The Oldest Royal Grottoes - Yungang Grottoes in Datong

The Yungang Grottoes in Datong are one of the four most famous grottoes in China and the oldest royal grottoes. This was my second visit in October. The fifth cave was closed for maintenance both times I visited. The fifth cave will open at the end of the year, so I will have to visit the Yungang Grottoes a third time to see it. I saw pictures of the fifth cave online, and it is indeed a masterpiece. The cave is tall and the statues are beautiful. The large statues in the Yungang Grottoes are exquisite, dignified, and imposing. The smaller statues in the large caves are more delicate and beautiful, with distinct layers and vivid, lifelike, and lively images. The Yungang Grottoes have caves within caves, statues on statues, and statues on the walls and ceilings. Some of them are brightly colored. The Yungang Grottoes in Datong are worthy of their reputation and are well worth a visit, even a third visit.