Yungang Grottoes in Shanxi｜Pure Camera Version of Cave 6

Carved during the Taihe period of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (471-499 AD), it is known as the "Greatest Cave of Yungang." At the center of the cave stands a 15-meter-tall square pillar, divided into two levels. It serves both as support and as a symbol of a pagoda, around which devotees circumambulate in worship. Surrounding the lower level of the pillar and the four walls are dozens of continuous relief carvings that systematically depict the complete life of Shakyamuni—from his conception by elephant incarnation, birth under the tree, prince competitions, midnight city crossing, to enlightenment and preaching.