Why is the Smile in the Maijishan Grottoes Still Charming?

I. Basic Information

• Address: Maijishan Scenic Area, Maiji Town, Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province

• Opening Hours: 8:30–17:30 daily (tour routes may be adjusted during holidays)

• Ticket Prices:

• Regular Ticket: CNY 80/person (advance booking required)

• Special Grotto Ticket: Grotto 133 (Wanfo Cave) CNY 400/small grotto; separate tickets required for Grotto 127, etc.

• Sightseeing Vehicle: CNY 15/person for a round trip, CNY 8/person for a one-way trip

II. Transportation Guide

1. By Car:

• Take the G30 Expressway to the Tianshui East Exit, approx. 10 km from the scenic area. Follow the signs to Maijishan Scenic Area.

2. By Public Transportation:

• Tianshui South Station/Airport: Take bus 60 directly, or take bus 9/35 to the "Shi Er Zhong" Station and transfer to bus 34.

• Tianshui Railway Station: Take bus 34 directly, approx. 1 hour ride.

• Tianshui City: Take bus 5 directly, or take bus 1/9 to Tianshui South Station and transfer to bus 60/34.

III. Must-See Attractions and Tour Routes

• Special Grotto Recommendations (additional ticket required):

• Grotto 133 (Wanfo Cave): The largest grotto in Maijishan, containing classic statues such as the "Smiling Little Monk."

• Grotto 127: The richest collection of Northern Wei murals, with Buddhist stories painted on all four walls.

• Grotto 44 (Western Wei Smiling Buddha): A masterpiece of Western Wei clay sculpture, with a serene Buddha statue.

• Regular Grotto Recommendations:

• Grotto 4 (Sanhuajiao Building): The highest grotto in Maijishan. Throwing petals over the railing offers the spectacle of "petals flying backwards."

• Grotto 13 (East Cliff Giant Buddha): Carved in the Sui Dynasty, 17m high, and imposing.

• Grotto 98 (West Cliff Giant Buddha): Original Northern Wei work, renovated over many generations.

• Tour Routes:

• Route 1: Steep, passing through large grottoes, suitable for those in good physical condition.

• Route 2: Gentle, covering highlights such as Grotto 44 and Grotto 78, suitable for families or the elderly.

• Note: Each route can only be selected once and cannot be reversed.

IV. Nearby Dining and Accommodation

• Dining Recommendations:

• Tianshui Youran Farmhouse: Open 24 hours, CNY 42 per person, specializing in farm-style dishes.

• Xinyue Farmhouse: Rated 4.3, CNY 53 per person, recommended to try local specialties.

• Accommodation Recommendations:

• Tianshui Shanshuiyuan Hotel: Close to the scenic area, with an elegant environment.

• Maijishan Hot Spring Hotel: Offers a hot spring experience, suitable for leisure and vacation.

V. Travel Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: Arrive before 12:00 to avoid peak tourist group hours.

2. What to Wear: The mountain area is 2–3 degrees cooler than the city, so prepare sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.

3. Precautions:

• The plank roads are narrow, so do not bring water cups or beverage bottles.

• Those with a fear of heights should choose Route 2.

• There are no restrooms in the scenic area, so plan ahead.

4. Other Services:

• Guided Tour: CNY 499/tour, providing in-depth explanations.

• Cultural and Creative Shop: Located in Ruiying Temple, where you can buy official souvenirs.

• Documentary Recommendation: Watch the 5-episode CCTV documentary "Maijishan Grottoes" before your trip.

VI. Itinerary Suggestions

• Half-Day Tour:

• Morning: Take the sightseeing vehicle to the grotto entrance and choose Route 2 to visit the highlights.

• Afternoon: Visit the Ruiying Temple cultural and creative shop and walk to Cuihu Park for a stroll.

• One-Day Tour:

• Morning: Experience the steep plank road and large grottoes on Route 1.

• Afternoon: Visit special grottoes (such as Grotto 133 and Grotto 127) and return to the city in the evening.