It is a world of wonders carved into the cliffs above the Dachuan River, standing as the largest, richest and longest-used treasury of Buddhist art on Earth. Established in 366 AD, this sacred site captures over a millennium of devotion and creativity, from the 4th to the 14th centuries.

More than 490 preserved caves are the living gallery of history that hosts some 45,000 square meters of breathtaking murals and over 2,000 painted sculptures. Each cave tells a story — from the lively Silk Road caravans to Tang Dynasty (618-907) scenes of farmers, all the way to the magnificent panoramic landscape of Mount Wutai in Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Mogao is also a mirror of medieval life that offers vivid glimpses into politics, trade, faith, fashion and cultural exchanges across western China. Its unique style is a beautiful fusion of Han Chinese tradition, Indian and Gandharan influences, as well as Turkic, Tibetan and other ethnic artistic conceptions.