A Timeless Artistic Treasure Through the Ages

[WorldMap]Maijishan Grottoes, located in Tianshui City, Gansu Province, is one of China's Four Great Grottoes, renowned for its exquisite clay sculptures and precipitous mountain terrain. Here's a detailed travel guide to help you explore efficiently: --- [Balloon]1. Basic Information - Address: No. 2, Quanhu Road, Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province - Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30 (Peak season: April-October); 9:00-17:00 (Off-season: November-March) - Tickets: - Peak season: ¥80 (Grottoes) + ¥15 (optional shuttle bus) - Off-season: ¥40 (Grottoes) - Special caves require additional fees (¥100-500/cave, e.g., Cave 133 "Ten Thousand Buddha Cave") - Recommended Visit Duration: 3-4 hours --- [CarFront]2. Transportation 1. From Lanzhou: - High-speed rail: Lanzhou West → Tianshui South (1.5 hours), then transfer by bus or taxi (~40 minutes). - Bus: Lanzhou Bus Station → Tianshui (3 hours), then take Bus 34 directly. 2. From Tianshui city: - Bus: Take Bus 5 or 34 directly to Maijishan Scenic Area (~1 hour). - Taxi: ~¥50 from downtown, 30-minute ride. --- 👁️3. Must-See Attractions 1. Maijishan Grottoes: - East Cliff: Cave 44 "Oriental Smile" Buddha, Cave 4 "Flower Scattering Tower" murals from Northern Zhou Dynasty. - West Cliff: Cave 133 "Ten Thousand Buddha Cave" (special cave), Cave 121 "Whispering" sculptures. - Cliffside Plank Walkway: Thrilling aerial path with panoramic views. 2. Botanical Garden: Near entrance, ideal for hiking and summer retreat. 3. Ruiying Temple: Ancient temple at mountain base, showcasing grotto history. --- 🧶4. Recommended Routes 1. Standard Route: Entrance → Shuttle bus (or walk) → Plank walkway → East Cliff → West Cliff → Botanical Garden → Return. 2. In-Depth Tour: Key East Cliff caves → Special West Cliff caves (reservation required) → Mountain loop trail for full views. --- [TrafficLightVertical]5. Tips 1. Safety: Narrow/steep walkways - caution for acrophobia; some areas may close in rain. 2. Special Caves: Book at ticket office in advance; guided tours cost extra. 3. Attire: Wear anti-slip shoes; sun protection in summer, warmth in winter. 4. Photography: Prohibited inside caves; allowed outside. --- [RollerCoaster]6. Nearby Attractions - Xianrenya: 15km from Maijishan, combining Danxia landforms with Buddhist relics. - Fuxi Temple: In downtown Tianshui, honoring legendary ancestor Fuxi (¥30). - Tianshui Ancient City: Ming-Qing architecture with local snacks (free). --- [Tableware]7. Local Cuisine - Tianshui Guagua: Buckwheat jelly with chili sauce. - Jiangshui Noodles: Sour broth, locals' summer favorite. - Hui-style Crumbled Noodles: Beef bone broth with handmade noodles. --- [Bed]8. Accommodation - Near Scenic Area: Maijishan Hot Spring Hotel (with hot springs). - Downtown Tianshui: Hotels in Qinzhou District (e.g., Tianshui Hotel), convenient transport. --- 🌸9. Best Seasons - May-October: Pleasant weather, lush greenery. - Avoid holidays: Crowds during National Day/Labor Day - weekdays recommended. --- [Awesome]Maijishan blends natural wonders with artistic heritage. Planning ahead helps you fully experience the "Oriental Sculpture Gallery." Feel free to ask for more details!