Interview with Zhao Xufeng: The Guardian of the Tianti Mountain Grottoes

Having visited the Tianti Mountain Grottoes, many people find it hard to forget the breathtaking scenery: the towering Buddha sitting majestically, the waves rippling in front of the grotto, and the distant snow-capped peaks—a stunning blend of cultural and natural wonders.

The Tianti Mountain Grottoes, regarded as the “ancestor of grottoes,” were first built during the Eastern Jin era of the Sixteen Kingdoms, and have been a site of continuous excavation and construction through various dynasties including Northern Liang, Northern Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Western Xia, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, showcasing a rich history.

To understand the significance of the Tianti Mountain Grottoes, we spoke with Zhao Xufeng, a prominent figure in the preservation and study of these historical sites.

“Located in the western part of China, Wuwei was historically known as Liangzhou,” Zhao explained. “It was a flourishing hub of commerce along the Silk Road and is home to the renowned Tianti Mountain Grottoes, situated about 50 kilometers south of Wuwei in Zhangyi Town, Dingshan Village. Established over 1600 years ago, these grottoes were commissioned by the Northern Liang king, Ju Qiu Mengxun, who understood the importance of preserving Buddhist art here.”

Zhao elaborated on the “Liangzhou Model,” a distinctive style of Chinese grotto art originating from these very sites. “The influence of the Tianti Mountain Grottoes is felt throughout history, impacting other sites like the Bingling and Maijishan Grottos to the east, and even extending westward to the Mogao Caves and the Gaochang area. They serve as a critical reference point for scholars researching Northern Buddhist grotto architecture,” he remarked.

In the Wuwei Museum, a dedicated exhibition on the Tianti Mountain Grottoes further highlights their artistic and cultural significance. “The exhibits showcase priceless artifacts that reveal the historical changes and prominence of these grottoes in Buddhist art.”

At the grottoes, you might meet Zhao Xufeng, the deputy curator at the Tianti Mountain Grottoes Protection Research Institute and a representative of the national intangible cultural heritage project, Hexi Baojuan (Wuwei Baojuan). “I began my journey here roughly 20 years ago, working in cultural preservation,” Zhao shared. “Since then, I’ve been studying the grottoes and recreating their murals while also collecting and publishing works related to the Wuwei Baojuan.”

His commitment to research and preservation has established him as a “storytelling guardian” of the grottoes, using the art of performance to share the history of Silk Road grottoes and the Wuwei Baojuan. “Wuwei Baojuan is a branch of Buddhist narrative literature that’s accessible and a vital element of Tianti Mountain culture,” he explained. “It primarily promotes filial piety and encourages goodness.”

During guided tours, Zhao often finds himself spontaneously reciting verses from the Wuwei Baojuan, captivating audiences with its haunting melodies. “I hope to inspire a new generation to carry this tradition forward,” he expressed. “Before I retire, I wish to replicate more murals and contribute further to the Tianti Mountain Grottoes.”

With his dedication, Zhao Xufeng not only protects the past but also draws people into the rich tapestry of history that these grottoes represent.