Monastery of the Great Buddha

(Local Name: Dafo Si) The Monastery of the Great Buddha (Dafo Si) was built in 1098 and is situated in the town center of Zhangye, 150km/93mi to the southeast of Jiuquan. It contains a 34m/112ft high Buddha made of variegated clay and with a wooden center. The monastery's wall frescos are of particular interest and are inspired by Taoist writings and old fairy tales.