Gansu Zhangye's lesser-known attraction, Mati Temple

📍Attraction Address: Within the territory of Mati Tibetan Township, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Gansu

🚗Transportation: We drove there ourselves

👍️Must-visit attractions: The grottoes consist of Shengguo Temple, Puguang Temple, Qianfo Cave, Jinta Temple, and the Upper, Middle, and Lower Guanyin Caves, totaling more than 70 caves and niches, first built during the Northern Liang period. Mati Temple is named after the legendary heavenly horse that drank water here, leaving a hoof print. The legendary hoof print is preserved in the Mati Hall of Puguang Temple and has become the treasure of the temple.

The earliest of these grottoes were built during the Jin Dynasty, carved by Dunhuang native Guo Yu and his disciples. Initially, it was Guo's secluded place for teaching, later added with Buddha statues by others. At its peak, there were more than 300 monks.

🎟️Ticket Information: No reservation needed, buy tickets one hour in advance for 74 yuan

💗Other tips: Highly recommended.

Post by Penelope Carmichael | Sep 19, 2024