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Mati Temple马蹄寺
Mati (Horseshoe) Temple is a cliff complex of grottoes 65 km south of Zhangye — chambers carved 1,600 years ago into sandstone cliffs, including the Three-Thirteen Heaven Grottoes reached by tunnels and vertical interior stairs, set in alpine grasslands used by Tibetan herders.
Zhangye · Visitor Guide2026-10-19
Quick Answer
Is Mati Temple worth visiting?
A cliff complex of 1,600-year-old grottoes in alpine grassland 65 km from Zhangye, with a horseshoe print attributed to a heavenly horse in one grotto.
Quick facts
| Ticket | ¥74 (park + grottoes) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 08:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct) |
| Recommended duration | half day |
| Best time to visit | May-Oct |
| How to get there | Taxi or tour from Zhangye, 65 km |
| English signage | basic |
| Wheelchair accessible | No |
What to expect
The complex spreads across several cliff faces in the Mati mountains, home to a mixed Han and Tibetan community. The Three-Thirteen Heaven Grottoes climb through connected chambers carved into the cliff — steep interior tunnels and windows cut directly into the rock — housing statues from the Northern Liang onward.
The eponymous horseshoe print in one grotto is attributed to a heavenly horse that stopped here. The surrounding grasslands are used by Tibetan herders, and yurt stays and horseback rides are available nearby.
How to get there
No regular public transport — take a taxi or join a Zhangye tour for the 65 km drive south into the Mati mountains.
Best photo spots
- The cliff façade of the Three-Thirteen Heaven Grottoes
- Interior chambers with cliff-window views
- Alpine grassland with yurts and herds
Tips
- Steep interior tunnels are one-way and low — not for claustrophobia
- Combine with the Zhangye Danxia landforms in a two-day loop
Frequently asked questions
Is Mati Temple suitable for children?
The cliff tunnels are steep, dark and low in places — better suited to sure-footed teens and adults.
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Other things to do in Zhangye
Giant Buddha Temple (Dafo Temple)
China's largest indoor reclining Buddha (34.5 m) sleeps in a 1,770 m² Western Xia hall built in 1098. ¥40. Allow 60–90 minutes, half a day if you also visit the attached Zhangye Museum.
Mati Temple
A 1,600-year-old cliff-carved Buddhist grotto complex 65 km south of Zhangye, best experienced in a long day that includes the vertiginous Thirty-Three Heavens climb and a Jinta Temple side trip.
Zhangye Danxia Landform (Rainbow Mountains)
China's most photographed geological wonder — rainbow-striped mountains formed 24 million years ago. UNESCO. ¥75. Best at sunset. 3-4 hours.