A Timeless Artistic Treasure Through the Ages

[WorldMap]Maijishan Grottoes, located in Tianshui City, Gansu Province, is one of China's Four Great Grottoes, renowned for its exquisite clay sculptures and precipitous mountain terrain. Here's a detailed travel guide to help you explore efficiently:
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[Balloon]1. Basic Information
- Address: No. 2, Quanhu Road, Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province
- Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30 (Peak season: April-October); 9:00-17:00 (Off-season: November-March)
- Tickets:
- Peak season: ¥80 (Grottoes) + ¥15 (optional shuttle bus)
- Off-season: ¥40 (Grottoes)
- Special caves require additional fees (¥100-500/cave, e.g., Cave 133 "Ten Thousand Buddha Cave")
- Recommended Visit Duration: 3-4 hours
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[CarFront]2. Transportation
1. From Lanzhou:
- High-speed rail: Lanzhou West → Tianshui South (1.5 hours), then transfer by bus or taxi (~40 minutes).
- Bus: Lanzhou Bus Station → Tianshui (3 hours), then take Bus 34 directly.
2. From Tianshui city:
- Bus: Take Bus 5 or 34 directly to Maijishan Scenic Area (~1 hour).
- Taxi: ~¥50 from downtown, 30-minute ride.
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👁️3. Must-See Attractions
1. Maijishan Grottoes:
- East Cliff: Cave 44 "Oriental Smile" Buddha, Cave 4 "Flower Scattering Tower" murals from Northern Zhou Dynasty.
- West Cliff: Cave 133 "Ten Thousand Buddha Cave" (special cave), Cave 121 "Whispering" sculptures.
- Cliffside Plank Walkway: Thrilling aerial path with panoramic views.
2. Botanical Garden: Near entrance, ideal for hiking and summer retreat.
3. Ruiying Temple: Ancient temple at mountain base, showcasing grotto history.
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🧶4. Recommended Routes
1. Standard Route: Entrance → Shuttle bus (or walk) → Plank walkway → East Cliff → West Cliff → Botanical Garden → Return.
2. In-Depth Tour: Key East Cliff caves → Special West Cliff caves (reservation required) → Mountain loop trail for full views.
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[TrafficLightVertical]5. Tips
1. Safety: Narrow/steep walkways - caution for acrophobia; some areas may close in rain.
2. Special Caves: Book at ticket office in advance; guided tours cost extra.
3. Attire: Wear anti-slip shoes; sun protection in summer, warmth in winter.
4. Photography: Prohibited inside caves; allowed outside.
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[RollerCoaster]6. Nearby Attractions
- Xianrenya: 15km from Maijishan, combining Danxia landforms with Buddhist relics.
- Fuxi Temple: In downtown Tianshui, honoring legendary ancestor Fuxi (¥30).
- Tianshui Ancient City: Ming-Qing architecture with local snacks (free).
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[Tableware]7. Local Cuisine
- Tianshui Guagua: Buckwheat jelly with chili sauce.
- Jiangshui Noodles: Sour broth, locals' summer favorite.
- Hui-style Crumbled Noodles: Beef bone broth with handmade noodles.
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[Bed]8. Accommodation
- Near Scenic Area: Maijishan Hot Spring Hotel (with hot springs).
- Downtown Tianshui: Hotels in Qinzhou District (e.g., Tianshui Hotel), convenient transport.
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🌸9. Best Seasons
- May-October: Pleasant weather, lush greenery.
- Avoid holidays: Crowds during National Day/Labor Day - weekdays recommended.
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[Awesome]Maijishan blends natural wonders with artistic heritage. Planning ahead helps you fully experience the "Oriental Sculpture Gallery." Feel free to ask for more details!