Nanxiangtang Mountain

Nanxiangtang Mountain Grottoes are located on the southern slope of Gushan Mountain in Fengfeng Mining District, Handan City, Hebei Province. They are an important Buddhist grotto group carved during the Northern Qi period, famous for their unique "pagoda-shaped cave" structure and exquisite flying celestial reliefs. The Nanxiangtang Mountain Grottoes are situated at the strategic Fuko Pass of the Taihang Mountains. The grottoes were funded and constructed by Gao Anagong, a powerful minister of Northern Qi, as a gift to Gao Wei, the last emperor of Northern Qi. The main construction was completed before the fall of Northern Qi. Although not directly overseen by the royal family, their artistic achievements represent the pinnacle of Northern Qi sculpture and continued to be expanded during the Sui, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties. The grottoes are divided into upper and lower levels, with a total of seven caves. From bottom to top, they are Huayan Cave, Prajna Cave, Void Cave, Amitabha Cave, Shakyamuni Cave, Lishi Cave, and Thousand Buddha Cave.