2. Drove from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan
Mogao Grottoes
Also know as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas. Amazing place. Didn't have any pictures since photography is prohibited inside. They say the flash from the cameras deteriorate the paintings on the walls.
Mogao Grottoes - The Nine-Storied Temple that houses a 34.5 meter Buddha statue, the world's 3rd largest buddha. The buddha is about the height of the cliff wall. Pretty impressive.
Mogao Grottoes - Wasn't able to take any pictures of the paintings inside the caves, but this one was outside. It is an original painting. The colors are still intact because the ink is made from natural earth minerals and so the colors are maintained.
Mogao Grottoes - View of the Nine-storied temple from afar.
Mogao Grottoes - These caves are to the right of the caves that contain the Buddhist sutras, murals, and sculptures. These caves were where the monks lived.
This was one of the most worthwhile places to visit during the trip. Only a certain number of caves are open to the public. The other caves are locked up in order to help preserve it as much as possible or they are currently being studied. We also had an amazing guide who was very well educated on the place.
After the Mogao Grottoes we drove to the next oasis city, Jiayuguan.
Sand storms on the drive to Jiayuguan.
