Nine-Story Building

The Nine-Story Building, located at Cave 96 of the Mogao Caves, is a wooden structure with the iconic architectural feature of the Mogao Caves. This main building is constructed of wood and built against the cliff, overlooking the caves and providing a broad view, cleverly blending into the rock formation. It serves as a primary protective measure against wind, sand, rain, and snow that could erode the caves.

Cave 96 of the Mogao Caves was first established during the early Tang Dynasty, initially comprising four stories. It underwent several renovations and expansions over the years, eventually culminating in the completion of the current nine-story structure in 1935. The Nine-Story Building rises sharply with staggered eaves, creating a distinctive silhouette. Withstanding the test of time and numerous renovations, it has become a significant landmark for the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, and Gansu Province.

九層樓

九層樓，即莫高窟第96窟的木構窟檐，是現在莫高窟的標志性建筑。其主體為木結構建筑，依崖而建，俯臨窟體，視野開闊，與巖體巧妙地融為一體，是防止風沙雨雪侵蝕洞窟的主要保護措施。

莫高窟第96窟始建于初唐時期，初為四層，其后幾經重修，多次增建，直至1935年建成如今九層樓建筑。九層樓攢尖高聳，檐牙錯落，鐵馬叮咚，其歷經千年，已成為莫高窟、敦煌乃至甘肅的重要標志性建筑。