Buddhist Grottoes of Maijishan and Yungang, China

China has one of the largest tourism markets in the world and the sector continues to grow rapidly, with cultural tourism concentrated heavily on UNESCO World Heritage sites. The influx of visitors places immense stress on fragile heritage, with foot traffic, vibrations, and fluctuating humidity accelerating the deterioration of artwork and infrastructure. Though Maijishan and Yungang present different challenges, both sites underscore the urgent need for new and innovative visitation management strategies. 

The grottoes of Maijishan, located in the lush mountains of Gansu Province, date to the fourth and fifth centuries. Carved into a sheer cliff, Maijishan’s 194 caves contain over 7,200 sculptures and murals. The site’s narrow, cantilevered walkways are under strain from the roughly one million annual visitors—including as many as 13,000 per day during the peak season. Challenging climatic conditions and limited resources further complicate the grottoes’ preservation. 

In Shanxi Province, the Yungang grottoes were created during the Northern Wei Dynasty in the fifth and sixth centuries. The site’s remarkable sculptures reflect a fusion of South and Central Asian symbolism integrated with traditional Chinese representation. Another major tourist destination, the Yungang grottoes also face overcrowding and increasing environmental stress. This site requires improved interpretation and visitor management strategies to handle its growing number of visitors. 

Inclusion on the 2025 World Monuments Watch highlights the challenges facing these sites and underscores the need for innovative efforts to balance accessibility and preservation at heavily trafficked heritage places.