Maijishan ('Wheat Stack Mountain') is so named because of its resemblance to a pile of wheat. One hundred and ninety-four caves have been carved from its precipitous granite walls, containing about 7,000 statues in clay and stone and a large number of murals, the latter in poor condition because of the humidity of the region. The site was active as a Buddhist centre from the fifth century to the Song dynasty (960-1279AD). Maijishan is one of China's four most important Buddhist cave sights. The existence of Maijishan and other Buddhist shrines reflects the fears of travellers along the Silk Road. They were places where the traveller could offer a prayer for perils that were to be faced and to give thanks for dangers that had been safely overcome.