Why is the Smile in the Maijishan Grottoes Still Charming?

I. Basic Information • Address: Maijishan Scenic Area, Maiji Town, Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province • Opening Hours: 8:30–17:30 daily (tour routes may be adjusted during holidays) • Ticket Prices: • Regular Ticket: CNY 80/person (advance booking required) • Special Grotto Ticket: Grotto 133 (Wanfo Cave) CNY 400/small grotto; separate tickets required for Grotto 127, etc. • Sightseeing Vehicle: CNY 15/person for a round trip, CNY 8/person for a one-way trip II. Transportation Guide 1. By Car: • Take the G30 Expressway to the Tianshui East Exit, approx. 10 km from the scenic area. Follow the signs to Maijishan Scenic Area. 2. By Public Transportation: • Tianshui South Station/Airport: Take bus 60 directly, or take bus 9/35 to the "Shi Er Zhong" Station and transfer to bus 34. • Tianshui Railway Station: Take bus 34 directly, approx. 1 hour ride. • Tianshui City: Take bus 5 directly, or take bus 1/9 to Tianshui South Station and transfer to bus 60/34. III. Must-See Attractions and Tour Routes • Special Grotto Recommendations (additional ticket required): • Grotto 133 (Wanfo Cave): The largest grotto in Maijishan, containing classic statues such as the "Smiling Little Monk." • Grotto 127: The richest collection of Northern Wei murals, with Buddhist stories painted on all four walls. • Grotto 44 (Western Wei Smiling Buddha): A masterpiece of Western Wei clay sculpture, with a serene Buddha statue. • Regular Grotto Recommendations: • Grotto 4 (Sanhuajiao Building): The highest grotto in Maijishan. Throwing petals over the railing offers the spectacle of "petals flying backwards." • Grotto 13 (East Cliff Giant Buddha): Carved in the Sui Dynasty, 17m high, and imposing. • Grotto 98 (West Cliff Giant Buddha): Original Northern Wei work, renovated over many generations. • Tour Routes: • Route 1: Steep, passing through large grottoes, suitable for those in good physical condition. • Route 2: Gentle, covering highlights such as Grotto 44 and Grotto 78, suitable for families or the elderly. • Note: Each route can only be selected once and cannot be reversed. IV. Nearby Dining and Accommodation • Dining Recommendations: • Tianshui Youran Farmhouse: Open 24 hours, CNY 42 per person, specializing in farm-style dishes. • Xinyue Farmhouse: Rated 4.3, CNY 53 per person, recommended to try local specialties. • Accommodation Recommendations: • Tianshui Shanshuiyuan Hotel: Close to the scenic area, with an elegant environment. • Maijishan Hot Spring Hotel: Offers a hot spring experience, suitable for leisure and vacation. V. Travel Tips 1. Best Time to Visit: Arrive before 12:00 to avoid peak tourist group hours. 2. What to Wear: The mountain area is 2–3 degrees cooler than the city, so prepare sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. 3. Precautions: • The plank roads are narrow, so do not bring water cups or beverage bottles. • Those with a fear of heights should choose Route 2. • There are no restrooms in the scenic area, so plan ahead. 4. Other Services: • Guided Tour: CNY 499/tour, providing in-depth explanations. • Cultural and Creative Shop: Located in Ruiying Temple, where you can buy official souvenirs. • Documentary Recommendation: Watch the 5-episode CCTV documentary "Maijishan Grottoes" before your trip. VI. Itinerary Suggestions • Half-Day Tour: • Morning: Take the sightseeing vehicle to the grotto entrance and choose Route 2 to visit the highlights. • Afternoon: Visit the Ruiying Temple cultural and creative shop and walk to Cuihu Park for a stroll. • One-Day Tour: • Morning: Experience the steep plank road and large grottoes on Route 1. • Afternoon: Visit special grottoes (such as Grotto 133 and Grotto 127) and return to the city in the evening.