[2025 Guyuan Attraction] Travel Guide for Xumishan Grottoes (Updated Apr)

The Sumiyama Grottoes: a long history, the brilliance of art In addition to Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Maiji Mountain Grottoes, there are many large and small grottoes on the Silk Road, they also record the dynasties of Buddhism The interpretation of the sculpture and the craftsmanship of the sculptures, the name of the Buddha's proverb "Sumi", is one of the main representatives. Sumiyama Grottoes is the largest Buddhist cave in Ningxia. It is located in Guyuan, the important town of the ancient Silk Road. The scenery here combines the unique beauty of the northwest. There are more than 150 existing caves in the Sumi Mountain, widely distributed in the Sumi Mountain. Various hills. Mishan Grottoes can be divided into several large areas according to location: Dafolou District, Zisungong District, Yuanguangsi District, Xiangguosi District, Taohuadong District, Songshuo District, Three Kiln Districts, Heishigou Area. Because of the time relationship, we chose a more classic area. Along the way, looking far away, the large and small grotto layers are stacked like a beehive. Walking in the mountains is like this, looking very close, but walking far. The caves have been preserved so far, and most of them have been incomplete. There are only 70 carved statues in the caves, of which more than 20 are more complete. The Buddha is very spectacular. You can climb the stairs and visit the Big Buddha at a close distance. In the distance, there are canyons, red rocks, green vegetation, and slow flowing water, which are more magnificent under the blue sky and white clouds.

1. Liupan Mountain Peach Forest: Floral Legacy of the Ancient Silk Road Highlights: The peach blossoms of Liupan Mountain create a stunning tapestry of pink, white, and yellow against verdant peaks and azure skies, forming the "Green Pearl of the Loess Plateau." When spring breezes blow, petals dance like snow while distant temple bells echo, evoking a thousand-year journey along the Silk Road. Photography Tips: Capture the misty morning flower seas with terraced fields as backdrop and ancient pagodas dotting the scene. Drone photography reveals the magnificent rhythm between flower waves and mountain contours. Accommodation & Dining: "Liupan Mountain Residence" and other boutique inns in Guyuan City offer mountain views. Must-try: Guyuan lamb hot pot, slow-cooked with seasonal wild vegetables for a rustic flavor. 2. Pengyang Terraced Peach Garden: A Spring Poem on the Loess Plateau Highlights: Pengyang's terraces, like Earth's fingerprints, burst with pink and white peach and apricot blossoms in April, creating an Impressionist painting alongside golden mustard fields. Photography Tips: Capture the golden afternoon light on terraces using telephoto lenses for dramatic shadows of flowers and farmhouses. Models in plain dresses standing on field ridges create poetic scenes with the flower sea. Accommodation & Dining: "Peach Paradise Lodge" offers simple wooden cabins with stargazing opportunities. Try local "Pengyang Steamed Chicken" with buckwheat noodles for authentic flavors. 3. Yinchuan Zhongshan Park: Urban Classical Peach Paradise Highlights: A hidden peach paradise in old Yinchuan, featuring thousands of flowering peach trees alongside classical pavilions and bridges, with petals floating on lake waters where egrets dance. Photography Tips: Perfect for traditional costume photography! Wear Hanfu or plain cheongsam, pose by red bridges and carved windows, use water reflections. The blue hour offers magical scenes with warm lights among pink blossoms. Accommodation & Dining: Stay at "Lakeside Manor" hotel nearby. Try hot pot at "Yingbin Lou" with fresh lamb, desert onions, and goji sprouts. 4. Xumishan Grottoes Peach Terrace: Buddhist Flower Rain Zen Highlights: Thousand acres of peach forests cascade down terraces beneath ancient grottoes, where Buddha gazes upon falling petals. Peach fragrance mingles with sandalwood incense in the breeze. Photography Tips: Use wide-angle lenses to capture grottoes and flowers; macro shots for petal details against weathered rock walls. Visit early morning for misty ethereal scenes. Accommodation & Dining: Stay at rustic "Xumishan Inn" in Yuanzhou District. Try traditional hand-pulled lamb with Eight Treasures Tea. 5. Helan Mountain Su Valley Almond Valley: Wild Flower Waves of the Northern Frontier Highlights: April brings purple-pink almond blossoms throughout the valley, creating a stunning contrast with Helan Mountain's rugged cliffs. Pine winds whisper as butterflies dance through this wild landscape. Photography Tips: Capture panoramic views from hiking trails using rocks as foreground elements. Backlit shots make petals glow like stained glass, while soaring eagles add drama. Accommodation & Dining: "Pine Wave Mountain House" offers forest cabins. Try "Shahu Fish Head" soup, cooked with Helan Mountain spring water, served with artemisia noodles. Travel Tips - Bloom Period: Peak flowering occurs from late March to mid-April, with mountain areas blooming later than valley regions. - Outfit Suggestions: Choose light-colored clothing to complement flower scenes; bring shawls or sun hats for pastoral charm. Pack windproof jackets for mountain temperature variations. - Cultural Experiences: Try bamboo weaving in Pengyang and explore Western Xia history at Guyuan Museum for added depth to your journey.

