Maijishan Grottoes Lazy Person's Guide - Must-read!

Hey everyone! Today, I'm bringing you a super practical guide to the Maijishan Grottoes. After reading this, you'll definitely have a clear understanding of how to enjoy your visit. 🌄 1️⃣ Basic Information Maijishan Grottoes is a World Cultural Heritage site! It's located in Tianshui, Gansu Province. The mountain is shaped like a wheat stack, which is how it got its cute name. Tickets are 80 yuan, and the round-trip sightseeing bus is 15 yuan, super cost-effective! You can buy tickets online or at the visitor center window. There are also commemorative tickets available. 🎫 2️⃣ Opening hours vary between peak and off-season: Off-season (currently March): 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, ticket sales until 4:00 pm Peak season (April - October): 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, ticket sales until 4:30 pm 3️⃣ Transportation Guide 🚌 Tianshui Station/South Station: Take bus No. 34 or No. 37 directly to the scenic area. Take bus No. 5 or No. 1 to Nanguo Temple and transfer. 🚗 Navigate to the ticket checkpoint of the scenic area. Take the small blue road, don't go the wrong way! 4️⃣ Recommended Tour Routes Beginner-friendly route (2 hours): Enter from the east gate → Take the gentle No. 2 route → Visit Cave 13 (East Cliff Giant Buddha) + Cave 58 (Water-Moon Guanyin) → Take photos at the West Cliff Giant Buddha → Take the sightseeing bus down the mountain. In-depth experience route (4+ hours): Challenge the steep No. 1 plank road → Must-see Cave 133 (Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave) + Cave 44 (Oriental Beauty) → Take photos of the Buddha statues' profiles in the evening light → Stay overnight at a nearby guesthouse. 5️⃣ Must-see Hidden Gems Cave 133: The largest cave in Maijishan, with 18 stunning Northern Dynasty statues. Cave 44: Western Wei Dynasty "Oriental Beauty," with flowing robes that seem to breathe. Cave 127: Northern Dynasty murals on the ceiling, with vivid scenes of the struggle for relics. 6️⃣ Photo Tips Golden hour: Soft light at dawn/dusk gives the Buddha statues a golden glow. Composition tips: Use the mountains as a backdrop for full-body shots, and close-ups of the Buddha statues for social media. ⚠️ Caution: Flash photography is prohibited in some caves. Rent an electronic guide for a clearer understanding and to fully appreciate the grotto culture. 7️⃣ Important Notes Wear non-slip athletic shoes! The plank road is steep and long, don't overestimate your stamina. Treat the cultural relics with respect! Don't touch the murals, and don't use flash photography. Choose a licensed guide: The scenic area has official guides, beware of unofficial guides. The off-season is less crowded and more peaceful! It's recommended to stay overnight and experience the morning Buddhist rituals. There is a dining area inside with the same prices as outside, so don't worry. 8️⃣ Nearby Attractions After visiting the grottoes in the morning → Visit Fuxi Temple in the afternoon. Watch the sunset at Nanguo Temple in the evening, and enjoy the night view of Tianshui Ancient City while eating frog legs. Everyone! Maijishan has both the grandeur of giant Buddhas and the delicacy of small niches. It's recommended to spend at least half a day exploring. Now is the perfect time to go to avoid the crowds, and the special caves are even better with fewer people! Let's go!