Longmen Grottoes (2)
The Longmen Grottoes (aka Longmen Caves) is a UNESCO–listed world heritage site which has thousands of statues of Buddha carved in caves excavated from its surrounding cliffs. Unfortunately, the site was subjected to significant vandalism and senseless destruction at several points in its history. Major artifacts were removed by Western collectors and souvenir hunters during the early 20th century and by the Japanese during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The heads of many statues were also destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.
The Chinese government has since recognized the cultural and tourist importance of the Longmen Grottoes and has been active engaged in the preservation and restoration of the site. For more information: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longmen_Grottoes
Longmen Grottoes (2)
The Longmen Grottoes (aka Longmen Caves) is a UNESCO–listed world heritage site which has thousands of statues of Buddha carved in caves excavated from its surrounding cliffs. Unfortunately, the site was subjected to significant vandalism and senseless destruction at several points in its history. Major artifacts were removed by Western collectors and souvenir hunters during the early 20th century and by the Japanese during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The heads of many statues were also destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.
The Chinese government has since recognized the cultural and tourist importance of the Longmen Grottoes and has been active engaged in the preservation and restoration of the site. For more information: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longmen_Grottoes