When it comes to Ningxia, do you only think of Yinchuan? That’s such a pity, the unknown Guyuan is waiting for you to explore. Pick up this guide and make your trip to Guyuan more exciting and fulfilling in 2 days. -- Itinerary🗺️: DAY1: Liupanshan Red Army Long March Tourist Area - Liupanshan National Forest Park ✨On the first day, we will experience the bitter journey of the Red Army's Long March and appreciate the beauty of nature in Liupanshan National Forest Park. DAY2: Xumi Mountain Grottoes 💫On the second day, we will lead you to appreciate the profound historical and cultural heritage of Xumi Mountain Grottoes. -- Must-visit attractions: 🌲Liupanshan National Forest Park: In summer⏰, this is a great place to escape the heat! The natural forest is green all year round, and the waterfall scenery is even more pleasing to the eye. 🔮Xumi Mountain Grottoes: Silk Road Beacon💡, with a long history. The sculptures in the caves are exquisite, and the Buddha statues are radiant, magnificent and gorgeous. 📕Liupanshan Red Army Long March Tourist Area: That history, that bravery, the red revolutionary education base, the baptism of the soul, it is worth a visit! -- 👕Travel preparation:🎒 🧣1. Clothing: Guyuan has entered winter in November, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so warm winter clothing is a must, such as thick down jackets, thermal underwear, woolen hats, gloves, etc. 🥾2. Shoes: Traveling to Guyuan may involve outdoor activities such as hiking and mountaineering, so a pair of comfortable hiking shoes and waterproof socks are essential, which can satisfy your free exploration in the little-known beauty. 🕶️3. Accessories: Depending on the possible outdoor activities, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen cannot be ignored. Even in cold weather, ultraviolet rays can cause damage to the skin. 💊4. Medicines: Cold and motion sickness medicines are essential. Remember to bring some disinfectant cotton and Band-Aids to heal minor injuries. In order to cope with the discomfort that may be caused by high altitudes, you may also need to consider bringing some altitude sickness medicines. 📱5. Electronic devices: You need to bring your mobile phone and camera, and they need sufficient batteries to prevent the batteries from running out halfway. If conditions permit, a drone can definitely record more stunning scenery. 📖6. Documents: Mainland China ID card, driver's license, student ID (if any), credit card, cash. These documents and financial matters must be carried with you. To be on the safe side, you still need to back up the electronic versions of these documents. -- If you want to discover more secrets and beautiful scenery of Guyuan, please follow me and explore this paradise on earth together!

