China

Tianlongshan Grottoes

Buddhist grottoes in Shanxi, China

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Historical Context

About

The Tianlongshan Grottoes (Chinese: 天龙山石窟; pinyin: Tiānlóngshān Shíkū, English translation: Mountain of the Heavenly Dragon) are caves located in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China, that are notable for the Buddhist temples located within them. The temple complex spans two mountains: there are eight grottoes on the eastern mountain and 13 on the western mountain. The complex was constructed over a number of centuries, from the northern Qi dynasty until the Tang dynasty, and contains Buddhist art of high historic importance. The majority of the caves date to the Tang dynasty. The caves have been designated by the government as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

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Religious and Ritual Structures

Temples
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Artistic and Decorative Features

StatuesReliefs
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
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Environmental and Natural Features

Modified Caves
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Reference

Details

Country

China

Coordinates

37.74° N, 112.38° E