Day 1 → → → → Xi'an gathering day
All day
The whole day is Xi'an gathering day
Tourists should go to the meeting hotel on their own and report "China-Travel Note + Name" at the hotel front desk to check in. The general check-in time is after 14:00. After checking in, you will be free to do as you please. During the free time, please keep your belongings safe and pay attention to safety.
Recommended attractions in Xi'an: City Wall, Bell and Drum Tower Square, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Forest of Steles, Daming Palace, Tang Dynasty City, etc.
Recommended Xi'an cuisine: biangbiang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese roujiamo), oil-splashed noodles, mutton soup, cold noodles, spicy meatball soup, Huanggui persimmon cake, gourd chicken, Bingfeng (a type of pork stew), etc.
Internet celebrity must-visit food: bowl-breaking wine, brush pastry, Thirteen Yao, small crispy pork, egg and vegetable steamed bun, sour plum soup, etc.
Special note: If you want to know more about the Longdong Grottoes Corridor before your trip, you can watch documentaries such as "China Grotto Corridor", "Maijishan Grottoes", "Grove China", and "Dazu Rock Carvings" to make preparations in advance.
Day 2 Xi'an → Shuilu Temple → Binxian Big Buddha Temple → Stay in Binxian
All day
After breakfast, we headed to the lesser-known but significant Shuilu Temple, known as "China's Second Dunhuang" for its preserved Ming Dynasty colored sculptures.
Built during the Sui and Tang dynasties, Shuilu Temple, an ancient temple of the Six Dynasties, originally served as the Shuilu Hall of Wuzhen Temple. It was an important venue for the "Shuilu Grand Fast" and "Shuilu Daochang" ceremonies. It is renowned for its exquisite and rare ancient colored clay sculptures. The over 3,700 clay sculptures preserved in the main hall of Shuilu Temple are considered "treasures of wall sculpture." These colorful clay wall sculptures are located entirely within the main hall, divided into four sections: the north and south gables, the walls of the central main compartment, and the eaves. Combining painting, round sculpture, relief, and openwork, these wall sculptures are inlaid with over 3,700 figures of people and natural worlds on the walls, beams, and columns. These include Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, the Twenty-Four Devas, Five Hundred Arhats Crossing the Sea, a Thousand People Listening to Sutras, and a statue of Sakyamuni entering Nirvana, showcasing the rich imagination and superb sculptural skills of ancient Chinese artisans.
Afterwards, we went to the important site on the northern route of the Silk Road [Bin County Dafo Temple Grottoes] to experience the historical witness of the spread and integration of Buddhism in the Western Regions and the Central Plains.
Although Buddhism was introduced to China as early as the Han Dynasty, its true influence began during the Tang Dynasty. As part of the "Silk Roads: The Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor" project, a joint application by China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, the Dafo Temple Grottoes in Bin County were inscribed on the World Heritage List alongside sites such as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the ruins of the Daming Palace, the ruins of the Weiyang Palace, the Xingjiao Temple, and the Tomb of Zhang Qian in Shaanxi. The Dafo Temple Grottoes contain 446 niches and over 1,980 statues, divided into five sections: the Great Buddha Cave, the Thousand Buddha Caves, the Arhat Caves, the Zhangba Buddha Caves, and the Monk's Quarters. The most famous of these is the Giant Buddha in the Great Buddha Cave, standing 24 meters tall, majestically carved and richly decorated in the Tang Dynasty style. Legend has it that this statue was modeled after the image of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. It is not only the largest Buddha statue in Shaanxi but also the largest Buddha statue along the Silk Road.
We stayed in Bin County that night and were free to enjoy local delicacies such as Bin County Imperial Noodles, Braised Pork Knuckle, Buckwheat Cold Noodles, etc.
Day 3: Tianbin County → North Grotto Temple → Shidaopo Ancient Road → South Grotto Temple → Stay in Jingchuan County
All day
After breakfast, we headed to the North Grottoes Temple, an important stop on the Jingchuan Baili Grottoes Corridor. We will follow the expert teacher for an in-depth analysis throughout the day.
Beishiku Temple is a key grotto site on the northern route of the Silk Road and the largest and longest-standing grotto temple in eastern Gansu. It is considered one of the four great grottoes in Gansu, along with Mogao Grottoes, Bingling Temple, and Maijishan 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. There are 295 niches and 2,125 statues of various sizes. This is the only grotto in Gansu Province to feature Buddhist statues entirely carved in stone. Its representation of the Buddha statues combines the art of stone carving, relief carving, and sculpture. Cave 165, the oldest, largest, and most artistically valuable, is a large-scale cave dedicated to the Seven Buddhas, "setting a precedent for the depiction of Seven Buddhas in Chinese grotto art." The cave houses 23 large stone statues, all of which feature wide robes and elegant features. The walls also feature over 110 reliefs depicting Thousand Buddhas, flying apsaras, musicians, and stories from the Buddha's life and Jataka stories, representing a rich tapestry of content.
