Must See China - Cloud Ridge Caves

These caves are the main reason most people make it to Datong. They're cut into the southern cliffs of Wuzhou Shan, next to the pass leading to Inner Mongolia, and contain over 50,000 Buddhist statues. The caves stretch for about 1km (0.6mi) east to west.

On top of the mountain ridge are the remains of a huge, mud-brick 17th-century Qing dynasty fortress. As you approach the caves you'll see the truncated pyramids, which were once the watchtowers. Sadly, many of the caves suffer damage from coal and other pollution, largely a result of the neighbouring coal mine. At the time of writing, most of the coal trucks were being diverted to a back road, making the trip more pleasant. East of the caves you can walk to a remnant of the Great Wall.

Tags

• monument, religious/spiritual, cave