Planning a short break? Check out this 2-day itinerary for Guyuan! Discover the charm of this city and make your vacation more colorful. Don't miss out! -- 🏞️ Suggested Itinerary: DAY1️⃣: Xumishan Grottoes Explore the mysterious Xumishan Grottoes, admire the charm of ancient art, and immerse yourself in thousands of years of history. DAY2️⃣: Liupanshan National Forest Park -> Laoxiangzi Scenic Area -> Liupanshan Red Army Long March Memorial Hall Wander through the lush Liupanshan National Forest Park and enjoy the fresh air and tranquility of nature. Stroll through Laoxiangzi Scenic Area and experience the rustic rural charm. Finally, visit the Liupanshan Red Army Long March Memorial Hall and relive the glorious years of the Red Revolution. -- Recommended Attractions: 🌟 Liupanshan National Forest Park: This is a summer paradise! Stroll through the natural forest and enjoy the fresh air and lush greenery. Don't miss the spectacular waterfall views that will make you feel like you're in a fairyland. 🏯 Xumishan Grottoes: Want to see the historical traces of the Silk Road? This is the place to be! The exquisite caves and magnificent Buddha statues will make you appreciate the craftsmanship of the ancients. The weight of history is overwhelming, and it's definitely worth a visit! -- 🎒 Travel Essentials: Guyuan Travel Light Packing Tips 👗 Clothing: The temperature in Guyuan in December is moderate. You can wear a light jacket during the day, but it gets cooler at night, so it's recommended to bring a warm down jacket. Pair it with comfortable sneakers for long walks. 🎩 Accessories: Don't forget your hat and sunglasses for sun protection and style. Guyuan is windy, so it's recommended to bring a windbreaker and hat. Don't forget a portable umbrella in case of sudden rain. 📲 Documents: ID card, cash, and bank card are essential, as well as student ID, military ID, and other discount cards. Double-check before you leave to avoid forgetting anything. 🍞 Food: Guyuan has a lot of delicious food, but it's still recommended to bring some snacks and water for emergencies. These little things can be lifesavers in scenic areas! -- Guyuan is a perfect blend of beautiful scenery and culture. Don't miss it! We look forward to seeing you again and discovering more surprises! 🌄✨

Hey girls! Here's a super detailed guide for an 8-day tour of Alxa, Guyuan, and Yinchuan! Explore three destinations without any pitfalls. Save this guide now! . 🚗 Itinerary: DAY 1: Shanghai -> Yulin -> Yan'an Depart from Shanghai, arrive in Yulin, and then head to Yan'an to start your red tourism journey. DAY 2: Ganquan Grand Canyon Spend the whole day exploring the spectacular Ganquan Grand Canyon and marvel at the wonders of nature. DAY 3: Mount Kongtong Climb Mount Kongtong to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and rivers and the charm of nature. DAY 4: Liupan Mountain National Forest Park -> Xumishan Grottoes Visit the fresh greenery of Liupan Mountain National Forest Park, then visit Xumishan Grottoes to experience the charm of Buddhist art. DAY 5: Tonghu Grassland -> Dream Desert Highway -> Hero Sculpture Square -> Tengger Desert -> Wulan Lake Gallop across Tonghu Grassland, cross Dream Desert Highway, visit Hero Sculpture Square, explore the depths of Tengger Desert, and finally arrive at the mysterious Wulan Lake. DAY 6: Zhenbeibu Western Film Studio -> Shahu Lake Ecotourism Area -> Huaiyuan Sightseeing Night Market Experience the charm of movies at Zhenbeibu Western Film Studio, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Shahu Lake Ecotourism Area, and visit Huaiyuan Sightseeing Night Market at night to taste authentic local food. DAY 7: Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon Visit Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Yellow River. DAY 8: Wave Valley On the last day, visit Wave Valley to experience the magical beauty of nature and end your pleasant journey. . Travel Essentials: 🎒 👗 Clothing: Warm coat, down jacket, thick sweater, long pants, hat, gloves, scarf, and long boots for the desert. 🎒 Bag: Backpack or waist bag for carrying personal items. 📱 Electronics: Mobile phone, charger, power bank, camera, and spare battery. 💳 Documents: ID card, driver's license, cash, and credit card. Be sure to carry them with you. 💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, painkillers, stomach medicine, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. 🧴 Skincare and Makeup: Moisturizer, lip balm, and a few face masks to keep your skin hydrated. . The desert of Alxa, the ancient charm of Guyuan, and the style of Yinchuan. One trip, three experiences. Don't miss this colorful land!

