Northwest Loop Must-Visit! Complete Guide to Maijishan Grottoes + Money-Saving Tips

As one of China's four major grottoes, Maijishan Grottoes offers a stunning experience without the crowds of Dunhuang. The regular caves alone are breathtaking, offering great value for money～🤩 💰Money-saving tips! 3 proven ways to save on the sightseeing bus fare - Basic ticket price is 80 RMB/person, and you can save the 30 RMB sightseeing bus fee! If driving, navigate directly to "Maijishan Grottoes - Ticket Checkpoint" to avoid the visitor center. If asked, just say you’re going to eat at a farmhouse ahead; it takes you straight to the scenic area entrance～ - Many farmhouse owners near the scenic area entrance will offer free rides to the entrance if you stay overnight or have lunch at their place. Off-season accommodation is only about 100 RMB, so you can handle food, lodging, and transport all in one stop! - For those with good stamina, just hike! It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the scenic area entrance, and you can enjoy the mountain scenery along the way. It’s both money-saving and good exercise🏃‍♀️ 📍Regular Tour Guide (Hassle-free and no pitfalls) - Ticket price is 110 RMB/person (includes ticket + sightseeing bus). After getting off the bus, you need to walk 15 minutes to reach the core grotto area. If you don’t want to walk, you can also choose to ride a horse🐴 - Recommended tour time is 2-3 hours. No need to rush; take your time to fully appreciate the historical depth of the grottoes～ ✨Must-Visit Caves (You’ll regret missing these!) - Cave 9 [Central Seven Buddha Pavilion]: No wire mesh blocking the view, you can see rows of Buddha statues with the naked eye. Majestic and stunning, with incredible details! - Cave 3 [Thousand Buddha Corridor]: The corridor leading to Cave 4 is a must-turn-back spot! There are 6 rows of 297 Buddha statues on the cliff wall, each with unique expressions. Perfect for photos📸 - Cave 4 [Scattered Flower Tower]: The tallest and most magnificent cave in Maijishan! The Vajra warriors on both sides, the flying frescoes on the dome, and the famous plaque "Shi Wu Deng Deng" – every detail is worth savoring～ - Cave 13 [East Cliff Giant Buddha] & Cave 98 [West Cliff Giant Buddha]: Two giant Buddhas symmetrically placed, each 16 meters tall, creating a powerful visual impact! - Cave 44: The legendary "Eastern Smile" is here! The Bodhisattva’s smile is gentle and healing, radiating spiritual energy. Be sure to experience it up close～ - Little surprise: There are many cute little squirrels 🐿️ in the scenic area. Staff say they are not afraid of people at all. If you’re lucky, you might spot these little creatures foraging～ 📝Friendly Tips - The grottoes may close for maintenance due to weather conditions. It’s recommended to check the official WeChat account 3 days in advance to avoid wasted trips! - Nearby Xianren Cliff and Jingtusi Temple are also worth visiting. They are about 20 minutes by car. Carpooling from the scenic area entrance is convenient too (Xianren Cliff 10 RMB/person, Jingtusi Temple 15 RMB/person) If you love cultural attractions, don’t miss Maijishan. The collision of history and art will truly make you marvel at the wisdom of the ancients～🚗