The Mogao Grottoes， also known as “Thousand Buddha Caves，”is a representative group of Buddhist caves in Dunhuang. It mainlyincludes bhāvanā （mediation） caves， central pillar caves， truncatedpyramid caves， monumental statue caves， and monk’s caves. Amongthem， truncated pyramid caves are most abundant. They are so namedbecause the ceiling of each cave is like a truncated pyramid. The ceilingis derived from the form of ancient Chinese tents and is a product ofthe influence of traditional Chinese architecture.
