Maijishan Cave Museum
The Maijishan Cave Museum (麦积山石窟博物馆) is at the Maijishan Grottoes site in Tianshui, Gansu. The Maijishan (Wheat Stack Mountain) Grottoes are one of China's four great Buddhist cave temple sites, containing 10,000+ Buddhist images carved between the 4th and 19th centuries.
Tianshui · history museum2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Maijishan Cave Museum worth visiting?
The museum of one of China's four great Buddhist cave temple sites — the Maijishan Grottoes (麦积山石窟) with 10,000+ Buddhist images. ¥90.
Quick facts
| Category | history |
|---|---|
| Ticket | ¥90 (includes cave and museum). |
| Hours | 8:00-18:00. Open year-round. |
| Recommended duration | 2-3 hours. |
| Best time to visit | April through October. Summer best. |
| How to get there | Bus from Tianshui city center (¥10). From Xi'an by high-speed train: 2 hours. |
| English signage | Partial |
Why visit
The Maijishan Grottoes are one of China's four great cave temple sites with distinctive Qin Dynasty and Northern Wei Buddhist art.
Collection highlights
- 10,000+ Buddhist cave images
- Northern Wei cave art
- Tang Dynasty cave additions
Tips
- Part of Gansu Silk Road itinerary
Frequently asked questions
How does Maijishan Grottoes compare to other major Chinese cave temples?
Maijishan (麦积山) is one of China's four great Buddhist cave temple sites (with Dunhuang Mogao, Yungang, and Longmen). It is distinctive for its Qin Dynasty and Northern Wei cave art with a more indigenous Chinese style compared to the Central Asian influences visible at Yungang and Dunhuang. The caves are carved into a cliffs of crystallized mushroom rock.
How do I get to Maijishan Grottoes from Tianshui city?
Maijishan Grottoes is 30km southeast of Tianshui city. Take bus from Tianshui Eastern bus station (汽车站) to Maijishan for ¥10, 1 hour. Alternatively, DiDi from Tianshui city center for ¥50-70. The site has a cable car (¥80 round-trip) offering panoramic views — recommended for first-time visitors. Ticket: ¥90 includes cave and museum.
Is there a cable car at Maijishan and is it worth taking?
Yes — Maijishan has a cable car (¥80 round-trip, ¥50 one-way) to the top of the cliff. The ride offers sweeping views of the mushroom-shaped rock formation and the surrounding landscape. If you have mobility issues or limited time, the cable car is strongly recommended. For able-bodied visitors who want the full hiking experience, the stone steps (over 300 steps) to the top cave are worth the climb for the views.
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Other things to do in Tianshui
Maiji Mountain Grottoes
One of China's four great ancient Buddhist cave temple sites. 221 caves, 10,000+ sculptures on a cliff face. ¥90 entry. 2 hours from Xi'an.
Xianren Cliff (Immortal Cliff)
Mountain valley with Buddhist temples and a seasonal waterfall, 50 km from Tianshui. Great for hiking and scenery. ¥40 entry. Combine with Maiji Mountain.
Southern and Northern Residences (Nanbei Zhaizi)
Best-preserved Ming-Qing dynasty residential complex in western China. Free entry. Two grand courtyard houses with distinctive Gansu architecture. 30 minutes from Maiji Mountain.
Fuxing Temple (Fuxi Temple)
Temple dedicated to Fuxi, the legendary inventor of the I Ching and Chinese writing system. In central Tianshui. Free entry; 1–2 hours for the unique architectural layout.