Feel the Misty Rain of Maiji Mountain: The Thousand-Year Smile of the Hanging Buddha Kingdom

Maiji Mountain Grottoes are located in Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, about 30 kilometers from the city center. Visitors can take a bus (Route 34/60) or a taxi (approximately 1 hour) directly to the scenic area from Tianshui Railway Station or Tianshui South Station. For self-driving tourists, navigate to "Maiji Mountain Grottoes Visitor Center"; parking is convenient. 🎫 Tickets and Opening Hours Peak season (April-October): 80 RMB/person; Off-season: 40 RMB/person. Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). Special grotto visits require additional reservations (e.g., Grotto 133 "Thousand Buddha Cave," Grotto 121 "Whispering Cave," with ticket prices ranging from 50-200 RMB). 🌟 Must-See Highlights 1. Hanging Buddha Kingdom: The grottoes are carved into a 142-meter-high Danxia cliff, with suspended walkways that are thrilling and spectacular. 2. Clay Sculpture Art: Featuring 194 grotto niches and over 7,200 statues, the sculptures range from the robust style of the Later Qin to the delicate beauty of the Ming and Qing dynasties, earning the title "Textbook of Chinese Sculpture History." 3. Iconic Grottoes: - Grotto 44 (Western Wei): Known as the "Eastern Mona Lisa," the Buddha statue exudes a serene smile. - Grotto 133 (Northern Wei): The Thousand Buddha Cave showcases intricately carved Thousand Buddha Stele. - Grotto 98 (Northern Zhou): The 15-meter-tall cliffside Buddha is majestic and awe-inspiring. 📌 Practical Tips Safety: The walkways are steep; wear non-slip shoes, and those with a fear of heights should proceed cautiously. Guides: Renting an electronic guide (20 RMB) or hiring a tour guide (starting at 150 RMB) is recommended to avoid missing details. Nearby Attractions: Combine with a one-day tour of Xianren Cliff and Fuxi Temple (in Tianshui city center). Seasons: Spring and summer offer lush greenery, autumn features vibrant foliage, and rainy days may bring stunning misty views. Renowned for its "thrill, uniqueness, beauty, and excellence," Maiji Mountain Grottoes are best enjoyed early in the morning on non-holiday days for a tranquil appreciation of this thousand-year-old artistic treasure!