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Bingling Temple Grottoes
Introducing Bingling Temple Grottoes (from wikipedia)
The Bingling Temple is a series of grottoes filled with Buddhist sculpture carved into natural caves and caverns in a canyon along the Yellow River. The caves were a work in progress for more than a millennium. The first grotto was begun around 420 CE at the end of the Western Qin kingdom. Work continued and more grottoes were added during the Wei, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The style of each grotto can easily be connected to the typical artwork from its corresponding dynasty. The Bingling Temple is both stylistically and geographically a midpoint between the monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan and the Buddhist Grottoes of central China, Yungang Grottoes near Datong and Longmen Grottoes near Luoyang.
Bingling Temple Grottoes Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Bing Ling Si Shi Ku 炳灵寺石窟
• Best Time to Visit: May, Jun, Sept & Oct
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 hours
• Type: World Heritage Site, Buddhism, Grottoes
• Opening Hours: 08:30-16:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY 50; CNY 300 for caves No. 169 and No. 172
• Address: Yongjing County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province
What UNESCO says of Bingling Temple Grottoes
Bingling Cave-Temple Complex, continuously carved from 4th century AD to 10th century AD, are the caves with earliest history dating inscription along the Yellow River on the Silk Roads with construction year inscribed. The Buddhist art at Bingling Cave-Temple Complex reflects multiple influences from the West, South China and Central China as the temple was located at a transport node. The caves built in the Sixteen Kingdoms and the Northern Dynasty period (4th century AD-6th century AD) embody influences from figure of Kasmira monk Dharma-priya, Amitayus Buddha popular at that time in South China and images in Saddharmapundarika Sutra in Chang’an. The influence of Tibetan Buddhism is observed through a large number of Ming Dynasty murals. Niche 6 of Cave169 preserves the earliest ever found clear dating inscription (420 AD) in Buddhist cave-temples in China. Hence the statues and murals in Cave 169 become benchmarks for Central China and Northern China Buddhist caves study. As the earliest Buddhist cave temple on the transitional zones between Hosi Corridor and Central China, it bears exceptional testimony to the early period of Buddhism transmission in China.
What to expect at Bingling Temple Grottoes
The Bingling Temple Grottoes consist of 27-meter high Cliffside Great Buddha Cave (No. 171 cave, 27 meters high) of Tang Dynasty on the north of the cliff, and many medium and small caves. There are 185 nominated caves, 776 statues, and murals of 912 square meters. There are 4 caves of Western Qin Dynasty, 40 caves of Northern Wei and Norther Zhou Dynasties, 138 caves of Sui and Tang dynasties, 3 caves of Ming Dynasty and 62 inscriptions. The Cave Statues and Buddha images in murals of Western Qin Dynasty (4th century AD to 5th century AD), represented by Cave 169, reflect the influence of Indian Gandhara and Mathura art under “Liangzhou Style” transmitted by Kucha caves. Meanwhile, the caves also embrace the stone carvings of Han and Jin Dynasties in Central China to exemplify the characteristics of the preliminary combination of Chinese and Western art. Murals of the same time, especially donator’s images, reflect Southern Dynasties artistic characters. Statues and murals in Cave 125 and 126 of Northern Wei Dynasty created in late 5th century embody the artistic feature of “slim-figure, delicate-face, loose-fitting-gown, wide-girdle” popular in Central China to become masterpieces of Chinese early Buddhist art. The many caves carved after 6th century mark the climax of Bingling Temple Grottoes. The Buddhist statues grow to be plump and well-proportioned, which agrees with the artistic style of Central China in Sui and Tang Dynasties. As the transport node in the border area which was contested by different regimes, Bingling Cave-Temple Complex, compared with other Buddhist caves, contain more historic information reflecting the relationship between different ethnic groups along the Silk Roads. The caves reflecting the relationship between Tang Dynasty and Ancient Tibet, and the Tibetan words and Tangut inscriptions in later caves witnessed the many national regimes in Hosi region and their culture and arts activities in history. Bingling Temple Grottoes were occupied by Tibetans after 8th century. Inscription by Zhang Chujin in 678 AD (the third year of Yifeng period in Tang Dynasty) in upper Cave 64, and “Lingyan Temple Inscription” in the right side of Cave 148 recorded in detail the prosperity of Bingling Temple Grottoes and relationship between Tang Dynasty and Ancient Tibetan Empire, as historical witness of the interchange of Han and Tibetan people during Tang Dynasty. Tangut inscriptions to the south of Cave 168 and in Cave 8 bear witness to the activities of Tangut people in Western Xia regime (early 11th century AD). After the Yuan Dynasty (12th century), Tibetan Buddhism was popular in the region. Tibetan Buddhist remains of Yuan and Ming dynasties include statues in Cave 70, murals in Cave 3 and Tibetan inscriptions near Cave 134.
How to get to Bingling Temple Grottoes
• Bingling Temple Grottoes are approximately 200km away from Lanzhou.
• Take a bus from Lanzhou West Bus Station to Liujiaxia Dam (2-3 hours), and then take a boat to the caves.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Lanzhou to Liujiaxia.
Additional travel advice on Bingling Temple Grottoes
• The site can only be reached during summer and fall by boat via the Liujiaxia Reservoir.
• There are two kinds of boats available at Liujiaxia Dam Pier. The normal boat takes 2-3 hours and the speedboat takes 1 hour to the grottoes.
• Only round-trip boat tickets are available. Visitors are usually only left 1.5 hours to visit the grottoes in order to catch the returning boat. Please schedule your time properly.
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Tour Highlights
• Marvel at Binglingsi Temple Grottoes filled with Buddhist sculptures in a canyon along the Yellow River.
• Visit Lanzhou Waterwheel Garden along the Yellow River (the second longest river in China.
• Walk the Iron Bridge of Yellow River, the first bridge built on the Yellow River.
• Hike up White Pagoda Mountain to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city of Lanzhou.
• Experienced English speaking tour guide.
• Overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments.
About This Tour
• Departure: Daily departing from Lanzhou.
• Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
• Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
• Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Beijing
• Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.
Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Pick up from your accommodation in Lanzhou
• Drive to Liujiaxia Reservoir (90 minutes)
• Board speedboat to Binglingsi Temple Grottoes (40 minutes)
• Visit the Grottoes (1 hour & 30 minutes)
• Drive back to Lanzhou (2 hours)
• Visit Waterwheel Garden (15 minutes)
• Visit Whilte Pagoda Hill (1 hour)
• Transfer back to your accommodation in Lanzhou
Tailor This Itinerary to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
• If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)
1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 + $308 $198 $168 $148 $128 $118 $112 $108 $105 $98
Price Remark
• Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).Price Inclusions
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• Professional English language speaking private tour guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
• All admission tickets to sightseeing places
• Round trip cable car to Mutianyu Great Wall
• All government taxes
Price Exclusions
• Hotel accommodation.
• Your personal expenses.
• Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.
Additional Info
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
• The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.
Cancellation Policy
• You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
• Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
• Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
• Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
• GGC private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
• GGC tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
• GGC offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
• No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
• No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.
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