For travelers eager to comprehend Dunhuang's remarkable grotto heritage, the book The Caves of Dunhuang is a classic and accessible introduction as well as a meaningful cultural souvenir to take home.

Available in Chinese and English, the book offers a clear overview of the geographical setting and historical development of the Dunhuang cave temples. It carefully selects 39 representative caves from three major grotto sites — the Mogao Caves, Yulin Caves, and Eastern Thousand Buddha Caves — introducing their architectural forms, painted sculptures and mural art, and the rich Buddhist culture they embody.

The volume also features a wealth of high-definition photographs by renowned Dunhuang photographer Wu Jian, capturing the exquisite details of the grotto art. Written by Fan Jinshi, former director of the Dunhuang Academy, the book combines academic rigor with engaging storytelling, guiding readers through the past, present, and future of the Dunhuang caves.

If you buy:
Chinese version:
Price: 368 yuan ($53)
ISBN: 978-7-5305-8445-3
English version:
Price: 680 yuan ($98)
ISBN: 978-7-5305-9113-0