|
|
Lanzhou Tour of
Bingling Thousand Buddah caves
|
|
Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves is located
on the Small Jishi Hill, about 35 kilometers (about 22 miles) west
of Yongjing County in Lanzhou City.
Being one of the very noted four caves in China, it is the second to
Mogao Caves in respect of artistic value.
Bingling means 'ten thousand Buddhas' in the Tibetan
language. The starting construction time of Bingling Thousand Buddha
Caves dates back to the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316). In the
following dynasties, the caves had been excavated many times. There
are now 183 niches, 694 stone statues, 82 clay sculptures and some
900 square meters' (about 1,076 square yards') of murals, which are
all well preserved. Famous for its stone sculptures, Bingling
Thousand Temple Caves stretches about 200 meters (about 600 feet) on
the west cliff in Dasi Gully. Among the caves, the main characters
are Sakyamuni, Kwan-yin, Amitayus Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, and other
Buddhas. With elegant postures, flying robes and ribbons, the
statues are life-like. Among the caves, Cave No.169 is worthy of a
particular mention. Made in the Northern Dynasties (386-581), it is
the most imposing and delicate one which holds the clay sculptures
of Kwan-yin, Dali Buddha (Dali means powerful strength in Chinese),
etc. Dali Buddha has a round face, sitting with legs crossed. When
we see this sculpture we will feel its expression as being very
solemn.
The colors present us vivid Bodhisattvas and Buddhas. Cave No.125,
which holds the stone sculpture of Sakyamuni, is also one not to be
missed.
The stone sculptures in Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves
represent the social situations and customs during ancient times. In
the vicinity of the caves are green hills, crystal water, grotesque
stones and precipitous cliffs, which adds more beauty to this
artistic site.
After the founding of People's Republic of China, the
State Council designated the site as a key cultural relic, and
placed it under state protection.
Tour Lanzhou
with Great Wall Adventure Club, the best
Lanzhou
tour agent to help
you with your hotel booking and transfers.
|
|
