On the basis of on-the-spot surveys,the present paper makes researches into the classification,grouping,periodization and dating of the Northern Wei period grottoes at Wanfotang,Yixian County,by using archaeological typology,i.e.by analyzing the grottoes in their form as well as in the content and feature of the images.Meanwhile,the author preliminarily studies the relationship of the Wanfotang grottoes with those in the Central Plains and the origin of Buddhist art in the Longcheng area.The results show that the Northern Wei period Wanfotang grottoes can be divided into two stages.The early stage was from the 19th year of Taihe reign to about the 3rd year of Jingming reign(AD 495—502). The late stage was from the 3rd year of Jingming reign to the time shortly after the 4th year of Zhengguang reign(AD502—523). The Wanfotang grottoes were extremely closely linked with the Pingcheng Yungang grottoes functionating before the capital was moved to Luoyang,and contained some elements from the Luoyang Longmen grottoes.Their construction reflected that the flourishing of Buddhism was a time-honored event in the Yingzhou area.The foundation must have come from Buddism in the Longcheng area in the Three Yans period. The Longcheng area was not only a Buddhist center in the North China,but also a transfer station for the eastward spread of Buddism to Koguryo.During the Northern Wei period,the route of the eastward spread of Pingcheng Buddist culture and art ran as follows: Pingcheng(Datong)—Shanggu(Xiahuayuan)—Miyun(north of Beijing)—Pinggang (Pingquan)—Longcheng(Chaoyang)—Yixian(Wanfotang),and extended eastward further.
