Maiji Mountain Scenic Area is located in Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, China. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a national key cultural relic protection unit, a national forest park, a national geopark, and a Chinese national natural and cultural double heritage. The scenic area covers a planned area of 215 square kilometers and consists of five independent scenic areas: Maiji Mountain, Xianrenya (Immortal Cliff), Shimen (Stone Gate), Quxi, and Jieting Hot Spring, with a total of more than 180 scenic spots.
The scenic area is situated at the junction of the three major mountain ranges of Qinling, Helan, and Minshan, spanning the two major river basins of the Yangtze River and the Yellow River. It is characterized by Danxia landforms, with an average altitude of 1,600 meters and the highest peak exceeding 2,800 meters. The core attraction, Maiji Mountain Grottoes, is one of the four major grottoes in China, featuring 221 existing caves and 10,632 clay sculptures and stone carvings, known as the "Oriental Sculpture Art Gallery."
Historical Culture
Maiji Mountain Grottoes were first built in the Houqin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms (early 5th century AD) and were renovated and expanded through more than 10 dynasties including the Northern Wei, Western Wei, and Northern Zhou. The earliest existing inscription dates to the first year of Datong in the Western Wei (535 AD). Historically, it was a place where Zen monks Xuan Gao and Tan Hong lectured, "gathering three hundred monks." During the Northern Wei to Northern Zhou periods, large-scale cliff pavilions were excavated, forming the wonder of "an entire cliff face covered with grottoes."
The scenic area integrates Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian cultures, with 27 existing Ming and Qing dynasty temples, 54 houses, and 197 statues (including 5 bronze Buddha statues from the Yongle period). The grotto art focuses on clay sculptures, truly reflecting the evolution of Chinese sculpture art from the Northern Dynasties to the Ming and Qing dynasties, and serving as an important physical example of cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
Main Attractions
Maiji Mountain Grottoes
One of the four major grottoes in China, carved into cliffs, with 221 existing caves, 3,938 pieces (10,632 figures) of statues, and 979.54 square meters of murals. Famous for its exquisite clay sculptures, the largest statue is 15 meters tall, and the smallest is only 20 centimeters, systematically displaying the sculptural art styles from the Houqin to the Ming and Qing dynasties, known as the "Oriental Sculpture Gallery."
Xianrenya (Immortal Cliff)
Located 17 kilometers northeast of Maiji Mountain, it consists of three cliffs (East Cliff, West Cliff, South Cliff), five peaks (Yuhuang Peak, etc.), six temples (Mulian Temple, etc.), and Xianren Lake (Immortal Lake). With 27 existing Ming and Qing buildings, 197 statues (including 5 Yongle bronze Buddhas), and 83 square meters of murals, the natural landscape and religious relics complement each other, enjoying the reputation of "Little Penglai."
Xianren Lake (Immortal Lake)
Situated in the valley between Rending Peak (South Cliff) and Yinghu Cliff of Xianrenya, it covers a water area of over 20,000 square meters with an average water depth of 13 meters. The clear lake water forms a beautiful landscape painting with the surrounding peaks and temples, and can be visited by boat.
Maiji Mountain Botanical Garden
Located 1 kilometer from the grottoes, founded in 1982, covering 3.6 square kilometers, and collecting more than 1,800 species of seed plants from 146 families. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in Northwest China, known as the "Northwest Plant Gene Bank," featuring deciduous, broad-leaved, and coniferous mixed forest landscapes.
Food
Tianshui Guagua
A specialty snack made from buckwheat flour, torn into small pieces and paired with seasonings such as chili oil, sesame paste, vinegar, and garlic juice. It has a smooth and tangy taste, representing Tianshui's breakfast.
Tianshui Niangpi
Made from high-gluten flour through washing and steaming, it has a bright yellow color and chewy texture. Served with chili oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic paste, it is spicy and appetizing, a classic cold dish in the area.
