Shanxi University establishes institute for study of Yungang Grottoes

To further explore the historical and cultural connotations of the Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi University (SXU) based in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, and Peking University in Beijing together established Yungangology Institute and Peking University-Shanxi University Yungangology Research Center on Oct 30 at Shanxi University.

Located in Datong city in northern Shanxi, Yungang Grottoes comprises 252 caves filled with 51,000 statues. The site is considered an outstanding achievement in fifth- and sixth-century Buddhist cave art. It was added to the World Cultural Heritage List in December 2001 and is an example of the integration of multiple ethnic cultures in ancient China. Thus, it is of great significance to researchers and requires protection.

At the founding ceremony, Huang Guitian, president of SXU, introduced the university's steps to establish the institute and the research center. He also discussed SXU's research advantages in the field of Yungangology.

Huang added that SXU would advance the development of Yungangology by strengthening cooperation and training and contributing to the promotion of Shanxi's culture.