▲ The ancient eaves frame the distant layered pavilions in a picturesque view. Up close, the intricate paintings and carvings on the beams and pillars showcase exquisite craftsmanship, while the temples in the distance are nestled within the Danxia cliffs, with the plaque "Zhengliu Jiuyuan" clearly visible. The interplay of layers blends historical depth with architectural beauty, fully revealing the rustic charm and profound allure of the Mati Grottoes Tourism Area.
▲ Amidst the Danxia cliffs, the pavilions of Mati Grottoes Tourism Area blend seamlessly with the mountain terrain. Vermilion pillars and golden eaves, adorned with red lanterns, add a touch of warmth. Winding stone steps invite solitary strolls, where ancient architecture harmonizes with nature—embodying both the solemnity of Buddhist grottoes and the vibrant pulse of daily life.
▲ The crimson cliffs stand like a natural grand screen, with the pavilions of Mati Grottoes Tourism Area embedded within. The upturned eaves and vibrant painted decorations, along with the ancient and dignified plaque inscribed with "Zheng Liu Jiu Yuan" (Eternal Flow of Righteousness), create a striking sight. The scattered grottoes resemble mysterious symbols carved by time, where ancient architecture blends seamlessly with the Danxia landforms, showcasing both the grandeur and intricacy of these Silk Road Buddhist caves.
▲ The painted sculptures at Jinta Temple are relics from the Northern Liang Dynasty and subsequent periods, forming an important part of the Mati Grottoes Tourism Area. The grottoes feature a rich variety of painted sculptures, including Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and flying apsaras, crafted using the suspended sculpture (high-relief carving) technique. Notably, the three-dimensional high-relief flying apsaras are arranged in a "V" shape, predating their counterparts in Dunhuang by 300 years. Despite the wear of millennia, these works still showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans. They serve as invaluable artifacts for the study of Buddhist art, history, and culture, earning the reputation as "the essence of Eastern flying apsaras."