Dear travelers, we've compiled a list of essential travel tips for a 2-day trip to Guyuan. This practical guide will help you have a great time during the holiday! Let the fun begin! Let's have a relaxing time together. Why stay at home when you can travel? -------------------- Attraction Recommendations: 🌲 Liupan Mountain National Forest Park: A unique summer resort with a cool and pleasant climate. Walk through the 🌳 natural forest, follow the 🌊 waterfall, and enjoy the 🌻 beautiful scenery. 🏛️ Xumishan Grottoes: Witness the prosperity of the 🌎 Silk Road at this important pass, which is as valuable as a 💎 diamond. Travel back in time 🕰️ and admire the 🌟 intricate and exquisite decorations and the magnificent 🏵️ and colorful Buddha statues in the caves. -------------------- 🎒 Travel Checklist: 🧥 Clothing: As the temperature in Guyuan is below zero in December, be sure to bring your winter clothes, warm clothes, scarf, gloves, hat, etc., to keep warm and have fun during your winter trip. 💼 Accessories: To enjoy the beautiful scenery of Guyuan, you will need a good camera 📷 or phone 📱. You should also bring some emergency supplies, such as sunscreen, medicine, tissues, charger, etc. 📒 Documents: Don't forget your ID card, bank card, and other documents. If you plan to drive, bring your driver's license. Ensure your safety and have a great time. -------------------- The story of Guyuan is waiting for you to experience it. Pack your bags and start a wonderful journey! 🎒🤗

Ningxia Xumishan Grottoes 🍃Located in Guyuan, Ningxia, this is one of the top ten grottoes in China, although it is not as famous as the four major grottoes. It was first built during the Northern Wei Dynasty and has more than 160 caves. The most famous is the Tang Dynasty statue in Cave 5, which is the largest stone Buddha statue in Ningxia. 🍃The route is to visit the museum first, then take the scenic area transport to the foot of the grottoes. The museum gives a brief introduction to the history and protection of the grottoes, but there are no artifacts, only replicas. If you have already learned a lot about the scenic area, you can skip the museum. However, you can find the best spot to take photos of the Buddha statue by climbing up the right side of the museum. If you want to see everything, you need to climb the mountain. ⛰️The whole journey is about 2 km, and you can also see the Zisun Palace. You will pass by the Yuanguang Temple on the way down. I stayed in Xiji County at night and had a delicious meal at a restaurant. I still miss the taste of the food.

| Encounter the Light of Xumi. 👣 Walk into Xumi, enjoy the cool summer time, and stay here. 🍃 Scenic Spot Introduction: Xumi Mountain Grottoes are located in Yuanzhou District, Guyuan City, Ningxia. They were first built during the Northern Wei period and have been expanded in successive dynasties. With a history of over 1500 years, it is one of the top ten grottoes in China. There are currently 162 caves and more than 500 relatively well-preserved statues, distributed across 8 peaks spanning 2 kilometers. 🍃 Tour Route: Xumi Mountain Museum -- Great Buddha Temple -- Cave No. 1 -- Shimen Pass -- Zisun Palace -- Yuan Guang Temple -- Xiangguo Temple -- Bodhi Tree 🍃 Tour Duration: 3 hours

