The main portal of the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang, Gansu

Photographer: Hans J. Schneider
From: #119 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (Part 2,The Silk Road near DUNHUANG, Gansu)

The main portal of the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang, Gansu

Within this sandstone mountain, in the middle of a desert oasis, 735 Buddhist shrines have been carved into its bowels. The caves have been excavated since the time a travelling monk, Shamen Lezun, had a vision of light and 1,000 Buddhas appeared. 1,600 years have passed since he created the first of the grottoes. It is another of China's spectacular national treasures.