Western Thousand Buddha Caves
西千佛洞
A group of grottoes on the cliffs of the north bank of the Danghe River, preserving murals from the Northern Wei to the Yuan dynasty. It is small and quiet, a complement to the Mogao Caves.
The Western Thousand Buddha Caves are about 35 km southwest of Dunhuang city, on the north bank of the Danghe River valley. They are named for their location west of the Mogao Caves. Excavation may date back to the Northern dynasties, and about 22 caves survive. They preserve murals and painted sculptures from the Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Uyghur and Yuan periods. The site is a national key cultural heritage protection unit. Only a limited number of caves are open, and visits are guided by a docent. Entrance costs a few dozen yuan (confirm on site). Visitors are few, so you can stop by on the way to Yangguan, about one hour. Photography inside the caves is prohibited. Please follow the docent’s instructions.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00 (check official information)
Nearby sights
- Dunhuang 100MW Molten Salt Solar Tower
- Dunhuang Ancient City Film Set
- Yangguan Pass
- White Horse Pagoda
- Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake
- Dunhuang Grand Show
- Leiyin Temple
- Dunhuang Museum