An innovative exhibition of ancient grotto art opened to the public on December 9, offering visitors an immersive experience of five of China’s most treasured grotto sites in the National Museum of China.  

The 1,500-square-meter exhibition makes use of state-of-the-art technology to showcase 

--Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, created from the third to the eighth century;  

--Mogao Caves in Gansu Province, created from the fourth to the 14th century;  

--Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Gansu, created from the fourth to the early 20th century;   

--Yungang Grottoes in Shanxi Province, created from the fifth to the sixth century; and  

--Longmen Grottoes in Henan Province, created from the fourth to the 10th century.  

The most striking element of this exhibition is the 360-degree panoramic exhibition hall. At its center is a giant lotus flower, on which images of the grottoes are displayed. 

China’s grottoes are home to the world’s largest collections of ancient Buddhist mural art. They also exemplify exchange between ancient China and other Silk Road cultures. 

(Text and photos by Wei Yao) 

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson 

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