Explore the origin of Chinese grotto art and experience the millennium-old Buddha light and spectacular landscapes

Wuwei Tianti Mountain Grottoes, hailed as the starting point of Chinese grotto art, are definitely worth a special visit. Built over 1,600 years ago, these grottoes are not only the first in Chinese history to be carved under the patronage of a monarch but are also revered by historians as the "Ancestor of Grottoes," directly influencing the construction of the later Yungang and Longmen Grottoes. ✨ Highlights of the Visit · Tracing the origins of grotto art: As the "ancestor" of Chinese grotto art, this site is the starting point to understand the Sinicization process of Buddhist grotto art. · Admire the magnificent main Buddha: In Cave 13, the 28-meter-tall statue of Shakyamuni sits facing the mountain and water, with his right arm extended, solemn and kind, leaving a profound impression. · Experience the Buddhist kingdom amidst nature: Beneath the Buddha’s feet ripple clear waves, with thin clouds wrapping around, creating a spectacular scene where mountain, water, Buddha, and clouds blend harmoniously. · Feel the living intangible cultural heritage: The site regularly hosts performances of the "Liangzhou Baojuan" storytelling and "Xiliang Dance," bringing the millennium-old mural art off the walls and back onto the stage. 🏞️ Core Attractions of the Scenic Area Tianti Mountain Grottoes, also known as Liangzhou Grottoes, are located about 50-60 kilometers south of the city center in Dengshan Village, Zhangyi Town, Liangzhou District, Wuwei City, Gansu Province. The grottoes were first carved during the Northern Liang period of the Sixteen Kingdoms in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (around 412-439 AD), under the patronage of King Juqu Mengxun and supervised by the eminent monk Tan Yao, with a history spanning over 1,600 years. The Historical Status as the "Ancestor of Grottoes" Within the Chinese grotto art system, Tianti Mountain Grottoes hold a unique pioneering position. They are the artistic source of the Yungang and Longmen Grottoes. The "Liangzhou Model" formed during their carving laid the fundamental paradigm for later grotto constructions. Cave 13: The Stunning Main Statue and Great Buddha The core area open to the public is Cave 13, the largest existing cave in Tianti Mountain. The main figure inside is a 28-meter-tall (some sources say over 30 meters) statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, majestic and grand. The Buddha’s right arm extends forward, with the clear waters of the Huangyang River Reservoir beneath his feet and the snow-capped Qilian Mountains in the distance, perfectly blending the geographical environment with Buddhist imagery for a magnificent view. Cultural Relics Protection and Digitization Due to historical earthquakes and the construction of the Huangyang River Reservoir, most relics in Tianti Mountain Grottoes, except those in Cave 13, have been relocated for protection. In recent years, a project to protect and restore relocated murals and sculptures has repaired a total of 729 pieces. The site also actively employs digital technology, having completed high-definition 2D and 3D scans of 400 murals, and created a digital holographic exhibition hall for visitors, allowing the relics to "come alive" in new ways. 🎭 Unique Experiences and Activities 1. Immersive Cultural Experience · Intangible Cultural Heritage Performances: Within the scenic area, you can enjoy the ancient "Liangzhou Baojuan" intangible cultural heritage storytelling art and the "Xiliang Dance" inspired by the grotto murals, experiencing the transmission of millennia-old culture. · Tianti Market: The site regularly hosts intangible cultural heritage performances and various themed cultural practice activities through the "Tianti Market" platform, enriching the visitor experience. 2. Seasonal Scenic Photography Tianti Mountain Grottoes showcase distinct seasonal scenery, especially in autumn when frost lightly covers the stone steps, the Huangyang River Reservoir ripples with green waves, and the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and autumn frost leaves together create a poetic landscape. It is an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of nature and culture. 3. Cultural Creative Collectibles and Check-in Spots The scenic area offers 19 cultural creative products and has designed 20 themed stamps for visitors to collect. Newly added popular check-in spots like "Zi Li Qian Kun" and "Lotus Blooming on Stone" are also worth stopping by for memorable photos. 🗺️ Practical Travel Guide Tickets and Opening Hours · Ticket price reference: About 30 RMB per person (subject to the actual announcement at the site). · Opening hours: The scenic area is open daily; it is recommended to check with the site before your visit. Transportation · Location: The grottoes are located in Dengshan Village, Zhangyi Town, Liangzhou District, Wuwei City, about 50-60 kilometers from the city center. · How to get there: · By car: Driving from Wuwei city center takes about 1 hour and is the most convenient. · Public transport: Buses from Wuwei Passenger Transport Station can reach near the scenic area. Carpooling is also an option, with shared ride costs around 110 RMB (possibly covering multiple attractions). Suggested Itinerary · Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours to fully explore the core area. · Nearby attractions: You can combine Tianti Mountain with Wuwei’s White Pagoda Temple (site of the Liangzhou Alliance) and Wushaoling (the starting point of the Hexi Corridor) in the same day. Tips · Visitors need to walk down steep steps to reach the viewing platform of Cave 13; please pay attention to safety and wear comfortable shoes. · For a deeper understanding of the Tianti Mountain Grottoes’ relics, it is highly recommended to visit the Wuwei Museum or Gansu Provincial Museum, where some exquisite murals and sculptures relocated from Tianti Mountain are displayed. Though Tianti Mountain Grottoes may not be as large as some later grottoes, as the source of Chinese grotto culture, its profound historical heritage and unique mountain-water Buddhist kingdom scenery offer a soul-stirring experience. We hope this guide helps you embark on an unforgettable journey tracing the origins of grotto art!