The 1,500-year-old Xumishan Grottoes in northwest China are home to 162 caves and more than 1,000 statues. Follow a Xinhua correspondent to take a closer look at the pearl on the ancient Silk Road.

The Xumishan Grottoes were initially built in the late period of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), and were listed as a key state-level cultural site in 1982.