Xumishan Grottoes (Chinese: 須彌山石窟) are located on the eastern edge of Mount Xumi (須彌山) in Guyuan (Chinese: 固原) City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (寧夏回族自治區), China.The most iconic element of Xumishan Grottoes is a 20 meters tall seated Buddha.
The big Buddha statue is housed in grotto no.5, also named Big Buddha Mansion (大佛樓), which was built in the early Tang dynasty (7th century).
The colossal statue represents Maitreya (Sanskrit: मैत्रेय), the Buddha of the future. According to Buddhist tradition, Maitreya is a bodhisattva who will appear on Earth in the future, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach pure dharma.
The Buddha statue housed in grotto no.1 is the second largest in Xumishan Grottoes, which is around 5 meters tall.
Although the Buddha statues are currently protected by large fences, they have been subjected to erosion and improper conservation such as the improper use of cement.
Xumishan Grottoes were excavated in the (北魏) Dynasty (A.D. 368-534), while the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618-906) is a key phase of development. Xumishan Grottoes are situated along the Silk Road, an important route for the spread of Buddhism.
