Maiji Mountain Grottoes

The Grottoes on Maiji Mountain, with an altitude of 1,742 meters, is one of the four most famous grottoes in China. From the mountain top to the foot, it is 142 meters. There are 194 extant niches, which house more than 7,200 big and small clay sculptures and stone statues, and 1,300 square meters of frescoes.

All of them were made on the cliffs of Maiji Mountain. The grottoes were first built during the Later Qin Period (384-417). The grotto group is divided into two parts: the east and the west. There are 54 extant caves in the east part and 140 caves in the west part.

Different from the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, there are mainly clay sculptures.

Features:

• The grottoes are mostly located on sheer cliffs and steep brinks. It is breathtaking.
• The sculptures are more like common people, as opposed to more serious ones, like sculptures of god.
  

Opening times: 08:00-17:00

Tips: Different from the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, carrying bags and taking photos are admitted in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes.

Location: Maiji Mountain, Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province; about 50 kilometers from Tianshui City, a one hour drive. 甘肃省天水市麦积区麦积山

Suggested visiting duration: half a day