Chinese archaeologists have discovered a grotto dating back some 1,000 years in Huanglong County in Shaanxi Province, northwest China.

The grotto is believed to worship Buddha Sakyamuni and be constructed in the Five Dynasties (907--960).

The grotto is 2.3 meters(7.5 feet) high, 1.9 meters(6.2 feet) wide and 1.9 meters deep. The sculptures in the grotto are well-designed with exquisite lines and shapes, featuring the artistic style of that period, said archaeologists.

The grotto, which is now under well protection, would be of value for studying in development of Buddhism in northern China.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2002)