The Xumi Mountain Grottoes are located in Yuanzhou District, Guyuan City, Ningxia, situated on the northern slopes of the Xumi Mountain on the northwest side of the city. They were first carved during the Taihe period of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty, and have seen large-scale construction during the Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, and renovations and redecorations during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It is the largest ancient Buddhist monastery in Guyuan, continuing for more than 1,500 years, and is one of China's earliest top ten grottoes. There are currently 162 grottoes in the Xumi Mountain Grottoes, with more than 900 statues of various sizes, distributed over 8 mountain peaks spanning 2 kilometers. The Xumi Mountain is located on the throat of the northern route of the eastern section of the Silk Road, and is a necessary path for the eastward spread of Buddhism. Grotto No. 5 is a horseshoe-shaped cliff grotto carved during the Tang Dynasty. The grotto has a width of 15.4 meters at the foot, a depth of 20 meters, and a height of 22 meters, making it one of the largest grottoes in Xumi Mountain. According to the stele inscription of 'The Record of the Reconstruction of the Yuan Guang Temple Big Buddha Tower': before the Ming Dynasty Chenghua period, there was a wooden grotto eaves tower in front of the grotto chamber, and the remaining beam holes are the clear evidence. The large Maitreya Buddha sitting in the center of the grotto is 20.6 meters high, which is the largest stone statue in Xumi Mountain and one of the largest stone statues in the country's grottoes. The Buddha's head is 5 meters, the ears are 3 meters long, and the toes are faintly visible. The Xumi Mountain Grottoes are strategically located on the mountain, scattered among the mountains. As we follow the rocky paths, although there are trails built by the scenic area, the conditions are similar to the climbing route we took to the ancient cliff dwellings in Yanqing, Beijing, twenty years ago, with some gravel sections still quite slippery. To approach the grottoes, one must proceed with caution and move slowly. Seeing the grottoes and cliff carvings chiseled out of the bizarre rocks among the mountains, we marvel at the magnificent feat created by ancient craftsmen with rudimentary tools!

The Mount Sumeru Grottoes began to be carved during the Taihe period of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty, and underwent large-scale construction during the Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang dynasties, as well as renovations and redecorations in the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It is the largest ancient Buddhist monastery and Zen institution in Guyuan and one of the top ten grottoes in China. There are currently 162 existing caves, distributed over eight naturally formed areas from south to north, namely the Great Buddha Tower area, Descendants' Palace area, Yuanguang Temple area, Xiangguo Temple area, Peach Blossom Cave area, Pine Tree Hollow area, Three Kiln area, and Black Stone Gully area; there are more than 500 well-preserved statues, 53 Han and Tibetan inscriptions, 3 steles, 13 fragments of steles, and over 20 square meters of murals; the total area covers 6 square kilometers.

👍Most recommended: For the May Day holiday, self-drive to Guyuan, Ningxia, where the road is lined with blooming flowers and beautiful scenery. ✅Must experience: Jinjiping, Highway 77, Yanzhi Gorge, Sumi Mountain Grottoes 🗓Itinerary: Yinchuan-Pengyang 🏨Hotel environment: Jingyuan Set off for Pengyang County in the morning, upon arrival, head to 【Jinjiping】 ⏳Playtime: 2 hours of touring 📍Detailed address: Jinjiping Terrace Park is located in the Yangwa watershed of Pengyang County, covering an area of 28 square kilometers. The terrain and landforms within the scenic area are mainly ridges, mounds, and gullies. In 2014, it was selected as one of the ten terrace landscapes of 'China's Beautiful Countryside' by the Ministry of Agriculture. 【Highway 77】 ⏳Playtime: 2 hours of touring 📍Detailed address: Highway 77, known as the 'Rainbow Road', in Lama Bay, Pengyang County, Guyuan City, Ningxia, is surrounded by pink mountain flowers competing in beauty. Driving slowly on the 'Rainbow' road, winding through the flower gallery, the brilliant mountain flowers and the splendid 'Rainbow' road recite the beautiful scenery of spring here. After the visit, return to the guesthouse. Day two Jingyuan-Return home 【Yanzhi Gorge】 ⏳Playtime: 2.5 hours of touring 📍Detailed address: Yanzhi Gorge is located on the east side of Yangcao Village, Huanghua Township, 8 kilometers northeast of Jingyuan County Town. It is bordered by Kongtong Mountain to the east, Liupan Mountain to the west, and faces Laolongtan to the south. The canyon is 45 kilometers long and was formed during the Ordovician period 800 million years ago. The name 'Yanzhi' evolved from the minority 'Yanzhi Clan' and the 'Yanzhi' tribe that thrived here during the Spring and Autumn period. 【Sumi Mountain Grottoes】 ⏳Playtime: 2 hours of touring 📍Detailed address: Located 55 kilometers northwest of Guyuan City in Ningxia, on Sumi Mountain, one of the ten famous grottoes in China, and the largest group of grottoes in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Its unique Danxia natural landscape, rich historical and cultural landscapes, and its romantic and magical colors have created more than a dozen unique historical and natural landscapes such as 'Big Buddha Tower', 'Sumi's Light', and 'Sumi's Pine Waves', which make people linger and marvel at the beauty of the statues. It is like stepping into a palace of religion and art, known as the 'Dunhuang of Ningxia'.