Tianshui Zahui
A traditional stew made from ingredients such as meatballs, jiaban (egg and meat rolls), tofu, and wood ear mushrooms, with a rich soup and a mix of meat and vegetables, often served as a main dish at banquets.
Ranran
A snack made from the same ingredients as Guagua but with a softer texture, paired with similar seasonings. It has a smooth and dense taste, suitable for visitors who prefer soft foods.
Tickets
Maiji Mountain tickets (including grotto area): full price 80 RMB per person, half price 40 RMB per person.
Maiji Mountain tickets (excluding grotto area): full price 25 RMB per person, half price 12.5 RMB per person.
Scenic shuttle bus tickets: round trip 15 RMB per person, one-way 8 RMB per person.
Subject to official scenic area announcements.
Opening Hours
Peak season (April – November): 08:00 – 18:00
Off-season (December – March): 08:30 – 17:30
Adjustments may be made for special circumstances (e.g., winter maintenance, extreme weather). It is recommended to confirm in advance via the official website or phone.
Tour Routes
Half-Day Tour
Visitor Center → Maiji Mountain Grottoes → Return (focus on grotto art, suitable for visitors with limited time).
Full-Day Tour
Visitor Center → Maiji Mountain Grottoes → Maiji Mountain Botanical Garden → Xianrenya (including Xianren Lake) → Return (combines grottoes, plant landscapes, and natural humanities).
Two-Day Tour
Day 1: Visitor Center → Maiji Mountain Grottoes → Botanical Garden → Overnight stay around the scenic area (experience folk culture);
Day 2: Xianrenya → Shimen → Quxi → Jieting Hot Spring (relaxation, suitable for in-depth tours).
Transportation
- Airplane: After arriving at Tianshui Maiji Mountain Airport, take an airport bus or taxi to the scenic area (approximately 30 km, 40 minutes by car).
- Train:
• Tianshui Railway Station: About 15 km from the scenic area, take Bus No. 34 or a tourist special line directly after exiting the station;
• Tianshui South Station (High-Speed Rail Station): About 25 km from the scenic area, take Bus No. 58 and transfer to Bus No. 34 or take a taxi. - Self-Driving: Exit from Tianshui East on the Lianhuo Expressway, and reach the scenic area via Maiji Mountain Avenue. Clear road signs are available along the way, and parking fees at the scenic area are approximately 10–20 RMB per day.
Must-See Attractions
- Maiji Mountain Grottoes: One of the four major grottoes in China, with the most complete Northern Dynasties statue system and pinnacle clay sculpture art. Must-see highlights include the "Oriental Smile" (statues of a boy and girl in Cave 123) and "Whispering" (statues of Bodhisattvas and disciples in Cave 121).
- Xianrenya (Immortal Cliff): A pattern of three cliffs, five peaks, and six temples, where Ming and Qing buildings blend with natural landscapes. Boating on Xianren Lake and praying at Lingying Temple are recommended.
Tour Tips
- Book tickets in advance. During peak seasons (May–October), it is recommended to enter the park before 8:00 AM to avoid crowds.
- Climbing plank roads is required to visit the grottoes. Wear non-slip shoes, and visitors with heart disease or hypertension should exercise caution in high-risk areas.
- Rent an electronic guide (approximately 20 RMB) or join a guided tour to deeply understand the history behind the cultural relics.
- Prepare sunscreen and insect repellent in summer; pay attention to anti-slip measures in winter, as some mountain roads may be closed.
- Combine visits to the botanical garden (azaleas bloom in April–May) or hot springs (Jieting Hot Spring) to enrich the experience.
Notes
- Photography, touching cultural relics, and using flash are prohibited inside the grottoes.
- Follow the "one-way path" guidance and do not stop for photos on plank roads to maintain traffic order.
- Smoking and open fires are strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Protect vegetation and dispose of garbage properly.
- In case of thunderstorms, strong winds, or other severe weather, follow staff instructions and evacuate dangerous areas promptly.
- When purchasing special products, choose official scenic area stores to avoid random pricing by roadside stalls.