A pair of Buddhist cave-temple complexes (North and South) carved mainly under the Northern Qi dynasty in the 6th century, known for their sculpted reliefs, some pieces of which are held in overseas museums.
The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are a pair of Buddhist cave-temple complexes in Hecun Town, Fengfeng Mining District, Handan, Hebei Province, China. They were carved mostly under the Northern Qi dynasty in the sixth century, when the nearby city of Ye was a capital, and they rank among the major Buddhist cave sites of northern China alongside Longmen and Yungang. The complex consists of the North Xiangtangshan group and the South Xiangtangshan group, roughly 15 km apart.
North Xiangtangshan lies on the slope of Gushan mountain and holds several large caves, including the Great Buddha Cave and the Sutra Pillar Cave, with seated Buddhas, bodhisattvas and carved relief panels. South Xiangtangshan is smaller and sits on a cliff face with seven caves, known for fine carved lintels and refined figure styles of the Northern Qi period. Both sites show stylistic features such as slender forms and flowing drapery that influenced later Sui and Tang sculpture. Many heads and reliefs were removed in the early twentieth century and now reside in museums overseas, so some figures appear headless or damaged, while modern protection includes viewing barriers and sheds.
Seeing both sections usually takes two to three hours, longer if time is spent studying inscriptions. Morning is the best time to start so that both sites can be visited in a day, and each section is separately ticketed. The caves are best viewed in daylight, when the sun lights the cliff faces, and midday brings the harshest glare. The site is calm for most of the year, with larger visitor numbers on weekends and holidays. Because the two sites are separated by a drive, a taxi or private car from Handan is practical, taking about one hour.
| Admission | Adult ¥60 (~$9) per section (North or South) · Child Discounted for students and children |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:00 AM-6:30 PM daily (last entry 5:30 PM) |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours for both sections |
| Best time | Morning, to see both the North and South sections in a day |
| Getting there | Taxi from Handan city center, about 1 hour (45 km); the North and South sites are about 15 km apart |
| Address | Hecun Town, Fengfeng Mining District, Handan, Hebei (响堂山石窟) |
Location
Hecun Town, Fengfeng Mining District, Handan, Hebei (响堂山石窟)
36.4192, 114.1975 View on map
Highlights
- See Northern Qi carvings in the North Xiangtangshan caves
- Compare the refined South Xiangtangshan cliff caves
- Study figures whose heads now sit in overseas museums
- Visit one of northern China's major Buddhist cave sites
Tips for visiting
- Start in the morning to see both sections in one day
- Arrange a taxi or driver, as the two sites are about 15 km apart
- Each section has its own ticket, so check combined options
- Bring a flashlight or phone light for dim cave interiors
- Check posted signs before photographing in the caves
When to visit
Morning, to cover both sections in one day and enjoy cooler air and good light on the cliffs. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
Accessibility
Both sites involve stairways and uneven paths up the hillside to the caves, which makes wheelchair access difficult. Some lower caves may be reachable with assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Two to three hours covers both the North and South sections, including travel between them.
Why are some figures missing heads?
Many heads and reliefs were removed in the early twentieth century and are now held in overseas museums.
Do I need separate tickets?
Yes, each section is ticketed separately, at about 60 yuan each.