Maijishan Grottoes | An Oriental Art Treasure Hidden in the Cliffs!

| An Oriental Art Treasure Hidden in the Cliffs! Let me share with you an absolutely stunning destination - the Maijishan Grottoes! Like a treasure chest sealed by time, it quietly nestles in the mountains of Tianshui, Gansu, waiting for us to unveil its mysteries. About Maijishan Grottoes Maijishan Grottoes is one of China's Four Great Grottoes, alongside Mogao Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Yungang Grottoes - quite prestigious! Construction began during the Later Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms, spanning over 1,600 years and more than ten dynasties of carving and restoration. Today, it houses 221 caves and niches, 3,938 sculptures with 10,632 figures, and 979.54 square meters of murals - truly an artistic palace! Due to the Danxia landform of Maijishan Mountain and its loose rock structure, which isn't ideal for stone carvings, most sculptures here are clay or stone-core clay sculptures, earning it the title "Eastern Sculpture Gallery." Tickets and Reservations 1. Prices: Entrance fee is CNY 80, shuttle bus + sightseeing bus round trip is CNY 30 (If not visiting the grottoes, entrance fee is CNY 25 plus transportation fees). 2. Reservation: Follow "Maijishan Tourism" or "Maijishan Culture and Tourism" official WeChat accounts to book tickets in advance, or you might miss out. Transportation Guide 1. Self-driving: Navigate to Maijishan Visitor Center, which has 4,381 parking spaces and electric vehicle charging stations. The scenic area parking lot has limited spaces and is mainly for buses and shuttle vehicles, making it less convenient. 2. Public Transportation: - Take Bus 60 from High-speed Rail South Station - Take Bus 34 or 30 from the Railway Station - Take Bus 5 from Fuxi Temple to the Visitor Center, then take shuttle buses to the grottoes Touring Routes and Tips 1. Touring Routes: - Morning: Take shuttle buses to the grotto plaza. For the grotto tour, it's recommended to hire a guide for better understanding. Maijishan Grottoes has two routes. Don't let the red wire mesh at most cave entrances deter you - peek through to see the lifelike clay sculptures, each expression and pose telling ancient stories. The main Buddha in Cave 44, known as the "Oriental Smile," has a warm and benevolent expression, reportedly modeled after Empress Yifu of Western Wei. Cave 4, also called the Upper Seven Buddha Pavilion, is the largest palace-style cave in China, featuring exquisite architectural details and vibrant Northern Zhou ceiling frescoes of flying apsaras. - Noon: Visit Maiji Botanical Garden and dine at Maijishan Forest Hotel. Try local specialties like firewood chicken. - Afternoon: Choose between Xianren Cliff Scenic Area for natural beauty and cultural sites, Jingtu Temple for tranquility, or Maijishan Geological Museum to learn about the area's geological history. 2. Important Notes: - Purchase special cave tickets at route entrances - One ticket allows access to one route only - Drive carefully on the winding mountain roads and expect traffic - Pack warm clothes for temperature changes. During rainy season, bring rain gear to possibly witness the beautiful "Maiji Misty Rain" scenery Food Recommendations 1. Tianshui Malatang: Unique local version of the popular hot pot dish with distinctive flavors. 2. Guagua: Smooth-textured local specialty served with various seasonings, tangy and appetizing. The Maijishan Grottoes is truly awe-inspiring. Highly recommended for everyone to experience this artistic journey through millennia and witness the wisdom and creativity of ancient artisans.