A hidden gem of the Northern Qi dynasty, this grotto is obscure yet stunning

🌟 Compared to the famous Dunhuang, Yungang, Longmen, and Maijishan, the Beixiangtang Grottoes are relatively off the beaten path, and their scale and refinement cannot match those of the others. However, the manageable number of visitors also allows for more space and closer viewing distances. The impact of the gorgeous decorations coexisting with the damaged statues made my trip to Beixiangtang unexpectedly impressive and worthwhile. 🌟 The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are the largest existing grotto group in Hebei Province, divided into North and South Xiangtang, with the North being the most exquisite. They were initially excavated during the Northern Qi period, with subsequent expansions in the Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, marking an important transition from the Yungang to the Longmen Grottoes. Built against the mountain, many statues are severely damaged, but the superb craftsmanship of the Northern Qi dynasty is still faintly visible. 🌟 Beixiangtang boasts 'three major caves and one ancient temple,' all of which are worth savoring: 1⃣️ The Great Buddha Cave 💡 As the most exquisite cave in Beixiangtang, it is also said to be the location of Gao Huan's mausoleum. 💡 The integration of Indian and Greek flame patterns is the most distinctive decorative feature of the grotto. Inside the Great Buddha Cave, you can see backlight flames, headlight flames, and water-holding flames framing the Buddha statues, as well as pagoda patterns in relief on the stone walls, which also include lotus and jewel elements, very beautiful. - 2⃣️ The Sakyamuni Cave 💡 The exterior top of this cave not only uses the typical 'inverted bowl-style pagoda cave' of Beixiangtang but also inherits the central pillar cave style seen in the Yungang Grottoes, making it very interesting. 💡 I particularly like the ring of small Buddha niches around the cave, where the light from outside shines through the holes at the bottom of the large niches, casting light on the relief Buddha statues, mysterious and sacred. - 3⃣️ The Scripture Carving Cave 💡 Xiangtangshan was one of the most important scripture carving sites during the Northern Qi period, hence a large number of cliff carvings remain. Inside the large cave in the south, scriptures such as 'The Infinite Meanings Sutra' and 'The Mahāmegha Sūtra' are carved, 💡 As the only Buddhist hall cave in Beixiangtang, the lotus patterns on the ceiling of the Scripture Carving Cave are brightly colored and exceptionally eye-catching. 4⃣️ The Chang Le Temple 💡 Halfway up the mountain in the Beixiangtang Grottoes area sits an ancient temple called Chang Le Temple, which contains a Song dynasty pagoda, scripture pillars, and stone steles and statues from the Song to the Republic of China period. 💡 The statues here are all missing their heads, but this also brings an unusual sense of shock. This desolate and pure beauty was once featured on the cover of 'National Geographic Magazine.' - 📌 Address: Xiangtangshan Scenic Spot, Fengfeng Mining District, Handan City, Hebei Province 🎫 Ticket: 60 RMB per person; shuttle bus 40 RMB per person ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00-16:30