Tianlongshan Grottoes

Taiyuan Attractions

	Introduction to Tianlongshan Grottoes (天龙山石窟) Tianlongshan Grottoes is a series of 24 caves carved into the mountainside of Tianlong Mountain and well known among Chinese art experts for the fine Buddhist statues and decorations which were sculpted within. The 24 caves were carved in Eastern Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang Dynasties. Grottoes 2 and 3 are the oldest in the complex, with a history of nearly 1,500 years. The largest and most impressive grotto is the ninth one, a multi-storied cave with several large Buddha statues and covered by an intricate three-story wooden pavilion, the Manshan Pavilion. About 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Taiyuan, the Tianlong Shan Grottoes in the Tianlong Mountains constitute a small, but significant, collection of Buddhist cave art. A total of 21 caves dot the eastern and western sides of the mountain, with worn and damaged statues dating from the eastern Wei to the Tang dynasties. The best preserved specimen is the large seated Buddha in cave number 9.

	Location Tianlongshan Mountain, Taiyuan

	Main Sights Manshan Pavilion

	Travel Information Opening Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00PM Admission: 30 Yuan

	Transportation 1. Take buses 308, 804, 848 or 856 getting off at Jincigongyuan Station. Then take a taxi to Tianlongshan Grottoes.

	Travel Tips 1. Try to avoid visiting Tianlongshan Grottoes during Golden Week and summer holidays where the crowds and number of visitors will be substantially higher than usual.