榆林窟
Yulin Caves
Yulin Grottoes is located on the cliffs on both sides of the Yulin River Gorge in Guazhou. It is also known as Wanfo Gorge. It is the "sister cave" of Mogao Grottoes and a national key cultural relics protection unit. It was excavated in the Tang Dynasty and flourished in the Five Dynasties, Song and Xixia Yuan Dynasties. It is the main Buddhist worship place for the Xixia royal family and the most complete group of Xixia Grottoes. Highlights are concentrated in: Cave 25: "Viewing the Infinite Life Sutra Changes" and "Maitreya Sutra Changes" in the Mid-Tang Dynasty. The color composition can be called the Dunhuang mural ceiling, and the preservation state is excellent. Xixia murals in Cave 2 and 3: Water Moon Avalokitesvara, Samantabhadra, Thousand-Hand Avalokitesvara, and the earliest picture of Xuanzang's Buddhist scriptures (earlier than "Journey to the West").
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榆林窟
Address available on the linked map.
Before you go
Check the essentials before you visit
- Booking
- Advance booking recommended
- Admission notes
- Check official information
- Suggested visit
- 3 hr
- Information updated
- 10/2/2026
Hours, prices, booking rules and ID requirements can change. Confirm them with the attraction before booking or setting out.
Opening hours
The Dunhuang Academy lists year-round opening: May–Oct 09:00–17:30 (ticket sales to 16:30), Nov–Apr 09:30–17:00 (ticket sales to 16:00). Book through its official channel. High winds, snow, rain or sandstorms may close the caves temporarily.
Official reference checked2026-09-29
Check the official visitor noticeGetting there
Yulin Grottoes is in Guazhou, roughly 1.5–2 hours by road from Dunhuang. Check the route and current opening arrangements before setting out; roadside attractions are optional stops, not part of the grottoes visit.
Practical notes
Photography is prohibited inside the cave, but you can take photos of the canyon scenery outside the cave. The cave will be closed in case of rain, dust, strong winds, etc. Please check the weather before traveling. Please refer to the latest official announcement for opening, reservation and ticketing arrangements.
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