Maiji Mountain Grottoes are the fourth largest areas of Buddhist grottoes in China, after Magao Caves in Dunhuang, Yungang Grottoes in Datong and Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang.
Situated in the far North of China’s modern territory, the caves evolved throughout time, morphing with influence from new cultures and peoples. They continued to change over 12 dynasties, keeping a Buddhist thread throughout its evolution. Although this common theme exists, and the caves feature over 7,000 Buddhist statues, there is significant variation between the statues.
Many of the statues, especially those inside the caves are exquisite, and ornately decorated. These more elaborate statues were generally not created with indigenous stone, meaning the rock for these huge ornate statues was hauled up the mountain sides from somewhere else.
Strain as much as you like, but you will not find a satisfactory answer for every question the grottoes pose. Regardless, the beauty of these mysterious caves and carvings transcends beyond archeological mysteries.
Overiew
Maiji Mountain is 150 meters tall, and it was named for its shape - like that of a pile of wheat. According to historical records, the Maiji Grottoes were excavated during the Hou Qin Dynasty of the Sixteen Kingdom Period.
The Maiji Mountain Grottoes have a long history. Excavation and rock carving continued for more than a thousand years. During the Beizhou Dynasty, Liyunxin built the Seven-Buddha Pavilion in memory of his deceased father. Emperor Wen Di of the Sui Dynasty ordered the construction of a Buddhist nun site. The present dagoba on the top of the mountain was rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. A lot of the original temples have been destroyed, but a lot remain. There are very old frescoes dating from before the Sui Dynasty.
History
In the area are preserved 194 grottoes of dynasties such as the Beiwei, Xiwei, Beizhou, Sui, and Tang, the Five Dynasties, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing. There are 7000 clay sculptures and carved stone statues.
This grotto group, unlike the column-centered caves in the famous Mogao Grottoes, was built fully according to ancient Chinese tradition. Many fine statues, carved before the Sui Dynasty, are much more valuable than the statues in the Mogao Grottoes that were modified afterwards during several dynasties.
The artistic style in these grottoes show the influence of Central Asian cultures. The Maijishan Grottoes display the features of the culture of the Central Plains because its geographical position is near the Central Plains. The Yungang Grottoes, Sichuan Dazu Rock Carvings, Huangze Temple Caves and the Maijishan Grottoes impacted each other in style.
How to get
By Train:
1. Take a bullet train from Lanzhou West Railway Station to Tianshui South Railway Station and it takes about 1h 20mins. Upon arrival, take bus 60 to Maijishan Tingche Chang (Parking lot of the scenic area).
2. Take a normal train from Lanzhou Railway Station to Tianshui Railway Station and it takes 4-5h. Then, take bus 34 to Maijishan Tingchechang.
By Bus:
Take a bus from Lanzhou Central Bus Station or East Bus Station to Tianshui and then take a taxi or local bus to the scenic area.
| Entrance Fee | May. - Oct.: CNY 90; Nov. - Apr.: CNY 70 Free for children under 1.2m (3.9 feet). |
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| Opening Hours | May - Oct.: 8:30 - 17:30 Nov. - Apr.: 9:00 - 17:00 |