Mati Temple Autumn Travel Guide I. Why choose Mati Temple in autumn? 1. Pleasant Climate: Zhangye in autumn (September-October) bids farewell to the summer heat,

Mati Temple Autumn Travel Guide🍂 with gentle sunshine and crisp air, making it very suitable for outdoor hiking and sightseeing.
2. Vibrant Colors: This is the most beautiful season at Mati Temple. The poplar forests at the foot of Qilian Mountains turn golden, the shrubs in the mountains become fiery red, intertwining with the red of the Danxia landform, the blue of the sky, and the white of the snow-capped mountains to form a rich and colorful oil painting.
3. Avoid Crowds: Compared to the peak seasons of summer vacation and National Day Golden Week, late September and early October is a minor off-season, with relatively fewer tourists, allowing for a more peaceful and in-depth experience.
4. Unique Experience: You can simultaneously witness the wonders of "Golden Autumn Forest Sea" and "Distant Snow-capped Mountains," feeling the magnificence of seasonal transitions.

II. Practical Information
🎫 Tickets: Adult tickets are 87 RMB/person, student tickets are 50 RMB (including sightseeing bus).
ℹ️ Opening Hours: 08:00 to 18:00. It is recommended to depart early in the morning to avoid peak crowds.
🚌 Chartered Car: A round trip from Zhangye city center costs approximately 300 RMB/car.
🚘 Self-driving: Non-self-driving visitors within the scenic area need to take the sightseeing bus (already included in the ticket).
🏢 Accommodation: We recommend [Silk Road Jinma International Hotel] at the entrance of the scenic area. It features Tibetan-style decor, is a 100-meter walk to the entrance of Mati Temple, and allows you to enjoy the peaceful grottoes and starry sky in the morning.

III. Itinerary Suggestions
1⃣️ One-Day Tour
Morning: Visit Thirty-Three Sky Grottoes → Thousand Buddha Cave → Mati Hall (focus on experiencing grotto climbing and historical legends).
Afternoon: Visit King Gesar Hall → Orchid Meadow → Lotus Bay (hiking) → Visit ethnic attractions for dining → Experience horseback riding → Return.

💡Tips:
✅ Clothing: It is recommended to wear loose and comfortable long pants and non-slip athletic shoes (essential for grotto climbing), and bring a windbreaker to cope with temperature differences in the mountains.
✅ Accessories: Sunscreen (SPF15+), sunglasses, sun hat (strong UV rays at high altitudes); a lightweight backpack for supplies.
✅ For photos, light-colored clothes tend to look better!
✅ Altitude Sickness Prevention: Mati Temple is approximately 2600 meters above sea level. First-time visitors should avoid strenuous exercise and can carry energy supplements like chocolate.