01City Guide
Maijishan Grottoes
麦积山石窟
Adults Focused
Admission
Type A: CNY 80, includes the grottoes; Type B: CNY 25, excludes the grottoes.
Typical Visit
2.5-3 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
Free entry
Hours
08:30-17:30
Transport
No metro. Start at the South Residence entrance on Minzhu West Road.
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Time
Year-round; start before 16:00 to cover both residences
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Enter through the main gate of the South Residence
Enter from the south side of Minzhu West Road and complete the day's entry process at the gate. Current public information lists free entry and hours of 08:30-17:30.
Tip:The South and North Residences are managed historic buildings, not public streets to walk through freely.
2
Finish the South Residence first
Follow the on-site route through the main halls, study courtyard and embroidery tower before heading to the connecting area.
Tip:Entering the passage too early or leaving the South Residence first can mean backtracking to see missed rooms.
3
Check whether the underground passage is open
When open, it provides one-way access from the South Residence to the North Residence; if closed, exit the South Residence and use the separate entrance across the road.
Tip:The passage is narrow and dim, so visitors with limited mobility or young children should move slowly.
4
Complete the North Residence before leaving
Allow 1-2 hours in total and aim to start before 16:00 to cover both compounds before closing.
Tip:Follow the photography rules for historic buildings and indoor displays; do not use flash where it is restricted.
Highlights
- The South and North Residences face each other across the road and preserve the layout of Ming-dynasty official residences.
- The South Residence has a more layered sequence of courtyards, halls and the embroidery tower.
- When open, the underground passage connects the two compounds as part of the visit.
- Wood carvings, brick carvings, roof decorations and courtyard proportions reward a slow look at architectural details.
Insider Tips
✦This is a historic-building visit with controlled entrances and routes, not a quick walk through a street-side site.
✦Whether the underground passage is open changes the route; finish the South Residence before deciding whether to enter it.
✦The courtyards are mostly level, but the passage and some thresholds are narrow; non-slip flat shoes are practical.
✦Avoid arriving close to closing time if you want to see both compounds.
More Tianshui Attractions
02City Guide
Tianshui Maijishan Scenic Area
天水麦积山风景名胜区
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Admission
Type A: CNY 80, includes the grottoes; Type B: CNY 25, excludes the grottoes.
Typical Visit
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