Donggar Frescos

Donggar Frescos (Gonggar Frescos) are the largest ruins of the ancient Buddhist frescos, located 40 km north of Zhada County, 40 Km northwest to the Guge Ruins. Donggar(Gonggar) is a small village, and the Frescos are scattered in the grottos on the bluff north to the village, which look like a honeycombs. Several of the grottoes with fine frescos cluster on the eastern U- shaped crag. There is no information in Tibetan historic, religious or cultural dossiers when or how these frescos were painted. But one thing is assured that the Donggar Frescos (Gonggar Frescos) have a history as long as 1,000 years, and the discovery of them is very significant in the field of archeology. Many important archeological discoveries can be found here, e.g. two grottos unearthed here. One was discovered on the cliff near the Donggar (Gonggar) Village, the other is the Piyang Village nearby. The two are the largest Buddhist caves in Tibet at the moment.

Donggar Frescos (Gonggar Frescos) is another form of China's cave art. The significance of the art is that it completes the missing link of ancient Buddhist cave art in western Tibet. Donggar Frescos (Gonggar Frescos) are housed in three caves. Many important materials can also be found here to study the history of the famous Guge Kingdom. These frescos are of high craftsmanship. They were well knitted with smooth, easy lines, with bright colors and unique designs. The contents include exotic figures, patterns and designs. The main figures of the frescos are Buddha and Bodhisattva, Buddhist stories and various vignettes. Among them, the figures of heavenly maids are especially vivid. What is amazing is that the Donggar Frescos (Gonggar Frescos) still appear new and the color hasn't faded after a so long time. People think the special mineral dye it uses is the key.