North Grottoes Temple

Introducing North Grottoes Temple

Beishiku Temple, located at the foot of Fuzhong Mountain at the confluence of the Ru and Pu Rivers in Qingyang County, Gansu Province, is said to be the place where King Mu of Zhou ascended the mountain. Construction began in 509 AD, during the second year of the Yongping reign of the Northern Wei Dynasty, under the supervision of Xi Kangsheng, the governor of Jingzhou. Beishiku Temple is one of China's most diverse grottoes. Beginning in the Northern Wei Dynasty, it underwent expansion and renovation during the Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Song, and Qing dynasties, resulting in a dense network of caves and niches. On the ochre-red cliff, 120 meters long and 20 meters high, the temple is divided into three layers: upper, middle, and lower. 295 caves and niches are carved, housing 2,125 statues of various sizes. Cave 165 is the largest, earliest, and best-preserved of the complex. At 13.2 meters high, 17.9 meters deep, and 21.7 meters wide, it covers over 340 square meters. It houses seven 8-meter-tall standing Buddha statues. To the left of the cave entrance stands the statue of the Asura King, with three heads and six arms and a fierce gaze, he exudes a powerful and majestic presence.

The North Grottoes Temple boasts the largest number of grottoes from the Tang Dynasty. Cave 32, built in 692 AD by Yang Yuanyu, the magistrate of Linjing County, Jingzhou (present-day Zhenyuan County, Gansu Province), embodies the artistic style of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty. The North Grottoes Temple also preserves over 150 inscriptions from the Sui, Tang, Song, Jin, Western Xia, and Yuan dynasties, reflecting a rich tapestry of social history and serving as valuable documents for the study of history and calligraphy.

Climate and best time to travel

Best time to travel

Qingyang City is located in eastern Gansu Province, and the best time to visit is from June to October. During this period, Qingyang's summers are mild, and its autumns are clear and crisp, making them ideal for travel. However, Qingyang's winters are cold and dry, and its springs are windy, sandy, and dry, making them unsuitable for travel.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

【Recommended attractions】

Cave 165: This is the largest Seven Buddha Cave in China. Colossal statues of heavenly kings flank the exterior. The seven principal Buddhas within are all from the Northern Wei Dynasty. Sakyamuni is centrally located, flanked by attendant Bodhisattvas, along with Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Asura, and Kunlun Slave.
Cave 222: A Tang Dynasty cave. The principal figure is Maitreya, flanked by disciples. The reliefs on either side feature various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Cave 240: Excavated during the Sui and Tang dynasties, its painted sculptures are a highlight.

【Recommended Play Time】

2 hours

Tickets

The North Grottoes Temple ticket price is 30 yuan per person. Children under 1 meter tall are free of charge, those between 1.2 and 1.5 meters tall purchase a child ticket, and those over 70 years old purchase a senior citizen ticket with their senior citizen ID.

Attraction opening hours

The North Grottoes Temple is open from 09:00 to 17:00 all year round, and admission stops at 16:30.

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Most Popular FAQs for North Grottoes Temple

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

North Grottoes Temple is an important Buddhist site in Qingyang, Gansu, featuring ancient grottoes carved into cliffs. It holds historical and religious significance, reflecting the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road and showcasing traditional Chinese Buddhist art and architecture.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The temple is located in Qingyang, Gansu Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi or private car from Qingyang city center. Local buses may reach nearby stops, but a short walk or taxi from the bus stop is usually needed to access the temple.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the lighting is ideal for photography.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is usually modest, around 30–50 CNY. Tickets can generally be purchased onsite; some sites may offer online booking through local tourism websites.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking in advance is optional except during peak travel periods. If desired, tickets can be booked a few days ahead online.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Approximately 2–3 hours to explore the grottoes, temple halls, and surrounding paths.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Main grottoes with Buddhist statues and carvings.
• Temple halls and prayer areas.
• Scenic hillside paths overlooking the complex.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours in Mandarin are available; English guides or audio guides are limited, so self-guided exploration is common for international visitors.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Cliffside grotto entrances and interior statues.
• Temple courtyards and halls.
• Hillside trails offering panoramic views of the temple complex and surrounding mountains.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start at the main entrance and visit the primary grottoes first.
• Continue to the temple halls and inner courtyards.
• Walk along the hillside paths for panoramic views and photography.
• Finish with smaller grottoes and souvenir areas near the exit.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are generally not permitted, and there are no regular light shows. Special cultural events may occasionally take place.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Weekdays are less crowded, while weekends and public holidays see more visitors, especially during peak travel seasons like spring and autumn.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities include restrooms, a few snack stalls, and benches along pathways. Small souvenir shops may be near the entrance/exit.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Some areas with steps and uneven paths may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children should be supervised. Vehicle access or ramps may exist at main entrance areas.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted; many onsite vendors also support mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Small local eateries and snack vendors are near the temple; full-service restaurants are located in Qingyang city.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are commonly available in local restaurants. Halal options are limited and more accessible in Qingyang city.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Guesthouses and small hotels are available in nearby towns; larger hotels are in Qingyang city, about 20–30 minutes by car.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Other Buddhist temples in Qingyang region.
• Local historic towns and countryside villages.
• Scenic mountain trails and nature areas nearby.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops sell Buddhist-themed items, small handicrafts, and local snacks or teas.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Taxi or ride-hailing services to Qingyang city or nearby scenic areas.
• Private car or tour vehicle for flexible travel along regional attractions.
• Local buses connect to nearby towns, but schedules are limited.