Mati Temple is a comprehensive

Mati Temple is a comprehensive scenic area that blends grotto art, Qilian Mountain scenery, and Tibetan customs. It is not only a national cultural relic protection site, but is also considered one of the "Three Great Buddhist Art Treasures of Hexi," along with the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang and the Yulin Grottoes in Anxi.

Mati Temple's uniqueness lies in its blend of diverse cultures and stunning architectural wonders.

· Unique Grotto Art: The Mati Temple Grottoes were constructed during the Northern Liang Dynasty, dating back over 1,600 years. The most striking of these is the "Thirty-three Heavens" Grottoes, carved in layers in the shape of a pagoda, comprising five levels and twenty-one caves. Climbing through the steep and narrow passages requires the use of both hands and feet, creating a unique experience.
· Blending Han and Tibetan Buddhism: The temples here feature both Han and Tibetan Buddhist temples, each with its own distinct styles coexisting in a unique setting. Mati Temple was originally a Han Buddhist monastery and later became a Gelugpa monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. Beautiful Legend and Natural Scenery: Mati Temple derives its name from a beautiful legend: a celestial horse is said to have left a horseshoe print while drinking water here. This legendary horseshoe print is now preserved in the Horseshoe Hall of Puguang Temple and is considered the temple's treasure. Furthermore, the scenic area is located within the Qilian Mountains National Nature Reserve, and the surrounding Qilian Mountain grasslands have been named "one of China's six most beautiful grasslands" by China National Geographic magazine.

Transportation Guide

· Self-Driving: From Zhangye city center, the journey is approximately 65 kilometers, with good road conditions.

· Public Transportation: From Zhangye Nanguan Long-Distance Bus Station, take a shuttle bus to Sunan, then take a taxi to Mati Temple. Alternatively, you can take a dedicated tourist bus directly from Zhangye city center to Mati Temple.

· Climbing Safety: The passages of the "Thirty-Three Heavens" Grottoes are steep, requiring both hands and feet to climb. It is not recommended for the elderly and children.
· Civilized Tour: Photography is prohibited in many areas within the grottoes. Please observe the regulations.

Post by 大瓜瓜 | Oct 20, 2025