Maijishan Grottoes

The basics

Be prepared for stairs when you visit Maijishan, since you need to climb many to reach the 200 grottoes. There are caves on both the eastern and western sides of the cliff containing Buddhist art. Some have been damaged, but you still get an excellent display of ancient artwork, including several Buddha sculptures.

Some caves are closed to the public, but you can explore them for an extra fee. You can also hire an English-speaking guide. Don’t forget to visit Ruiying Monastery at the bottom of the mountain, which also houses some statues—your admission ticket grants you access to this. The grounds surrounding the grottoes are also great for hiking.

Things to know before you go

• Due to all the stairs, the grottoes are not wheelchair accessible.
• Wear sturdy shoes, since you’ll be doing a lot of walking and climbing up and down stairs.
• Make sure to hydrate, since Gansu province is dry all year round.
• There are a limited number of tickets issued each day, so book ahead of time via Maijishan Tourism or take a tour that includes tickets.

How to get there

Make your way to Tianshu Railway station, which is connected to several major cities by bullet train. Then, hop on bus 34 which takes you to the Maijishan ticket office. From here you can walk or take a tourist bus to the visitor center, and then head up the stairs to the grottoes.

When to get there

Aim for spring, summer, or fall to visit Maijishan Grottoes, when the temperatures are mild to warm. Also try to come in the mornings, otherwise the stairs are full of other tourists. Avoid national holidays in the first weeks of May and October, since the site will be packed.

China’s grottoes

There are four major grottoes that have been uncovered in China, which are sure to appeal to history buffs. Besides Maijishan, others to explore are the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, and the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang. The preserved Buddhist art is remarkable and gives you a picture of life along the Silk Road.