✅✅ One of China's top ten grottoes ✅✅ Silk Road World Cultural Heritage ✅✅ National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit ✅✅ National 4A-level Scenic Spot ✅✅ The largest grotto complex in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region ♻️♻️ The Mount Sumeru Grottoes, located on Mount Sumeru in the northwest of Yuanzhou District, Guyuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, were first carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty, flourished during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and currently have 162 existing caves with more than 500 well-preserved statues. It is also the largest ancient Buddhist temple and Zen monastery in the Guyuan area.🕍🕍🕍 ♻️♻️ This millennium-old site is spread over eight Danxia landforms from south to north, situated in the transitional zone between clay sculpture and stone carving of grotto statues, with distinct characteristics of the times. The grotto statues and the Danxia landforms of the mountains complement each other, offering extraordinary artistic and touristic value.💯💯💯 ✅✅ Mount Sumeru's Pine Waves is one of the top ten scenic spots of Guyuan during the Qing Dynasty ✅✅ The seated Buddha of the Northern Zhou Dynasty in Cave 51, known as 'The Light of Sumeru,' is exquisitely carved, grand in scale, serene in facial expression, and graceful in posture, making it a rare treasure of grotto statues ✅✅ The main statues are distributed in eight areas: the Great Buddha Tower area, the Descendants' Palace area, the Yuan Guang Temple area, the Xiang Guo Temple area, the Peach Blossom Cave area, the Pine Tree Hollow area, the Three Kilns area, and the Black Stone Gully area 🏟️🏟️ Address: Huangduobao Street, Sanying Town, Yuanzhou District, Guyuan City 🚙🚙 Transportation: Public transportation is inconvenient, self-driving is recommended 💰💰 Ticket Price: 60 yuan

Mount Sumeru Grottoes is probably the most sincere spot I visited on this trip. Because this spot is located separately in Guyuan City, southern Ningxia, I detoured nearly four hundred kilometers to see it! This grotto is similar to the four major grottoes, but unfortunately, many stone statues have been worn out in history. The existing relics are scattered on eight mountains, among which, Cave No.1 and Cave No.5 are relatively well preserved. The big Buddha in Cave No.5 is about 20 meters high, which is quite spectacular. In addition, Mount Sumeru Grottoes is also the site of the Stone Gate relics, with a particularly strong cultural flavor. I hope that my sentiment of running four hundred kilometers to see a scene can be preserved for a long time...

## Sumiyama, the center of the world in ancient Indian mythology. came to Ningxia and came to the Sumi Mountain Grottoes, one of China's top ten grottoes, before I was fortunate enough to feel the Buddha's ambition. began to be drilled in the Northern Wei Dynasty. The Suishan Grottoes have a history of more than 1,400 years. After continuous cultivation and repair, there are 8 scenic spots such as Xiangguo Temple and more than 350 Buddha statues. or male in the mountains, or hidden in the mountains, or Buddha statues, or murals. Walking along the history and religious civilization, such a mountain climbing trip is particularly meaningful.