Mati Temple: 'A Thousand-Year-Old Mati Temple, Echoes of Buddhist Chants.'

Mati Ecological and Cultural Tourism Area On the vast land of the northwest, at the foot of the Qilian Mountains, lies a dazzling gem - Mati Temple. It is like a treasure box sealed by time, hiding thousand-year-old grottoes and endless beautiful scenery, waiting for people to embark on this surprising treasure journey. Mati Temple, also known as Puguang Temple, was built during the Northern Liang period of the Sixteen Kingdoms in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and has a history of over 1600 years. It is a tourist destination that integrates grotto art, Qilian Mountain scenery, and ethnic customs. Entering the Mati Temple scenic area, the first thing that catches your eye is the orderly grotto group, which is embedded in the steep cliffs like a beehive, exuding a mysterious atmosphere. The Thousand Buddha Cave is one of the must-see attractions. Standing in front of the cave, looking up at the niches carved into the cliffs, one cannot help but admire the wisdom and perseverance of the ancients. Inside the cave, there is a central pillar, slender and tall, reaching the top of the cave. At the base of the central pillar, there are four layers of statues on each of the four sides. Each Buddha statue is vividly carved, as if telling stories of the past. The murals on the walls, though some are already mottled, still retain their bright colors. Upon close inspection, one can see images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the Eighteen Arhats, making one feel as if they have traveled through time to the flourishing era of Buddhism. The most awe-inspiring is the 'Thirty-Three Heavens' Buddha Cave. From a distance, it looks like a mysterious aerial pavilion embedded in the cliff. The 'Thirty-Three Heavens' grotto was carved during the Yuan Dynasty, 42 meters above the ground, with five layers and a total of 21 caves, structured smaller at the top and larger at the bottom, resembling a pagoda. As you climb the narrow stone steps, you feel both nervous and excited. Each layer of the cave has its own unique charm, with two types of cave structures: one with a gabled roof and the other with a four-sided sloping roof. Standing at the highest Guanyin Pavilion, overlooking the entire scenic area, you can see mountains, pines, and streams, feeling a sense of joy after conquering the climb, and being amazed by the ancient craftsmen's exquisite skills. Besides the astonishing grotto art, the natural scenery around Mati Temple is also picturesque. The streams in the scenic area are crystal clear, flowing gently, as if playing a beautiful natural symphony. On the grass by the stream, iris and cosmos flowers bloom freely, colorful and vibrant, like a sea of flowers. The distant mountains are undulating, the pines are lush and green, complementing the ancient grottoes, forming a stunning landscape painting. At Mati Temple, you can also experience rich ethnic customs. The melodious songs of the Yugur people, their traditional costumes with bright colors and exquisite patterns, showcase their unique ethnic culture.