Yungang Grottoes, Datong, Shanxi province, China

The watchful eyes of history. Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China

What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This masterpiece of early Buddhist art is near Datong in Shanxi province, northeastern China. Carved into sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534/535 CE), the grottoes contain 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is over 15 metres tall. But don't stop there—each cave offers something unique. Some are like ancient storyboards, depicting tales from Buddhist scriptures, while others showcase detailed carvings of monks, deities, musicians and even scenes of daily life under Wei rule. Caves 16–20, known as the 'Tanyao Five Caves,' were the first to be carved at Yungang, overseen by the monk Tanyao. While you're there, be sure to explore Cave 20's seated Buddha idol in a meditation posture, with a standing attendant Buddha on one side.

The reverence for Buddhist artistry transcends borders, as seen in the Great Buddha statue in Bodh Gaya, Bihar—a prominent attraction for pilgrims and tourists alike. Towering at 18.5 metres, the statue depicts the Buddha seated in the serene dhyana mudra (meditation pose) atop an open-air lotus. The construction, started in 1982, took seven years and involved 12,000 skilled stonemasons. It used a blend of sandstone and red granite. Inside, a spiral staircase winds up to the chest, with interior walls showcasing 16,300 miniature bronze Buddha images.