An up-close look at Dunhuang grotto in Beijing

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Some other breathtaking art works continue to draw viewers numbering in the thousands, every day.

The Dunhuang grotto art exhibition, brings to Beijing the  splendor of China as it once was.

The Dunhuang grotto art exhibition, brings to Beijing the splendor of China as it once was. The exhibition in the capital draws throngs of visitors every day. The bulk of the 120 exhibits from northwest China's Gansu province are on display for the first time. Today we focus on a couple of representative works of the early Tang dynasty, about 1,300 years ago.

Buddhas are seen frequently in the Dunhuang grottos. This brings to life the Buddha, teaching doctrines on the lotus sutra.

The portrayal of Kuanyin or the goddess of mercy on the left is considered among the best of its kind. The painting marks the transition of Dunhuang grotto art from the Sui dynasty's delicate style to the gorgeous depictions of the Tang dynasty.

Chen Jin, commentator, Dunhuang academy, said, "The line portraying the Kuanyin is smooth and curved. It fully embodies the tenderness and charm of the female. It is decorated with gold foil to bathe all in glory."