This is definitely the most important site along the Silk Road. The caves contain the best preserved and largest collection of Buddhist art in the world spanning over a period of 1000 years.
"Mogao Caves"
A World Heritage Site
These stupas are the tombs of the monks who lived here
The Flying Devi
Unfortunately, photography is strictly prohibited and visitors are not allowed to bring any bags into the site. We were only allowed to visit five random caves and the three giant Buddhas. I shall repeat what I said in my post on the Bezeklik Thousand Buddhas Caves about preservation.
The following photographs were taken from the internet
Northern Giant Buddha
It is 35 m tall and is the 2nd largest Buddha in the world. It was built during the Tang Dynasty in 618.
Southern Giant Buddha
It is the 3rd largest Buddha in the world built in 705 during the Tang Dynasty. The body is 26 m high and the head is out of proportion at 7 m long. This was done on purpose so that the Buddha would appear proportion to the people looking up. The other interesting points are the Buddha's robe and its giant toes.
A 50 feet long Reclining Buddha
Murals on the wall
This building houses the giant Buddha
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