Impressive grotto display in Suzhou

An exhibit of artwork from the Yungang Grottoes, in the city of Datong, Shanxi province, referred to as the oriental Buddhist holy land, has been arousing a great deal of excitement on the campus of Soochow University, in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, since Sept 12, by giving local students an opportunity to experience the essence of Yungang art.

The exhibition, which lasts through the end of November, is repeating its success in the city of Hangzhou, in the same province, giving Suzhou a taste of a form of art that is manifestly different from that of Suzhou and the area south of the Yangtze River.

The Yungang style, born in mid-5th century in the North, is more vigorous and grand, while the art of Suzhou is considered more exquisite. The exhibition, in the school's museum, includes engravings that can inspire awe, and 39 paintings, 21 original or copy relics, and contemporary oil paintings of Yungang.

The Yungang Grottoes Research Institute also sent along experts to provide the audience with more details and tales of the art on display and the history of the Grottoes.