⛰️ Buddhist Art in the Cliffs — Maijishan Grottoes (麦积山石窟)

Rising 142 meters high in Tianshui, Gansu, Maijishan is known as the “Wheat Stack Mountain” for its rounded shape. Carved into its cliff face are over 190 caves filled with 7,000+ Buddhist statues and thousands of murals, dating back more than 1,500 years.

Wooden plank walkways cling to the cliffside, connecting the caves and offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The artistry here blends Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang styles — making it a living museum of Buddhist sculpture evolution along the Silk Road.

It’s not just a visual feast; walking these narrow cliff paths feels like stepping into history, where faith, art, and nature meet.

💡 Tips:
• About 30 km from Tianshui city — reachable by bus or taxi.
• Wear comfortable shoes; some stairways are steep and narrow.
• Best visited in spring or autumn for clear skies and cooler weather.

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Post by NatDiscoversAsia | Aug 9, 2025