Maijishan Grottoes

Maijishan Grottoes are a cluster of Buddhist caves cut into a haystack-shaped sandstone peak in Maiji District, about 35 km southeast of Tianshui in Gansu, China. The name means Wheat Stack Mountain, which describes the isolated, rounded peak rising from a wooded valley. Carving began in the fourth century CE and continued through several dynasties, leaving 194 caves and more than 7,200 clay and stone sculptures, many of them set high on the cliff and linked by galleries, walkways and stairways bolted to the rock. The site is known for its lifelike sculptures, which include serene Buddhas, attendant bodhisattvas and small, expressive figures from the Northern Wei, Western Wei and later periods. Many are made of clay moulded over a stone or wooden core and painted, and they differ in style from the more monumental stone carvings at other Silk Road sites. Visitors climb the cliff by stairways and plank walkways, entering a selection of caves and looking at figures in niches and chambers, with views over the valley and surrounding hills from the higher levels. Some caves are open to view from the walkway, while others require a guide with a key, and some are closed from time to time for conservation. The climb involves many steps and some heights, and a visit typically takes three to four hours. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather and good light, while summer is warm and winter is cold with shorter hours. Crowds are moderate, with tour groups arriving mostly around midday and on national holidays. Photography rules vary by cave and visitors should follow signs. A direct tourist bus runs from Tianshui South Railway Station, and the scenic area uses separate tickets for entry and shuttle services, so visitors should confirm what the ticket covers at the gate before buying. Opening hours change by season.