If you've ever dreamed of stepping into a world straight out of an epic fantasy, the Longmen Grottoes in China are your next adventure! 🗿✨ Nestled along the Yi River, this ancient site boasts over 110,000 Buddhist stone statues carved into thousands of caves and niches. Talk about an Instagram-worthy spot! 📸
The carving frenzy kicked off in the late 5th century during the Northern Wei Dynasty and went on until the mid-8th century. That's centuries of artistry chiseling away at limestone cliffs! ⛏️⏳
The star of the show? The colossal 17-meter-tall Vairocana Buddha. 😲 This masterpiece is considered the ultimate expression of Tang Dynasty (618-907) sculpture—a true icon of ancient art. It was commissioned by none other than Empress Wu Zetian, China's only female emperor. Talk about girl power! 👑💫
Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for your next epic travel story, the Longmen Grottoes are a must-see. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this breathtaking fusion of nature and human creativity! 🌏✈️
Reference(s):
Longmen Grottoes: An incredible collection of Buddhist statues
cgtn.com
