Shanxi: Yungang Grottoes

This 1,500-year-old site is an important Buddhist landmark.

It houses 252 caves and more than 51,000 Buddha statues, most
carved between the fifth and sixth century during the North Wei
Dynasty.
The sandstone statues -- the tallest stands 17 meters, the tiniest two
centimeters -- combine multiple styles of Buddhist art, including
Chinese, Gandhara and Persian. Grottoes 16 through 20 are the five
best preserved caves. They shelter five Buddhas modeled after five
Wei emperors.
Yungang Grottoes are 18 kilometers west of Datong city. Direct
flights are available between Datong and Beijing, Shanghai and
Guangzhou.