A mysterious grotto in Ningxia, with 162 existing caves, the humanistic and historical value is comparable to the Dunhuang Grottoes

The grotto scenic spot is a niche scenic spot. Among the various scenic spots in China, it is very weak. Especially in recent years, entertainment and leisure scenic spots are obviously more popular. The grotto scenic spot is relatively boring. Although the artistic value and appreciation value are higher, the religious art is a bit far from the real life, and it can understand its profound meaning. In ancient grottoes, it was still relatively popular. At that time, Buddhism had a higher status and was more popular and sought after by the public.

There are a large number of grottoes preserved from ancient times in China, but the degree of preservation varies greatly. Generally, the climate in the northwest region has less water and less evaporation, and it is a little closer to a vacuum environment, so the grottoes are better preserved in Chengdu. Dunhuang Grottoes are the most famous, not only famous in China, but also a world-renowned cultural treasure. However, due to geographical factors, not many tourists have been there.

There is a mysterious grotto in Ningxia. There are 162 existing caves. The humanistic and historical value is comparable to the Dunhuang Grottoes. It is the Xumishan Grottoes. Xumi Mountain is a sacred mountain of Buddhism. It is said that the end of the top of the mountain cannot be seen, and it is surrounded by the sea. It has a strong religious and mysterious color. In Guyuan City, Ningxia, there is really a grotto built on the basis of records, and it is also listed as a cave. One of the top ten grottoes in China.

The Xumishan Grottoes were excavated in the period of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty, and most of their descendants were repaired and expanded, so the scale is not small. Today, the area is about 6 square kilometers, and there are 162 existing caves. Everyone must have seen Buddhist statues, and they must be enshrined in temples. However, the statues in grottoes are completely different from those seen in temples. First, they are larger in size and look more magnificent, and secondly, the carvings are more detailed and expressive. More realistic and vivid.

Another feature of the grottoes is that there are rich murals and inscriptions preserved, especially the murals have a certain story, which is of great significance for the study of ancient Buddhist culture and historical culture. The construction of grottoes also has a certain historical continuity. The carved grottoes built in different dynasties have different styles. Looking at them one by one, you can understand the changes of history more intuitively and deeply.

In addition to the rich grotto statues, murals, inscriptions, etc., there are also some appreciative landscapes in the Xumishan Grottoes, such as Xumi Songtao, Bodhi tree, and descendants’ caves, which are the fusion of northwest scenery and religious culture. Every year on the eighth day of April, a lively temple fair will be held here, and many locals will come to join in the fun, but it is difficult for foreign tourists to meet the right time. In mythology, Mount Xumi is the center of the world, surrounded by the sun and the moon. It is a very mysterious place in Buddhism. In reality, it is definitely not so mysterious, but there are still many related legends, which have added a mysterious color to this place.