Special experience for tourists: Visit ancient sites in the field and search for wheel tracks left on the ancient Silk Road
Qingyang is a strategic transportation hub connecting southeastern China and northwest China. The Shidaopo Ancient Road near the Beishiku Temple is a crucial component of the Xiaoguan Ancient Road, a branch of the Han and Tang Silk Road. The ancient road, with a total length of 3,180 meters and 84 meters of wheel tracks, is the longest and most intact known section of the ancient Silk Road in my country. Inscribed on the cliffs of the ancient road is the poem: "Today, I travel to a place where dragons hide and tigers crouch, and occasionally hear the cries of deer and phoenixes." Although the ancient road has long fallen into disrepair and disuse, the mottled moss on the trail evokes a sense of its former prosperity, evoking a sense of the fleeting passage of time and the ever-changing world.
Afterwards, we went to the South Grotto Temple, which is known as the "Twin Pearls of Longdong Grottoes" together with the North Grotto Temple, and witnessed the origin of the palace-style caves in Longdong.
It was started by Xi Kangsheng, the governor of Jingzhou, during the Yongping period of the Northern Wei Dynasty. There are a total of 5 caves. Currently, only Cave 1 and Cave 4 have Buddha statues. Caves 2, 3 and 5 are empty. Among them, Cave 1 is the largest. It is the main cave of the South Grottoes Temple and has the same large-scale Seven Buddhas as the North Grottoes. These seven standing Buddhas have spiral buns on their heads, high noses and big ears, plump faces, long robes hanging down to the knees, and solemn and peaceful expressions. Together with Cave 165 of the North Grottoes, it is known as the pioneering work of the Seven Buddhas main statues in China.
We will stay in Jingchuan County that night, where you can enjoy local specialties such as Jingchuan steamed buns, Queen Mother pastry, huoshaozi (fire-baked buns), long noodles, etc.
Day 4: Jingchuan County → Luohan Cave Grottoes → Wangmu Palace Grottoes → Tianshui Fuxi Temple → Accommodation in Tianshui
All day
After breakfast, we headed to the Luohan Cave Grottoes, the longest-lasting and largest grotto temple site in the Baili Grottoes of Jingchuan.
This Buddhist cave temple, originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, is renowned for its 16 Arhat Caves. Over 200 caves and niches are carved into the cliffs on the north bank of the Jing River, stretching for five li (approximately 1.5 kilometers). It is one of the largest Buddhist sanctuaries in Jingchuan. Tall stone statues still exist inside and outside the caves, along with remnants of murals, painted clay sculptures, high-relief wall sculptures, and inscriptions. The caves are ingeniously designed, strategically located, and complex, yet mysterious, structures, resembling a "natural mountain of wheat." They are a monumental, astonishing testimony to the rise and fall of Buddhist culture. This is the primary value of the Jingchuan Grottoes Corridor.
Afterwards, we headed to the Wangmu Palace Grottoes, located at the westernmost end of the Baili Grottoes Corridor in Jingchuan, which echoes the style of the Yungang Grottoes in Datong.
The Wangmu Palace Grottoes, built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, are rectangular and concave in shape, carved into the mountainside. They are the largest central pillar grottoes in eastern Gansu. The grottoes feature three tiers of statues, centered around a central tower pillar. Two tiers of statues are carved around the pillar and on the three surrounding walls. Their form and style are similar to those of Cave 6 at Yungang Grottoes in Datong. On the front of the central pillar stands a Tang Dynasty-style Buddha statue, approximately 4 meters tall. Made of clay and stone, its figure is well-proportioned, naturally relaxed, and full of body. Its graceful posture, serene expression, precise composition, and concise technique demonstrate a high level of artistic artistry.
Afterwards, we headed to Tianshui Fuxi Temple, the largest Fuxi sacrificial architectural complex in China.
The Fuxi Temple, located in National Taiwan, was built in the Ming Dynasty and is the largest complex of buildings dedicated to Fuxi in China. Its courtyards are nested within each other, with four entrances and four courtyards, creating a vast and profound atmosphere. As Fuxi was the first emperor in ancient history and legend, the complex follows a palace-like architectural style. The entire complex faces south, with the memorial archway, main gate, ceremonial gate, Xiantian Hall, and Taiji Hall arranged in successive layers along the longitudinal axis, creating a majestic and imposing structure. The Fuxi Temple provides valuable material for the study of ancient Chinese history, the exploration of Ming Dynasty architecture, and the exploration of Tianshui's local customs.
Afterwards, we will go to Tianshui City to stay overnight. You can freely try local specialties, such as Tianshui noodles, Sanfan, Qin'an tripe soup, lard box, etc.
Day 5 Tianshui → Big Buddha at Daxiang Mountain → Lashaosi Grottoes → Stay in Tianshui
All day
After breakfast, we will head to the Daxiangshan Grottoes, an important cultural relic in southeastern Gansu that integrates grottoes and ancient buildings along the ancient Silk Road.
