Dunhuang
was an oasis town which prospered as an important outpost for east
and west trading. In the year 115 BC, Emperor Wu of Han established
a strategic military garrison in Dunhuang as a defense against the
Western Regions. Subsequent dynasties continued to utilize Dunhuang
as a key base for trading between east and west through the Silk
Road. What is found in the Mogao Caves can be seen as a
manifestation of the cultural exchanges between the east and the
west brought on by the Silk Road.
The caves are carved on the precipices of Mingsha Shan
(Echoing-Sand Mountain) in the desert and span over 1600 meters.
The construction of the first grotto commenced in 366 AD and
continued for nearly 1000 years, through the 14th century.
Because more than 1000 caves existed in the past, the grottoes are
also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, but only about
half of them remain today. Inside the grottoes are more than 2000
clay figures and a total area of over 45,000 square meters of
murals. The sculptures and wall paintings found in the Mogao Caves
not only embody the diversity and richness of the cultural
exchange, but also reflect the development of Buddhist art.
At present, the Mogao Caves are divided into the north and south
sections. What is generally known as the Dunhuang Grottoes includes
three cave temples in the environ of Dunhuang in Gansu province,
namely, the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the Western Caves of the
Thousand Buddhas, and the Yu Lin Grottoes of An Xi.
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