Maijishan Grottoes Pictures

Maijishan Grottoes, the oriental museum of sculpture, are one of four largest grottoes in China along with Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang and Yungang Grottoes in Datong. They were excavated in Maiji Mountain, Tianshui. Begun in the Hou Qin Dynasty (384-417) since the opening of the Silk Road, this huge project lasted 1,600 years till the 20th century. The statues and the murals reflected the aesthetics of various times, ranging from the slim figures of North Dynasty to plump ones from the Sui and Tang Dynasties.