Mati Temple is a comprehensive scenic area that blends grotto art, Qilian Mountain scenery, and Tibetan customs. It is not only a national cultural relic protection site, but is also considered one of the "Three Great Buddhist Art Treasures of Hexi," along with the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang and the Yulin Grottoes in Anxi. Mati Temple's uniqueness lies in its blend of diverse cultures and stunning architectural wonders. · Unique Grotto Art: The Mati Temple Grottoes were constructed during the Northern Liang Dynasty, dating back over 1,600 years. The most striking of these is the "Thirty-three Heavens" Grottoes, carved in layers in the shape of a pagoda, comprising five levels and twenty-one caves. Climbing through the steep and narrow passages requires the use of both hands and feet, creating a unique experience. · Blending Han and Tibetan Buddhism: The temples here feature both Han and Tibetan Buddhist temples, each with its own distinct styles coexisting in a unique setting. Mati Temple was originally a Han Buddhist monastery and later became a Gelugpa monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. Beautiful Legend and Natural Scenery: Mati Temple derives its name from a beautiful legend: a celestial horse is said to have left a horseshoe print while drinking water here. This legendary horseshoe print is now preserved in the Horseshoe Hall of Puguang Temple and is considered the temple's treasure. Furthermore, the scenic area is located within the Qilian Mountains National Nature Reserve, and the surrounding Qilian Mountain grasslands have been named "one of China's six most beautiful grasslands" by China National Geographic magazine. Transportation Guide · Self-Driving: From Zhangye city center, the journey is approximately 65 kilometers, with good road conditions. · Public Transportation: From Zhangye Nanguan Long-Distance Bus Station, take a shuttle bus to Sunan, then take a taxi to Mati Temple. Alternatively, you can take a dedicated tourist bus directly from Zhangye city center to Mati Temple. · Climbing Safety: The passages of the "Thirty-Three Heavens" Grottoes are steep, requiring both hands and feet to climb. It is not recommended for the elderly and children. · Civilized Tour: Photography is prohibited in many areas within the grottoes. Please observe the regulations.
大瓜瓜
Popular Trip Moments
Step into a picturesque sea of flowers like an oil painting | Zhangye Danxia Colorful Landform Pit Avoidance Guide|Pure Practical Tips | Soar Above a Painted Dream! 🎈🌈 | In-Depth Travel Guide for the Gan-Qing Loop|9 Days Exploring the Most Stunning Hidden Gems of Northwest China | Zhangye: Where Faith Built Monuments 🙏✨ | Zhangye Danxia: The Rainbow Mountains 🌈🏔️ | 【Discover Dingxi】This hidden treasure city in Gansu is waiting for you to explore! | 3 Budget-Friendly Solo Travel Spots in Jiayuguan, Gansu!! | Zhangye: A Rainbow in the Desert 🌈🏜️ | The Great Northwest is really worth it | Qilian Mountains Autumn Family Camp: Stay at a Ranch Homestay + Forest Treasure Hunt, Unlock a Unique Healing Journey | Qilian Mountains Self-Driving Guide for Kids: Average 2h Driving per Day, Encounter the Fairy Tale Road of Snowy Mountains and Golden Forests | A lifetime regret if you haven't been to Northwest China even once | Gansu Sunan is legendary! A Northwest secret destination unknown to 99% of people—fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and lots of fun | Zhangye Danxia: A Colorful Canvas of Nature | Encounter the Most Beautiful Colorful Danxia, Perfect for Stunning Photos! The multicolored hills look like a spilled palette | Hidden Autumn Spot in Simian Mountain! Land Rock Cliff Paintings, with Photography Guide | Zhangye Danxia Colorful Landform Photo and Check-in Guide, The Popular Spot is So Beautiful | Half-mountain neon, half-mountain snow, Zhangye Danxia is breathtakingly beautiful! | Northwest Secret Realm Unlocked|The Millennium Horse Ranch and Silk Road Pearl at the Foot of the Qilian Mountains! | Danxia Dreamscape🌈 | Northwest Grand Loop 7-Day Tour|Chaka Emerald Lake + Mingsha Mountain + Zhangye Danxia | 50 minutes direct from Zhengzhou! Gongyi's "Little Danxia" secret spot for free blockbuster photos | Top-tier Route: Capture the Romance and Grandeur of Northwest China in Your Pocket | Zhangye Danxia Colorful Landform Guide - Where God Spilled the Paint Palette! | As a travel blogger focused on industrial heritage, Silk Road history, and Gobi aesthetics, I have tailor-made a "Yumen 3 Days 2 Nights · Oil Memory × | Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop 8 Days 7 Nights Most Detailed Guide Fully Revealed | Gansu's Most Popular Attractions Six Days Five Nights Itinerary 5000 | Detailed Guide to 七彩丹霞 – China’s Rainbow Mountains 🌈
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Attractions in Sydney | Popular Attractions in Dubai | Popular Attractions in Paris | Popular Attractions in Shanghai | Popular Attractions in Phuket | Popular Attractions in New York | Popular Attractions in Tokyo | Popular Attractions in Bali | Popular Attractions in Melbourne | Popular Attractions in West Lake | Popular Attractions in Iguazu National Park(Argentina) | Popular Attractions in London | Popular Attractions in Rome | Popular Attractions in Kuala Lumpur | Popular Attractions in Chefchaouene | Popular Attractions in Singapore | Popular Attractions in Kyoto | Popular Attractions in Los Angeles | Popular Attractions in Zanzibar Island | Popular Attractions in Las Vegas | Popular Attractions in Osaka | Popular Attractions in Walt Disney World Resort | Popular Attractions in Beijing | Popular Attractions in Bangkok | Popular Attractions in Barcelona | Popular Attractions in Chengdu | Popular Attractions in Florence | Popular Attractions in Madrid | Popular Attractions in Jungfrau Region | Popular Attractions in Istanbul
Popular Restaurants in Sunan
罗胖子面馆 | LI YUAN HE CHA CAN TING | 绿之源天然氧吧休闲农庄 | 川椒麻辣烫 | 高原红民族餐厅 | 香园餐馆 | 鸡窝山羊圈 | Maoya Spicy Hot Pot | 快乐星汉堡(明花路店)
Popular Ranked Lists
Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in Amsterdam | Popular Premium Hotels in Vila do Bispo | Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in Wuxi | Popular Luxury Hotels in Versailles | Popular Trending Attractions in Phuket | Popular Trending Attractions in London | Popular Trending Attractions in Yancheng | Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in Xichang | Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in Lingshui | Top 10 Trending Attractions in Zibo | Popular Trending Attractions in Putian | Popular Luxury Hotels in Yvelines | Top 10 Trending Attractions in Jinan | Top 20 Trending Attractions in Suzhou | Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in Weihai | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Guiyang | Top 50 Luxury Hotels near Hartford | Popular Premium Hotels in Avila | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Wuhan | Popular Premium Hotels in Leukerbad | Top 50 Luxury Hotels near Alba | Popular Trending Attractions in Bali | Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in Boracay Island | Popular Trending Attractions in Lianyungang | Popular Trending Attractions in Yongji | Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in Semporna | Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in Liuzhou | Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in Tengchong | Popular Trending Attractions in Toyako | Top 10 Luxury Hotels near Preston
About
Payment methods
Our partners
Copyright © 2025 Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.