The May Day holiday is approaching, come and visit the Maijishan Grottoes to admire the Buddha statues
Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui, Gansu, is one of the four famous grottoes in China, named for its resemblance to a stack of wheat straw. Amidst the continuous green mountains, the Maijishan stands out with its steep cliffs on all sides, covered with green trees at the top. One cannot help but admire the natural wonder shaped by the forces of nature. Today, we will focus on admiring several Buddha statues.
The Serene Buddha. This Buddha statue leans against the cave wall, with a painted ruyi cloud pattern behind it. Although the mural is peeling, the vibrant colors are still striking. The Buddha wears a hat and is draped in a kasaya. The face is full and well-defined, with slightly open eyes looking diagonally to the left front. The right arm is bent and raised, with the palm facing out. The statue has smooth lines and is well-proportioned.
The Dharma Transmission Buddha. This Buddha statue wears a red and blue robe and a pointed hat. With a straight nose and square mouth, the corners of the mouth are slightly raised, looking straight ahead with a resolute gaze. The Buddha's ears are clear in outline, plump, soft, and perfectly curved, with long round earlobes. The posture is upright and majestic.
The Demon-Subduing Buddha. This Buddha statue has a unique and relaxed sitting posture, with the left leg hanging down, foot pressing on a lotus flower, and the left hand supporting from behind; the right leg is raised and bent in a squatting position, with the right hand resting on the knee, looking straight ahead.
The Preaching Buddha. The Buddha statue wears a hat and has kind eyebrows and benevolent eyes. The face is full and round, with a slight smile. The Buddha is draped in a robe that is wide and flowing, with clear and casual folds, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisans.
The Tranquil Buddha. This is the most beautiful Buddha statue. The face is serene, with a slight smile. With curved eyebrows and delicate eyes, the gaze is lowered, the nose bridge is high and straight, and the corners of the mouth are upturned, dignified and elegant, gentle and beautiful, like a tranquil lotus flower, embodying wisdom and tolerance. After a long gaze, one feels inner peace and lightness, as if the clouds are light and the breeze is gentle.
According to records, the Maijishan Grottoes were first constructed during the Later Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms, and have undergone excavation and renovation over more than 1600 years through the Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. There are currently 221 caves, 3938 statues in 10632 figures, and 979.54 square meters of murals. The Maijishan Grottoes provide rich materials and historical records for future generations to study Chinese Buddhist culture.
From Northern Wei to Tang and Song, and then to Ming and Qing Dynasties, it has been through more than 1600 years of wind and frost, but a large part of it has not been completely preserved. It must be seen that it is really an artistic feast. It is a worthwhile trip.
Just off the peak, so there are no people when you arrive at the attractions. You can go up the mountain directly early in the morning. The air and temperature are just right. It is not recommended to climb the high-fearing friends. It is best to wear light clothes because there are many wooden ladders.
One of the four major grottoes in China, let the wisdom and spirit of the ancients be amazed, the beautiful natural and human landscape, the lifelike mud-shaping image, the magnificent and beautiful Northern Dynasties murals and the breathtaking scenery, the beautiful scenery, it is worth a visit!
Needless to say, the introduction and value of the grotto itself, as long as it is not very afraid of heights, you can still climb it. After all, I am afraid of heights myself. After three years of entanglement, I finally went there. After I went there, I found that I was not so scared. We stayed in the scenic B&B one night in advance. We went early in the morning, plus the time for the interpreter to see the special cave. The overall time of two hours is enough. There is a bus here to take the train station, and then take a taxi or change to Tianshui City.
To be honest, I came to Tianshui for the purpose of not eating Mala Tang, but for Maiji Mountain Grottoes. This is one of the four major grottoes in China. It is known as the Oriental Sculpture Exhibition Hall. It has been planting grass for a long time. However, I have to complain. Before I came to Maiji Mountain, no one told me. The whole tour basically depends on peeping. ~ Due to the humid climate and other reasons, Most of the grottoes here are protected by dense barbed wire locks, let alone taking pictures, it is hard to look at, the visit experience is not very good ~
Maijishan Grottoes is indeed one of the four major grottoes in China, with rich statues and exquisite skills, as if they can travel through the millennium to touch the magnificent era of Buddhism. Unfortunately, Gansu Grottoes account for two of the four grottoes, but compared to Mogao Grottoes, Maijishan Grottoes are not publicity enough, resulting in fewer tourists, which is a pity. I hope Gansu Cultural Tourism can increase publicity and show Gansu's unique charm to China and the world.
Maiji Mountain decided it was worth a visit, and from a distance, seeing the shape of the straw, and the big Buddha statues on the mountain, it felt different from the charm of other grottoes. Especially many Buddha statues, very unique and imaginative after buying tickets on Trip.com, you can use your ID card to brush the ticket gate of the scenic spot. Overall, I am very satisfied.
A bit far from the high-speed rail station. , Public transportation is not convenient, it is recommended to take a taxi. There is a mountain road in the door, you can buy a scenic shuttle bus, or climb the mountain. The scenery on the mountain is very good. Unfortunately, many grottoes are locked and can't see the inside. But it is still very worth a visit.