Facts F History

Diary F People

The cave temples are like a lustrous pearl on the cliffs of mysterious Sanwei Mountain against a background of golden sand and clear blue sky. The caves are generally rectangular or square with recessed, decorated ceilings. The focal point of each is a group of brightly painted statues representing Buddha and the Bodhisattvas, Buddha's disciples. The walls and ceilings were also plastered with layers of cement and clay and then painted with watercolor. Large sections of the murals are made up of decorative patterns using motifs from nature, architecture or textiles.

The Flying Apsaras

Dunhuang Flying Apsaras are the sign of Dunhuang art, the symbol of Mogao Grottoes art. Asparas in the Dunhuang frescoes are dancers and musicians flying in the Buddhist skies. They are servers to the Buddha and Sakra Devanam Indra.

Dunhuang stories

The Buddha Born From Lotus is the illustration of the Pure Land. Lotus was taken as man of noble character because it is clean though it grows in dirty mud. But who is the Lotus Girl?

What is the source of sounds from the mountain? Why is the spring like a crescent moon? How is it that the pool does not fill up with sand? Where does the five-color sand come from? For generation after generation the people of this region have created rich imaginative tales to answer these questions. The tales in turn have added mystery and wonder to the scenic spots of Dunhuang.

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Views F Landscape

Orientation F Maps

All the visitors to Dunhuang wish to climb Singing Sand  Mountain (1715m), but the ascent is difficult. For each step forward, one slides a half step back. In steep places they are forced to use their hands and feet. As soon as people reach the summit, they slide off on the other side setting off a cascade of sand that resonates with the sounds of drums and gongs, flutes and reed pipes. And if the wind is blowing hard, the mountain resounds with roaring echoes. It is awe inspiring.

The Crescent Moon Spring

Everyone knows that fire and water do not mix, nor desert and clear springs, yet at the foot of Sound-Sand Mountain both are to be found. It is like the new moon on the fifth day of the lunar month. The crystal clear spring water is sweet and refreshing. It has been lying in the arms of the mountain for thousands of years.

Schools of fish live within the pool; on its banks lush green grasses grow. Among the grasses can be found "seven-star herb". In the glow of the setting sun, the spring water and the mountain with its halls and pavilions add to each other's radiance.