Mogao Caves near Dunhuang

The main site around Dunhaung is the Thousand Budda Caves of Mogao. (nb, "thousands" in this scenario is not the number but just denotes many) We had a guided tour of 10 of the 700+ caves this morning. They were stunning, every cave was different, some small and intricate with delicate murals of Buddas, scenes and lotus flowers, others were huge. The first cave we visited contained a giant sitting budda statue which was 71m high. As you entered the cave all you could see was it's feet, then it's knees, hands, torso and finally it's head towering above. The outside of this cave is in the photo, unfortunately we werent allowed to take photos inside the caves.
The earliest caves were from 336AD but in various different dynasties up to the 14th century the caves were added to and restored. It is amazing how well the murals have remained actually probably due to the arid heat here. There was also a fantastic museum on the site so I feel all cultured-up today!