Maijishan Grottoes: Silk Road’s Cultural Tapestry in Gansu

Maijishan Grottoes is located in the Xiaolong Mountains 30 kilometers southeast of Maiji District in Tianshui City, Gansu Province. Named “Maiji Mountain” due to their resemblance to stacks of wheat in rural granaries, these grottoes are collectively known as one of China’s Four Great Grottoes, alongside Mogao Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Yungang Grottoes. They serve as the central attraction of the Maijishan Scenic Area in Gansu.

For a Gansu tour and China Silk Road travel itinerary, consider a visit to the Maijishan Grottoes. It is not only a significant cultural and historical site but also a testament to the artistic and religious heritage of the Silk Road era in China.

Maijishan Grottoes Facts

• Type: Grottoes; Historical & Cultural Heritage
• Best Seasons: All seasons
• Recommended Visiting Time: 4-5 hours
• Opening Hours: 8:30 – 17:30 (5.1-10.31); 9:00 – 17:00 (11.1-4.30)
• Tickets: CNY 80
• Address: Maijishan Scenic Area, Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, China

Why You Must Visit Maijishan Grottoes

The Value of Maijishan Grottoes

Tianshui Maijishan Grottoes are a large grotto temple on the Silk Road and are one of the representative groups of grottoes from the Northern Dynasties in China. Due to their strategic location on the Silk Road, Maijishan Grottoes have been influenced by the cultures from the Western Regions, as well as from the Central Plains and Southern regions. This leads to the formation of a distinctive style of sculpture and mural art.

Their clear reflection of Chinese Buddhist architectural forms and the earliest narrative paintings has earned them a wide-ranging influence. They are also an important relic marking a pivotal phase in the westward spread of Buddhist art along the Silk Road.

In recognition of their cultural and historical value, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have included Maijishan Grottoes into the World Heritage List. This nomination underscores the grottoes’ importance not only as a destination for China Silk Road travel but also as a testament to the rich artistic and spiritual legacy of the region.

The History and Art of Maijishan Grottoes

The Tianshui Maijishan Grottoes, a remarkable destination on any Gansu tour, were initially carved during the Later Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms and have been developed and restored over more than 1600 years through more than ten dynasties, including the Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing.

Surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation, the Maijishan Grottoes boasts a natural landscape that varies with the seasons, offering a rich tapestry of colors and changes throughout the whole year.

The Maijishan Grotto Monastery, a remarkable destination for those seeking to explore the cultural heritage of China, houses statues of varying sizes. From the towering over ten meters, such as the cliff-side Buddhas in Caves 13 and 98, to the minute, only a few centimeters tall, these figures are characterized by their lifelike presence and high aesthetic value.

What Is Inside Maijishan Grottoes

Presently, there are 221 caves, 3938 sculptures comprising 10,632 figures, and 979.54 square meters of murals. Among the ancient cave construction projects, the Maijishan Grottoes stand out as the most perilous, creating a spectacular scene of caves carved into sheer cliffs and suspended walkways.

Inside the Maijishan Grottoes, the sculptures are primarily made of clay, with a continuous lineage across the dynasties, showcasing the evolution of ancient clay sculpture. Examples include the majestic and robust figures from the early Northern Wei period, the slender and refined images from the later Northern Wei, and the handsome and clear-cut figures. These sculptures are invaluable for the study of the history of sculpture and art, earning the Maijishan Grottoes the reputation of an “Exhibition Hall for Oriental Sculpture.”

The Maijishan Grottoes photo opportunities are unparalleled, capturing the essence of this ancient artistic tradition. Each statue, whether grand or small, tells a story of the past and reflects the spiritual and cultural significance of the region. The Maijishan Grottoes photo collection is a testament to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who created these timeless works of art, making them an essential part of any Gansu tour and a highlight of China Silk Road travel.

How to Get to Maijishan Grottoes

Get to Maijishan Grottoes from Lanzhou

The main travel options from Lanzhou to the Maijishan Grottoes, which can be considered for a daytrip to Maijishan Grottoes from Lanzhou, are as follows:

• By high-speed train: Depart from Lanzhou on a high-speed train directly to Tianshui South Station, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours and a cost of around 100 yuan.
• By bullet train: Take a bullet train from Lanzhou that will get you to Tianshui Station in just 1.5 hours. After arriving, you can take a taxi to Maijishan Grottoes, which is about a 1-hour drive and costs around 80 yuan. Alternatively, you can choose to take the public bus (Bus No. 60), but notice the schedule.
• By bus: Purchase a bus ticket from Lanzhou Passenger Transport Center to Tianshui, with multiple departures daily. Upon arrival in Tianshui, transfer to a public bus or taxi to reach Maijishan Grottoes.

For those embarking on a Silk Road trip to Gansu, a visit to the Maijishan Grottoes can be a fascinating stop along the way. You will gain a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Silk Road and a unique experience of Buddhist art and architecture. This detour to Maijishan Grottoes adds depth to your journey, connecting you with the historical and spiritual significance of this ancient trade route.

Get to Maijishan Grottoes from Xi’an

When considering about a Maijishan Grottoes tour, many people tend to opt for flying to Lanzhou, and then travel to Tianshui and finally to Maijishan Grottoes. However, it’s not that convenient. Comparatively, it’s easier to travel from Xi’an to Maijishan Grottoes. There are three main transportation options from Xi’an to Maijishan Grottoes.

• By airplane: Depart from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport by plane to Tianshui Maying Airport, and then transfer to ground transportation to reach the Maijishan Scenic Area.
• By high-speed train/train: Take a high-speed train or regular train from Xi’an North Railway Station or Xi’an Railway Station to Tianshui Railway Station, and then transfer to a bus or taxi to get to the Maijishan Scenic Area.
• By car: Travel by long-distance bus or rent a car to drive to the Maijishan Scenic Area from downtown Xi’an. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours via the G5 Beijing-Kunming Expressway and the G310 National Highway.

What to Do & See in Maijishan Grottoes

Attractions Must Visit in Maijishan Scenic Area

Maijishan Grottoes

As one of the four major grottoes in China, the Maijishan Grottoes are a standout attraction at Maijishan, housing a vast collection of Buddha statues, murals, and stone carvings that showcase the splendor of ancient Chinese art.

Maijishan National Forest Park

This comprehensive tourist area combines natural landscapes with cultural relics. Visitors can admire the magnificent mountains and waters while also exploring ancient architecture and cultural heritage sites.

Maijishan Cable Car

For a panoramic view of Maijishan, take the Maijishan Cable Car, which spans approximately 1.7 kilometers and offers an expansive vista over the entire mountain area.

Maijishan Scenic Area Culinary Delights

No travel experience is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Here are some Maijishan specialties worth trying:

• Maijishan Donkey Meat Fire Burn: Made with the local specialty donkey meat from Maijishan, this dish is fragrant and delicious.
• Maijishan Mianpi: A traditional Shaanxi snack, Maijishan’s mianpi offers a unique flavor and a smooth texture.