Built in BC 366, this world heritage site houses Buddhist murals and paintings which spans through 5 dynasty; the ming 明, tang 唐, song 宋 , 西夏 and yuan 元 dynasty. This place is now a popular site for Buddhism studies. As compared to the 千佛洞, this caves are very well-preserved. Thankfully, the caves are not plundered here...
塔 which are built to commemorate buddhist monks
Photographs weren't allowed inside the caves to prevent the paintings from disintegrating. Initially, these caves were not covered by entrance doors. However, in order to protect the original colour and lustre of the paintings from the strong sunlight, each caves are locked with a black door.
月牙泉, Cresent Spring
I ate more mutton during this trip than i ever had in my life because this is practically the only meat made available. Pork only appears in you dream and chicken is rare. No one rears chicken here. BUT... am not really complaining cos the mutton here is soooo tender.....
塔 which are built to commemorate buddhist monks
Photographs weren't allowed inside the caves to prevent the paintings from disintegrating. Initially, these caves were not covered by entrance doors. However, in order to protect the original colour and lustre of the paintings from the strong sunlight, each caves are locked with a black door.
Exposed and badly damaged murals on the outside of the caves...
鸣沙山, Echoing-sand hill
Our first camel ride to 月牙泉. Even though it's a desert and the sun looks strong (it is!), it's still pretty cold out there...
月牙泉, Cresent Spring
The famous lake which spots water and an oasis in the middle of the Gobi Desert. Apparently, the sand dunes in the desert will never decrease in height and size as the wind will always sweep sand up the sand dunes. Thus, the spring water will never be buried in sand.
I ate more mutton during this trip than i ever had in my life because this is practically the only meat made available. Pork only appears in you dream and chicken is rare. No one rears chicken here. BUT... am not really complaining cos the mutton here is soooo tender.....
