National Treasure of Taiyuan Tianlongshan Grottoes: The Historical Witness of the Buddha Head's Return Home

Basic Information • Address: Inside the Tianlongshan Grottoes Scenic Area, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City (near the grotto exit) • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (same as the grotto scenic area) • Admission: Free (must first purchase a Tianlongshan Grottoes ticket at 50 RMB/person) • Recommended Visit Duration: 40 minutes to 1 hour 🚗 Transportation Guide • Self-driving: Navigate to "Tianlongshan Grottoes Scenic Area Parking Lot," then walk to the Return Hall following the signs. • Public Transport: Take bus Y1 to Tianlongshan Scenic Area and tour according to the scenic area guide route. • Best Route: It is recommended to visit the grotto ruins first and end at the Return Hall for a complete understanding. 🌟 National Treasure Loss and Return Journey 1. Background of Cultural Relics Loss: o The Tianlongshan Grottoes, an artistic treasure from the Northern Dynasties to the Sui and Tang periods, suffered large-scale looting in the early 20th century. o The main Buddha head on the north wall of Cave 8 was illegally taken to Japan in modern times, likely in the early last century. Like many other Chinese cultural relics, it was scattered overseas due to war plundering, theft, smuggling, and other reasons. 2. Key Milestones in Recovery: o September 2020: The Buddha head appeared on the Japanese auction market, prompting the National Cultural Heritage Administration to initiate recovery efforts. o July 24, 2021: The Buddha head officially returned to Taiyuan, becoming the first precious cultural relic from the Tianlongshan Grottoes recovered from Japan in nearly a century. o This return was achieved through government leadership, legal and diplomatic means, with assistance from donor Zhang Rong. 3. Significance of International Cooperation: o The "Tianlongshan Initiative," released concurrently with the return, emphasizes support for countries of origin in recovering lost cultural relics. This successful case has paved the way for the recovery and return of historically lost cultural relics. 🏛️ Exhibition Highlights 1. Authentic Buddha Head: o The core exhibit is the main Buddha head on the north wall of Cave 8 from the Sui Dynasty, featuring a low ushnisha and a full face, showcasing typical Sui Dynasty sculptural characteristics. 2. Digital Restoration: o Using 3D printing and light projection technology, a 1:1 restoration of the entire Cave 8 is displayed, clearly showing the Buddha head’s original position. 3. Historical Documents: o Exhibits include archives of lost cultural relics, images of the recovery process, and information about the "Tianlongshan Initiative." 📝 Visiting Tips • Guided Tours: Free guided tours are available at fixed times daily (suggested times: 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM). • Viewing Order: It is recommended to first learn about the history of loss, then view the authentic Buddha head, and finally experience the digital restoration. • Photography Tips: o Photos of the Buddha head’s side and details are allowed; flash photography is prohibited. o The digital exhibition area is suitable for recording short videos to showcase the restoration effects.