The North Cave, also known as the Great Buddha Cave, is the largest and earliest of the Xiangtangshan caves. It has a masterful design that encompasses concepts of time and space in a Buddhist cosmology, and it can be associated with the founding of the Northern Qi dynasty. The facade is damaged from natural erosion and a severe earthquake in the sixteenth century. The entrance has been reconstructed of blocks of stone. There are traces of what appears to have been a domed roof at the top, above the three windows that provide light to the cave interior. Inside the cave there is a massive four-sided central pillar, into which the three principal Buddha images of colossal size, representing the Buddhas of the Three Ages—Past, Present, and Future—are carved. Each of the seated Buddhas is flanked by two standing bodhisattvas. Around the walls and at the top of the central pillar are smaller Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and other divinities, including earth spirits, heavenly apsarases, and also demons vividly rendered in high relief. Deities and nature spirits from countless realms and ages of the cosmos are thus seen to be brought together by the power of the Dharma or Buddhist wisdom. The carving is masterful with figural sculptures, flaming haloes, and domed stupa-shaped niches surrounded by lotus blossoms, glowing jewels, and ornamental patterns, all worked and finished with great skill. There are small caves on either side of the North Cave courtyard. The one on the south side also appears to be of Northern Qi origin. The main images are now damaged or removed, and additional carvings were added to the east wall in the Song. The central Buddha figure, now headless is seated on a square Sumeru throne with a lotus flower base. Behind him, there is a large flaming aureole carved in relief. He was accompanied by six attendant figures, two of which were free-standing and are now missing. Traces of the other four figures still remain.
