[2024 Sunan Attraction] Travel Guide for Qianfo Cave, Mati Temple (Updated Sep)
Caves
Temples
Address:
Horseshoe Temple Scenery Tourist Area, Dadu Maxiang, Minle County, Zhangye, Gansu Province
Opening times:
Open tomorrow at 08:00-18:00Closed Today
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
0936-8891610
Gansu Zhangye's lesser-known attraction, Mati Temple
📍Attraction Address: Within the territory of Mati Tibetan Township, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Gansu
🚗Transportation: We drove there ourselves
👍️Must-visit attractions: The grottoes consist of Shengguo Temple, Puguang Temple, Qianfo Cave, Jinta Temple, and the Upper, Middle, and Lower Guanyin Caves, totaling more than 70 caves and niches, first built during the Northern Liang period. Mati Temple is named after the legendary heavenly horse that drank water here, leaving a hoof print. The legendary hoof print is preserved in the Mati Hall of Puguang Temple and has become the treasure of the temple.
The earliest of these grottoes were built during the Jin Dynasty, carved by Dunhuang native Guo Yu and his disciples. Initially, it was Guo's secluded place for teaching, later added with Buddha statues by others. At its peak, there were more than 300 monks.
🎟️Ticket Information: No reservation needed, buy tickets one hour in advance for 74 yuan
💗Other tips: Highly recommended.
Penelope Carmichael
Zhangye | Low-key and rare, under the snow mountain, the cliff Buddha cave, a glance for a thousand years
| Low-key and rare, under the snow mountain, the cliff Buddha cave, a glance for a thousand years. In Zhangye, there is a small and beautiful place, it is the Matisi Scenic Area, but it is more than a temple. The Matisi Scenic Area is very large, and the Thousand Buddha Cave is the first stop.
I visited in the early morning, the Thousand Buddha Cave carved on the cliff, the Thousand Buddha Cave has more than 500 cliff Buddha pagoda caves, the scale is very large, the multiple stone Buddha statues carved on the stone wall are very fantastic and spectacular. At this moment, the ethereal and quiet, the birds circling, the distant snow mountains, the quiet forest under the mountain, the breeze blowing, a glance for a thousand years.
🏞️About Matisi Scenic Area
Matisi is named after the legendary heavenly horse drinking water here and leaving horseshoe prints. The legendary horseshoe print is now preserved in the Puguang Temple Matisi Hall and has become a treasure of the temple.
The Matisi Grottoes group has a history of more than 1600 years from the Eastern Jin Dynasty to the modern times, including the Northern Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Song (Xixia), Yuan, Ming, Qing, and the Republic of China. It is one of the historical and highly artistic cultural relics in the province.
🏞️About Thousand Buddha Cave
The Thousand Buddha Cave was built during the Northern Liang period of the Sixteen Kingdoms of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. It was a Tibetan Buddhist temple during the Yuan Dynasty and is now a Han Buddhist temple.
The Thousand Buddha Cave is divided into three parts: the north section, the south section, and the middle section. The north section is a relief stone pagoda forest. On the steep red sandstone, there are dozens of stone pagodas of various sizes. This is where the ascetic monks live or store musk deer. Most of the stone pagodas were carved in the Yuan and Ming periods, and there are also treasures from the Xixia. The south and middle sections are mainly Buddha caves. The cave eaves are Fan-style wooden structure flying eaves.
💚Small tips:
1. Although it is a small crowd, there are still many people in Matisi on holidays, so you must set off early to enter the park.
2. Self-driving or chartered cars can drive into the scenic area, first visit the Thousand Buddha Cave and then go to Thirty-three days.
3. Jinta Temple is also part of the Matisi Scenic Area, but it is very far away and the entrance fee is charged separately. If you are interested and have time, you can go.
4. Thirty-three days cave is limited, the interior is narrow, if you are not physically strong, you do not need to climb up, the entrance and exit are one-way, there are staff to guide, there are many queues in the peak season.
✅Practical information
▫️Name: Matisi
📍Address: Matisi Scenic Area, Sunan Yugu Autonomous County, Gansu Province
🎫Ticket: 65 yuan (including Thirty-three days Buddha Cave)
🚘Transportation: Self-driving or chartered car or half-day tour, public transportation is inconvenient
sebastian_ambrose_thornfield
Stairway to Serenity: Mati Temple
Mati Temple Scenic Area in Gansu, China is a fascinating destination for those who love history, culture and stunning views. While there are many steps to climb to reach the viewing platform, the effort is more than worth it for the breathtaking vista and unique structures at the top.
The two large white stupas, each surrounded by prayer wheels, add to the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. The temple itself is steeped in history and culture, with a rich legacy dating back many centuries.
But it's the viewing platform that really steals the show. From here, visitors can take in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape. The combination of lush greenery and rugged mountains is truly awe-inspiring, and makes the climb more than worthwhile.
Would recommend going early in the morning when nobody is about - tickets are around 90rmb per person.
Overall, Mati Temple in Gansu is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the area. The history and culture of the grottoes, combined with the stunning views and unique structures, make it an unforgettable experience.
#roadtrip #tripleblazer