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; voluntary offerings.
Hours
Summer: 08:00-17:30. Winter: 09:00-17:00.
Transport
No direct metro. Bus 37 reaches the Jingtu Temple terminus.
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Time
Apr-Oct; avoid rear-mountain walking after rain
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Take bus 37 or drive to the Jingtu Temple gate
Bus 37 runs from central Tianshui or Maiji Railway Station to the Jingtu Temple terminus. Drivers continue toward Houchuan, where the final section has several bends.
Tip:Travellers prone to motion sickness should keep medication accessible rather than packed in luggage.
2
Enter from the mountain gate before midday
Jingtu Temple has free entry, with voluntary offerings. Plan around 08:00-17:30 in summer and 09:00-17:00 in winter; carry a passport or real-name identification if identity registration is requested at the gate that day.
Tip:Free entry does not mean you can arrive without time limits, especially in winter or near evening.
3
Follow the central axis through the temple courtyards
Visit the mountain gate, Pudu Bridge, Mahavira Hall, Manjushri Hall, Five Hundred Arhats Hall, and Sutra Library in that order, allowing about 2-3 hours.
Tip:Keep quiet inside halls and do not block entrances or passageways for photographs.
4
Decide on Fuxian Peak or the rear mountain paths
After the main courtyards, continue uphill for an overview of the temple and surrounding peaks; the courtyards alone take about 1-1.5 hours.
Tip:Skip the rear mountain section rather than rushing downhill if it is raining, steps are wet, or return transport is near.
5
Return to the bus stop or parking area before 17:00
The listed final bus 37 departure is around 17:00. Budget about CNY 10 for self-drive parking, though this may differ at some times.
Tip:Missing the final bus leaves few vehicle options in the mountains, so arrange a pickup or taxi plan in advance.
Highlights
- Mahavira Hall and the central-axis courtyards create a clear temple visit sequence.
- The Five Hundred Arhats Hall is the main indoor stop, with densely arranged Arhat sculptures.
- Manjushri Hall and its circulation space combine Han-style temple design with Tibetan Buddhist elements.
- Fuxian Peak gives a higher viewpoint over the temple complex and surrounding mountain forms.
- The release pond, old trees, and roof eaves provide short pauses between the courtyards.
Insider Tips
✦Burning incense and flash photography are prohibited. Cover shoulders and knees, and keep your voice low inside the halls.
✦The courtyards require limited effort, but the rear mountain has continuous steps; non-slip soles matter more than appearance.
✦If Jingtu Temple is only a short stop after the grottoes, prioritise Mahavira Hall, Manjushri Hall, and the Five Hundred Arhats Hall before deciding whether to climb.
✦Summer midday light is strong, while eaves provide shade for architectural photographs. Do not treat rear mountain paths as essential after rain.
✦Return buses and parking fees are separate from those at Maijishan Grottoes and Immortal Cliff.
More Tianshui Attractions
02City Guide
Tianshui Maijishan Scenic Area
天水麦积山风景名胜区
Adults Focused
Admission
Type A: CNY 80, includes the grottoes; Type B: CNY 25, excludes the grottoes.
Typical Visit
1-2 days
03Historic Walk
Fuxi Temple
伏羲庙
All Ages
Admission
CNY 20 for adults
Typical Visit
60-90 minutes
04Historic Walk
Tianshui Ancient City
天水古城
All Ages
Admission
Free public streets; individual venues set their own entry rules
Typical Visit
1-2 hours
05Historic Walk
Yuquanguan Scenic Area
玉泉观景区
All Ages
Admission
CNY 20 for adults
Typical Visit
1.5-2 hours
06Historic Walk
Tianshui Museum
天水市博物馆
All Ages
Admission
Free with a timed reservation
Typical Visit
1.5-2 hours