Southern Grotto Temple of Jingchuan
南石窟寺
A Jing River grotto complex carved in the third year of the Yongping era of the Northern Wei. The seven standing Buddhas over six meters tall in the main cave are magnificent, and the site faces the Northern Grotto Temple across the river.
The Southern Grotto Temple lies on the north bank of the Jing River, about 7.5 km east of Jingchuan County town. It was carved in the third year of the Yongping era of the Northern Wei (510), under the direction of Xi Kangsheng, governor of Jingzhou. It is known as a “sister cave” of the Northern Grotto Temple in Qingyang. The main cave, the East Cave, contains seven standing Buddhas on the inner wall and on both sides, each about 6 meters tall, and the ceiling carries relief carvings of the life of the Buddha. It is a national key cultural heritage site. A visit takes about an hour and can be combined with Dayun Temple and Wangmu Palace on the same day. Flash photography is prohibited inside the caves.
Opening hours
08:30–17:30 (check official information)
Nearby sights
- Dayun Temple, Jingchuan
- Wangmu Palace & Grottoes at Huishan
- Yan'en Temple Pagoda
- Liuhu Park
- Pingliang Museum
- Taitong Mountain Forest Park
- Kongtong Ancient Town
- Wendao Palace