Shanghai is currently hosting one of its major exhibitions of the year. Gazing Over the Clouds and Sea: The Yungang Grottoes Art Exhibition, opening to the public on Oct 10, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of ancient grotto art, presented through both virtual and real-world experiences.

The Yungang Grottoes, located in Datong, Shanxi province, are a testament to the artistic prowess of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). Initially carved over 1,500 years ago, these grottoes are both a pinnacle of Chinese sculpture and a monumental symbol of cultural fusion between East and West. Recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 2001, the grottoes continue to inspire awe and admiration.

This exhibition is displayed in two venues in Hongkou district. The outdoor exhibition space at the Shanghai Haipai Culture Center showcases the world's first movable 3D-printed 1:1 replica of the 12th cave of Yungang, allowing visitors to delve into the intricate details of the ancient grotto and experience the ethereal music performances reminiscent of the Northern Wei period.

Meanwhile, the indoor exhibition at Q-CAN Art Museum unfolds in four sections, offering a multifaceted narrative of Yungang's artistic legacy. The highlight of the exhibition is the Shanghai debut of the Xili Buddha, reproduced using advanced 3D printing technology.

The exhibition brings together an impressive array of Yungang artifacts, 3D-reconstructed grottoes, and contemporary artworks, illustrating the journey of the Yungang Grottoes from their inception and preservation to their modern-day revitalization.

Through VR interaction and digital art performances, the exhibition promises an immersive experience that engages all the senses. The Q-CAN Art Museum's exhibition hall enhances this experience with 4K panoramic light and shadow displays, laser engraving, and live dance performances, crafting a holographic art spectacle of the Yungang Grottoes.

Adding to the allure, the exhibition features the Shanghai premiere of the Yungang dance, which earned the 2023 Global Awards for World Heritage Education Innovation Cases. Directed and choreographed by Tian Qing and her team, renowned for their work on the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony, the dance draws inspiration from the Yungang flying figures and the strongman dances of the Northern Wei period. It skillfully blends the musical styles of northern nomadic tribes, recreating a vibrant scene of cultural fusion from the era.

Throughout the exhibition's run, a series of academic lectures, public education initiatives, and cultural art salons will be held, enriching the visitor experience. Additionally, a variety of creative cultural products are available.

If you go

⏳When: Oct 10, 2025 – March 26, 2026

🗺️Where:

• West side of Shanghai Haipai Culture Center, Hongkou district
• Q-CAN Art Museum at No 939 North Sichuan Road, Hongkou district

⏰Opening hours: Daily from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm (last entry at 8:30 pm)

💃Yungang dance performance times: Weekends and public holidays at 1, 3, 5, and 7 pm

💰Ticket price:

• Regular price: 98 yuan ($13.76)
• Early bird: 58 yuan, while supplies last

🎫Ticket purchase: Through the "趣看美术馆Q-CAN (Q-CAN Art Museum)" WeChat mini-program, Damai, Maoyan, Dianping, and Douyin

Sources: WeChat account of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism at "shanghaitourism", Q-CAN Art Museum