[2025 Tianshui Attraction] Travel Guide for Maijishan Grottoes - Pavilion (Updated Oct)

#hellohalloween Hidden among misty cliffs near Tianshui, the Maijishan Grottoes (麦积山石窟) — also known as the Wheat Stack Mountain Caves — are one of China’s most breathtaking Buddhist sites 🙏. Rising 142 meters high, this massive sandstone mountain is carved with over 7,000 statues and 1,000 square meters of murals, all connected by dizzying walkways that cling to the cliffs 😮. At the Maijishan Grottoes Museum, you can explore detailed exhibits that tell the story of how this site was built between the 4th and 19th centuries. 🏺 From small, serene Buddhas to colossal figures smiling softly through centuries of wind and rain, every carving reflects ancient devotion and artistry. The museum also displays original sculptures, tools, and cultural relics that survived restoration — offering insight into Buddhist art’s evolution through China’s dynasties. Outside, you’ll find quiet paths lined with trees and mountain views that stretch endlessly 🌄 — a perfect mix of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.

#hellohalloween Nestled near the famous Maijishan Grottoes, this museum offers a deep dive into the artistry and faith behind one of China’s most breathtaking Buddhist sites. The Maijishan Mountain Grottoes Museum displays intricate Buddhist statues, murals, and restoration fragments, revealing how these cliffside masterpieces were carved over 1,500 years ago. Interactive exhibits and detailed models bring the grottoes’ history to life — a perfect stop before or after visiting the mountain itself. 📍 Where: Near Maijishan Scenic Area, Tianshui, Gansu 🕘 Hours: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm 🎟️ Entry: Usually included with the Maijishan Grottoes ticket 💡 Tip: Visit the museum first — it helps you appreciate the grotto carvings and Buddhist symbolism even more. #ChinaGrottoes #MaijishanWonders #TravelChina

Rising 142 meters high in Tianshui, Gansu, Maijishan is known as the “Wheat Stack Mountain” for its rounded shape. Carved into its cliff face are over 190 caves filled with 7,000+ Buddhist statues and thousands of murals, dating back more than 1,500 years. Wooden plank walkways cling to the cliffside, connecting the caves and offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The artistry here blends Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang styles — making it a living museum of Buddhist sculpture evolution along the Silk Road. It’s not just a visual feast; walking these narrow cliff paths feels like stepping into history, where faith, art, and nature meet. 💡 Tips: • About 30 km from Tianshui city — reachable by bus or taxi. • Wear comfortable shoes; some stairways are steep and narrow. • Best visited in spring or autumn for clear skies and cooler weather. #chinatravel #gansu #maijishan #maijishangrottoes #silkroad #buddhistart #historicalchina #unescoheritage #gansutravel #麦积山石窟

#celebrateit What makes the Maijishan Grottoes special is the long-lasting construction period. The construction of the Maijishan Grottoes, spanning from the Northern Wei to the Tang dynasties, covers a time span that includes the rise and fall of ten dynasties in China. Thus, the Maijishan Grottoes can be considered a chronicle of how Buddhist art evolved in China. Built, decayed, destroyed in earthquakes, and rebuilt over and over, this process reflects the Buddhist concept of "成住坏空" (formation, existence, decay, and emptiness). The Maijishan Grottoes, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, are situated in the Chinese province of Gansu, within the city of Tianshui.