay statues, centuries-old murals, and cliffside walkways.
Maijishan Grottoes | Gansu, China | Attractionslonelyplanet.com
Set among wild, green mountains southeast of Tianshui, the grottoes of Maijishan hold some of the most famous Buddhist rock carvings along the Silk Road.
Maijishan, Chinacultureincrisis.org
Maijishan Grottoes are located in Tianshui, Maiji, Gansu Province. Developed between the 5th to the 18th century AD, There are over 7200 sculptures and mural ...
Maijishan Grottoesen.wikipedia.org
The Maijishan Grottoes formerly romanized as Maichishan, are a series of 194 rock-cut caves cut into the Maijishan hill in Tianshui, Gansu Province, ...
Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Tianshui, Gansu 2026chinadiscovery.com
Maijishan Grottoes, located in 44 km south of Tianshui, is one of the Four Greatest Grottoes in China. Hours: 8:30 - 17:30 (5.1-10.31); 9:00 - 17:00 (11.1-4.30 ...
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