#matitemple is temple with leg
by Vince Tan
Jan 9, 2020
Qilian Mountains' forests are ablaze with color, and the cliffside grottoes await silently for a thousand years
The autumn feast at the Mǎtí Grottoes Tourist Area has quietly begun! Located on the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains, this millennium-old treasure trove of grotto art is donning its most splendid golden attire of the year, welcoming the best viewing season.
The Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes appear even more ancient and weathered under the autumn sun. From a high vantage point, the Qilian mountain slopes are ablaze with colorful forests, with verdant pines and cypresses and golden poplars forming a natural giant oil painting. As the autumn breeze blows, falling leaves dance gracefully, as if telling stories spanning a thousand years.
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Best time to enjoy autumn: From now until October 25.
Must-experience:
· Climb the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes to feel the architectural marvel of the cliffside grotto cluster
· Stroll through the Thousand Buddha Cave, appreciating the interplay of autumn leaves and ancient grottoes
· Capture the light and shadow as the autumn sun bathes the stone carvings in warm gold
Travel tips: The scenic area is located on the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains, where there is a large temperature difference between day and night. Remember to dress warmly.
Autumn is at its peak, and the time is just right. This autumn, why not take a break from the hustle and bustle, meet with family and friends at the Mǎtí Grottoes Tourist Area, and experience the poetic romance that spans a thousand years in the perfect blend of grotto art and natural autumn scenery!
Post by LEILA MAY | Oct 25, 2025















