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Xumishan Grottoes are located on Mount Xumi, a mountain on the northern slope of the Liupan Mountains, 55 kilometers northwest of Guyuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. A National AAAA-level tourist attraction, it is a must-see stop on the northern route of the eastern section of the ancient Silk Road and is one of China's ten largest grottoes. Initially carved during the Taihe reign of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (477-499 AD), they underwent extensive construction during the Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang dynasties, and were further renovated and enhanced during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Leveraging its mysterious Buddhist heritage, they flourished for over 1,500 years, becoming the largest Buddhist temple in ancient Guyuan.
Xumishan Grottoes currently contain 162 caves, distributed across eight naturally formed zones from south to north: the Great Buddha Building, the Zisun Palace, the Yuanguang Temple, the Xiangguo Temple, the Taohua Cave, the Songshuwa, the Three Kilns, and the Heishigou. Over 500 well-preserved statues, 53 inscriptions in Chinese and Tibetan, three steles, 13 fragments of steles, and over 20 square meters of murals are found. Among these 500-plus statues, murals, and inscriptions, whether depicting Buddhist figures or painted murals or depicting Buddhist legends, each retains distinct characteristics of its time. From the over 20-meter-tall Buddha to the mere 0.2-meter-tall donors, each is meticulously carved, with both reliefs and high reliefs resembling sculptures in the round, imbued with a rich sense of life.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for about 2 hours
60 yuan/person
07:00-19:00
The Xumishan Grottoes, located in Guyuan, Ningxia, date back to the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534 AD). The site contains over 1,000 statues, murals, and carvings that reflect the development of Buddhist art in China. The grottoes are significant for their historical importance, as they offer insight into the spread of Buddhism and its artistic representations during the period.
The Xumishan Grottoes are located in the Xumi Mountain area, about 30 kilometers southwest of Guyuan in Ningxia, China. You can take a bus or taxi from Guyuan city to reach the site. The area is not served by metro, so taxis or private transport are the most convenient options.
The Xumishan Grottoes are typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months (April to June, and September to November), when the weather is more moderate. Summer can be quite hot, and winter can be cold and less suitable for outdoor exploration.
The entrance fee for the Xumishan Grottoes is around 60 CNY for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the site itself, or in advance through online platforms or through travel agencies that organize tours to the grottoes.
While it is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, it is advisable to do so, especially during peak travel seasons (spring and autumn). Booking a few days ahead is recommended if visiting during these busy times.
It typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the Xumishan Grottoes, depending on your interest in the history and art of the site. If you are also planning to visit nearby temples or the surrounding landscape, you may need an additional hour or two.
Yes, guided tours are available in Mandarin, and English-speaking guides may be available upon request, though they may be limited. Audio guides in multiple languages may also be available at the site, depending on availability.
Start at the main entrance and visit the most famous caves first, including Cave No. 1, where the most detailed sculptures are located. Continue exploring the other caves in order, with a focus on those with significant historical murals. End your visit with a walk around the surrounding temple area to soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not available at the Xumishan Grottoes. Most visits are conducted during daylight hours, and the site is best enjoyed in natural light to appreciate the art and surroundings fully.
The Xumishan Grottoes can get crowded during public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, especially in the off-peak seasons of late autumn and winter.
Basic facilities are available at the grotto site, including toilets, rest areas, and a small shop selling souvenirs and snacks. There are also water stations around the site. However, expect fewer dining options near the grottoes themselves.
The Xumishan Grottoes involve some walking and climbing to reach different caves, which may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children may find it easier to explore, but caution is advised near the more difficult sections.
Cash is commonly used for small purchases at the site, but mobile payments (like Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted in most areas. Cards may not be widely accepted in local shops around the grottoes.
There are limited dining options near the Xumishan Grottoes. The town of Guyuan, around 30 kilometers away, has several restaurants and cafes serving local Chinese cuisine. It is recommended to eat in Guyuan before or after visiting the grottoes.
In Guyuan, you will find vegetarian and some halal food options in the local restaurants. It’s recommended to check the menu or ask the staff for specific dietary requirements.
The town of Guyuan offers several hotel options, including budget accommodations and mid-range hotels. Popular choices include the Guyuan Grand Hotel and various guesthouses within the town.
Yes, there are souvenir shops at the site selling items like small statues, carvings, and traditional handicrafts related to the grottoes and Buddhist culture.
After visiting, taxis or local buses can take you back to Guyuan city. From there, you can continue your trip to other parts of Ningxia or head towards nearby destinations like Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia, for further exploration.
