Shanxi University's Archaeological Teaching and Research Base on the Antiques of Yungang Grottoes was established on July 16.

The new research base marks the university's partnership with the Research Academy of Yungang Grottoes in areas such as field work, archaeological excavation, and protection of cultural relics.

Shanxi University will help explore the historic value of Yungang Grottoes, advance archaeological research of Buddhist sites, and promote its tourism attractions based on the advantages of the university in archaeological field work.

Yungang Grottoes, which is in Datong, has 53 major caves and some 51,000 niches. It was first built in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the three most famous ancient Buddhist sites in China.

The Research Academy of Yungang Grottoes, founded in 2006, is committed to preserving local historical relics and furthering the study of the culture and history of Yungang Grottoes.

The founding ceremony of Shanxi University’s Archaeological Teaching and Research Base on the Antiques of Yungang Grottoes takes place at the Research Academy of Yungang Grottoes in Datong on July 16. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]

Teachers and scholars of Shanxi University and the Research Academy of Yungang Grottoes discuss partnerships between the two sides on July 16. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]