The delegation visits the Yungang Grottoes in Datong on Oct 18. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

An international delegation visited the Yungang Grottoes in Datong – a city located in North China's Shanxi province – on Oct 18, which marked the last stop on the "International Insights into China" tour.

It was a fine autumn day as the delegation members explored the art and history of the grottoes.

The first large-scale grotto temple was carved by royal decree over 1,500 years ago, after Buddhism spread to China. The grottoes integrate artistic design elements from India and Central and West Asia, along with architectural styles and decorative motifs from Greece and Rome, reflecting China's connectedness with major civilizations around the world

Carved into the mountain, the grottoes extend approximately one kilometer from east to west. There are currently 45 main caves and 209 subsidiary caves, covering a total carved area of over 18,000 square meters. The site houses more than 59,000 statues, ranging in height from 17 meters to as small as two centimeters.

The delegation visits the Yungang Grottoes in Datong on Oct 18. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The elegant statues reflect the grandeur and splendor of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). The tour members were all struck by the sheer magnitude of the grottoes and the level of detail present on the statues

The delegation visits the Yungang Grottoes in Datong on Oct 18. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Struck by the unrivaled majesty of each cave, the delegates excitedly recorded the experience on their phones.

Munkhbat Anu-ujin, a member from Mongolia, remarked, "The artistic beauty of the Yungang Grottoes is really breathtaking. Standing in front of these massive caves, I am deeply impressed by their grandeur." She added, "These magnificent stone carvings are not only a great way to appreciate China's ancient sculpture art, but also a window into China's rich history and culture. For people who love history and art, the Yungang Grottoes is a trip worth taking."

The "International Insights into China" event was guided by the Cyberspace Administration of China's Network Communication Bureau and co-hosted by the Cyberspace Administration of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Cyberspace Administration of Shanxi Province, and the China Daily Website.