Yungang Cave 20 Seated Buddha Plinth
Yungang Cave 20 Seated Buddha Plinth North Annex · Yungang Site
Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)·Upper Palaeolithic·🇨🇳 Shanxi, Datong, China
About
About Yungang Cave 20 Seated Buddha Plinth
Yungang Cave 20 Seated Buddha Plinth in Shanxi, Datong, China is a Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP) cave attributed to Upper Palaeolithic. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 40.1090N 113.1330E controls access to Shanxi resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey cave for Shanxi, Datong, illustrating Upper Palaeolithic construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 25000–15000 BP
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)
- Culture
- Upper Palaeolithic
- Purpose
- Seasonal habitation, rock art sanctuary and burial site
- Rediscovered
- 1994 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 25000–15000 BP
Initial construction of Yungang Cave 20 Seated Buddha Plinth main structure
c. 1534 CE
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1994–2009
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Yungang Cave 20 Seated Buddha Plinth) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
40.1090° N · 113.1330° E · 350 m · 4 mapped features
Yungang Cave 20 Seated Buddha Plinth — Main Structure
structurePrincipal cave — Shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high with diagnostic masonry/panel
40.1098° N · 113.1339° EYungang Cave 20 Seated Buddha Plinth — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
40.1080° N · 113.1323° EYungang Cave 20 Seated Buddha Plinth — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
40.1105° N · 113.1342° EYungang Cave 20 Seated Buddha Plinth — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
40.1074° N · 113.1319° E