Daxiang Mountain boasts 22 existing caves and 15 wooden structures. The grottoes and ancient buildings are all built on the undulating, verdant cliffs of the mountain. An 800-square-meter plank road connects the grottoes. The layout is divided by the Wuliang Hall, with wooden structures below and the grottoes above. In addition to the grottoes and ancient buildings, there are also ruins of the Weixiao Resting Terrace and the Parade Platform from the Later Han Dynasty, as well as cultural relics such as the "Hometown of Emperor Xi," the "Hometown of the Sage Gate Stone," and the "Record of the Reconstruction of the Shrine of Marquis Pingxiang of the Han Dynasty." The entire mountain boasts 242 square meters of murals and 110 statues of various sizes. The most famous is the Tang Dynasty Buddha carved into the middle of the mountain. Standing 23.3 meters tall and 9.5 meters wide at the shoulders, the statue boasts a majestic and imposing figure, a solemn and majestic presence, and is of great historical, artistic, and scientific value. (Warm reminder: This attraction requires climbing, mainly stairs and plank roads, the difficulty is not high, those with weak knees should remember to bring knee pads)
Afterwards, we headed to the most magnificent chapter of the Hexi Corridor Grottoes - the Lashaosi Grottoes of the Shuiliandong Grottoes.
The Shuiliandong Grottoes in Wushan County were first constructed during the Northern Zhou Dynasty, with subsequent construction and renovation during the Sui, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. Documents indicate a sprawling "Seven Temples and Five Terraces," boasting 69 caves, over 160 statues, and over 2,400 square meters of murals. The Lashao Temple Great Buddha, among others, boasts the world's largest cliff relief Buddha sculpture, a truly remarkable achievement. The entire cliff face features one Buddha and two Bodhisattvas carved across 3,600 square meters. The central Shakyamuni Buddha stands 42.3 meters tall and 43 meters wide, flanked by attendant Bodhisattvas over 50 meters tall. Five standing Buddhas stand on the upper tier and ten on the lower tier. Combined with murals covering the cliff face, depicting preaching, Thousand Buddhas, and flying apsaras, the scene creates a breathtaking and imposing scene.
Stay in Tianshui at night, everyone can have a good rest~
Day 6 Tianshui → Maijishan Grottoes → Maijishan Special Grottoes → Tianshui Disbandment
All day
After breakfast, we went to the Maijishan Grottoes, known as the "Oriental Art Sculpture Museum", and unraveled the mystery under the guidance of a great teacher and a first-class tour guide.
The Maijishan Grottoes, originally excavated during the Sixteen Kingdoms period and the Later Qin Dynasty, underwent continuous excavation and renovation throughout more than ten dynasties, including the Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui and Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. They have become my country's second-largest art treasure trove, second only to the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang. Currently, they boast 194 extant caves, over 7,800 clay and stone sculptures, over 1,000 square meters of murals, and eight cliff-side pavilions. They are distinguished by their unique clay sculptures. They comprehensively showcase the evolution of ancient clay sculpture, showcasing the majestic and powerful figures of the early Northern Wei dynasty, the delicate and elegant figures of the late Northern Wei dynasty, the graceful and clear figures of the Western Wei dynasty, the round and smooth figures of the Northern Zhou dynasty, the plump and rounded figures of the Sui and Tang dynasties, and the realistic and innovative figures of the Song dynasty. They are essential resources for the study of sculpture and art history.
We will especially visit the five special caves [44, 121, 127, 133, and 135] in Maiji Mountain, and deeply reveal the important turning point of the influence of Buddhist art from east to west along the Silk Road.
Special Cave No. 44 - The main Buddha is known as the "Mona Lisa of the East" and is a representative sculpture of the Western Wei Dynasty.
Special Cave No. 121 - A representative group of statues in the cave is called "Whispering" and is full of life interest.
Special Cave No. 127 is one of the three major caves on the west cliff of Maiji Mountain. It has preserved more than 100 square meters of the best murals of the Western Wei Dynasty. All the flying figures are beautifully shaped and ingeniously crafted.
Special Cave No. 133 - Classic Little Monk Statue. Whether in terms of appearance or the depiction and expression of inner emotions, it is a classic work from the Northern Wei Dynasty.
Special Cave No. 135 - known as the "Paradise Cave", is the highest cave in the entire West Cliff
The group will return to Tianshui in due time to end the pleasant journey. We will first drop you off at Tianshui South Station and then at Tianshui Station!
The estimated arrival time at Tianshui South Station is 16:30. Tourists are advised to book a ticket for a train departing after 17:00.
The train will arrive at Tianshui Station at 17:00. Tourists are advised to book tickets for trains departing after 17:00 to avoid delays. Safe journey everyone!
Due to upgrades and adjustments at Tianshui Maijishan Airport, flights will be temporarily suspended starting May 31st. You can choose to take the high-speed rail from Tianshui to Lanzhou or Xi'an for your return trip.
