A Trip to Tianshui Mala Tang ∣ Jingtu Temple, Truly Astonished!!!

👍 Most Recommended: Jingtu Temple, also known as Manshu Temple, is located behind Xianren Cliff and adjacent to Maijishan Grottoes. Since the late Tang and early Song dynasties, it has been known as 'Jigu Temple,' 'Kyoto Temple,' and 'Jingtu Temple.' Since the 1980s, the monks of Jingtu Temple have raised funds to restore and expand it, forming a grand architectural complex with three courtyards.
🌟 Highlights!
1. Jingtu Temple is surrounded by mountains and valleys filled with green pines. The mountain wind blows, creating a sound known as 'Jingtu Pine Waves,' one of the ten scenic spots of Qinzhou.
2. The main buildings in the temple are all based on Tibetan red, complemented by small areas of either simple or bright wood carvings and paintings. White stone steps, railings, and walls surround them, creating a grand, solemn, and peaceful Buddhist cultural atmosphere.
3. The eighteen surrounding peaks resemble lotus petals, all facing the main peak of Manjusri, showcasing the natural wonder of 'Green Sea Treasure Lotus,' forming the unique scenery known as 'Eighteen Arhats Worshiping Manjusri.'
4. The main hall, Daxiong Hall, is the only remaining structure from the Jin dynasty in the temple. Liang Sicheng praised it as 'unparalleled and unique, a national treasure,' with its small wooden structure and unique caisson ceiling, known as the 'Eight Gates and Nine Stars Heavenly Palace Pavilion.'
5. The Qing dynasty murals on the four walls of the hall are vivid and lifelike.
6. A remnant of an octagonal five-tiered stone pagoda remains, with the word 'Relic Pagoda' clearly visible on the front, while the other two characters are only outlined. The other three sides are carved with Buddha statues, each with a different posture.
7. The Liao dynasty 'Disheveled Hair' stone lion, with its shoulder-length curly hair, is rare, though its face has been destroyed.
8. There are no commercial activities inside, making it an absolutely peaceful place!
🎫 Tickets: Free
🚗 Parking: Free
🥣 Vegetarian Meals: Free, served at 12:00 PM and 6:30 PM
🚉 Transportation Guide!
🚌 Bus Routes:
Option 1: Take bus 37 from Tianshui Railway Station for an hour and a half directly to Jingtu Temple. The first bus is at 6:00 AM, and the last bus returns to Tianshui city at 6:30 PM.
Option 2: Take bus 34 to Maijishan (3-hour tour) → bus 37/39 to Xianren Cliff (2-hour tour) → bus 37/39 to Jingtu Temple (3-hour tour) → take bus 37 back to Tianshui city.
🚗 Driving Route: Navigate to Maijishan - Xianren Cliff - Jingtu Temple
📝 Tips:
1. Respect the faith, dress appropriately, and no smoking inside the temple.
2. There are no hotels near the temple, but you can stay at a farmhouse in Houchuan Village. The farmhouse meals are good, with specialties like noodles, guagua, and mianyu.
3. If driving, you can visit Jingtu Temple first, then Xianren Cliff (follow the order of South Cliff - East Cliff - West Cliff to save effort, the whole tour takes less than two hours), and finally Maijishan, avoiding the Maijishan Visitor Center 13 km away. After touring Maijishan, you can relax in the hot springs at Maijishan Hot Spring Hotel in Jieting Ancient Town to relieve the fatigue of a day of climbing, truly wonderful!
4. Open 24 hours, it is a year-round religious site, but opening hours may vary due to seasons, weather, or other factors. Pay attention to relevant information.
5. Nearby attractions include Shimen (13 km from Jingtu Temple) and Quqi (15 km from Jingtu Temple), both worth visiting if time permits.