I thought the Longmen Grottoes were beautiful, until I came to Xiangtangshan.

Xiangtangshan Grottoes, a national treasure-level attraction that has been overlooked, finally attracted my attention this year with its unique charm. In those museums that collect Chinese cultural relics, the statues of Xiangtangshan Grottoes have repeatedly caught my eye, making me realize its important position in the history of Chinese art. Xiangtangshan Grottoes: The pinnacle of Northern Qi art Geographical location: Located in Handan City, Hebei Province. Historical background: It was built during the Northern Qi period (550-577) and is a representative work of Northern Qi art. Cultural value: As the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units, Xiangtangshan Grottoes not only witnessed the Buddhist culture of the Northern Qi period, but also a treasure of Chinese grotto art. The division and characteristics of Xiangtangshan Grottoes: North Xiangtang: Including North Cave (Big Buddha Cave), Middle Cave (Sakyamuni Cave) and South Cave (Engraved Sutra Cave), it is considered to be excavated by the Northern Qi royal family. South Xiangtang: The 7th cave (Thousand Buddha Cave) is the most famous. Shuiyu Temple: Also known as "Little Xiangtang", it is also worth a visit. The special features of the North Cave (Big Buddha Cave) in North Xiangtang: Historical speculation: According to historical records, the North Cave, Middle Cave, and South Cave of North Xiangtang may be the tombs of the founding emperor Gao Yang of the Northern Qi and his family members. Mystery of the stone cave: The stone cave at the top of the central pillar of the Big Buddha Cave, the size just fits a coffin, but its interior has been emptied, adding a touch of mystery. Overseas treasures: The stone coffin bed components collected by the Freer Art Museum are speculated to be from the stone cave of the Big Buddha Cave. Transportation and ticket information for visiting Xiangtangshan Grottoes: Self-driving route: North Xiangtang is about an hour's drive from Handan City, and South Xiangtang takes an extra half an hour. Tickets: South and North Xiangtang need to buy tickets separately, and the North Xiangtang ticket includes museum visit fees. North Xiangtang provides shuttle bus service for tourists to go up the mountain. Recommended surrounding attractions: Handan City Museum: Learn more about the history and culture of Handan. Ye City Archaeological Museum: Located in Linzhang, it is about an hour's drive from Handan and Xiangtangshan Grottoes. Xiuding Temple Tower: Another cultural heritage not to be missed. Xiangtangshan Grottoes, a treasure place worth exploring for a weekend. Here, you can not only appreciate the Buddhist art of the Northern Qi period, but also experience the profound cultural heritage of Chinese grottoes. More about Xiangtangshan Grottoes.