Maijishan Grottoes | A Thousand Years of Eastern Sculpture Art at a Glance

| A thousand years of Eastern sculpture art at a glance. The Maijishan Grottoes, an artistic gem located in Tianshui, Gansu, are one of the four largest grottoes in China, alongside the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, and the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang. Known as the "Oriental Sculpture Art Gallery," it is definitely a cultural journey not to be missed. 📍Address: Inside the Maijishan Scenic Area, Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province 🎫Tickets: General Grottoes tickets are 80 CNY/person and can be purchased in advance on the official WeChat accounts of "Maijishan Tourism" or "Tianshui Smart Tourism." Special Grottoes tickets must be purchased on-site, with prices ranging from 100-180 CNY/person depending on the grotto. For example, Grottoes 133, 135, and 127 are 180 CNY/person/grotto, while Grottoes 44 and 74 are 100 CNY/person/grotto. 🚗Transportation: • High-speed Rail: Arrive at Tianshui South Railway Station, then take Bus No. 60 directly to the Maijishan Grottoes Scenic Area (approx. 2 hrs). Taxis are also available for around 100 CNY. • Train: From Tianshui Railway Station, take Bus No. 34 directly to the scenic area (approx. 1 hr 50 mins). Taxis cost around 80-100 CNY. 🕙Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00. Recommended visiting time: 3-4 hrs. 🗺️Visiting Routes: During peak season, there are two one-way routes: • Route 1: Entrance → Lower Seven Buddha Pavilion → Grotto 168 → Grotto 3 Thousand Buddha Corridor (Northern Zhou Dynasty) → Grotto 4 Scattered Flower Building (Northern Zhou Dynasty) → Grotto 5 Ox Hall (Sui and Tang Dynasties) → Sky Bridge Grotto 135 → Grotto 98, etc., to the West Cliff Exit. This route has steep walkways but features many highlights of both general and special grottoes, including Special Grottoes 133 and 135. • Route 2: Entrance → Middle Area → Grotto 37 → Grotto 13 East Cliff Giant Buddha → Grotto 15 → Special Grotto 44 Yifu Clan → Middle Area Passage → Grotto 78 → Grotto 62 → Grotto 94, etc. This route is relatively flat and less crowded, suitable for seniors and children. During peak season, Special Grottoes 44 and 78 may be included. 📌Guide Service: • Scenic Area Guide (excluding grottoes): From the electric car drop-off point to Ruiying Temple, introducing the historical background, etc., for 50 CNY. • Grottoes Guide: Purchase at the office near the ticket gate at the end of the scenic shuttle bus route. Guide fees are divided into three levels, ranging from 120-160 CNY per tour. Groups of 10 people are ideal, making the cost 12-16 CNY/person. 👗Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking, as the grottoes are located on cliffs with narrow and uneven paths. 📸Photography: Most grottoes are protected by wire mesh. Place your lens close to the mesh for better shots. A large aperture lens is recommended for photographing Buddha statues inside. 🏨Accommodation: Staying in Maiji District is recommended for its proximity to the train station and bus stops. Gonghanglv Maijishan Pearl Hotel is a good option. The Maijishan Grottoes are not only a visual feast but also a dialogue with history. Take advantage of your vacation and experience the artistic charm of a thousand years ago!