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Maijishan Grottoes: A Silk Road Cliffside Journey in Tianshui, China

Maijishan Grottoes - Tianshui, China

Destination:ChinaProvince:GansuCity:Tianshui
Maijishan Grottoes - Tianshui, China
James and Keli10 min

China travel video

Maijishan Grottoes - Tianshui, China. This China travel video was filmed by James and Keli. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

This week we take you to our second city on the Silk Road, the Maijishan Grottoes! These Grottoes are carved into a cliff side outside of Tianshui and an easy day trip from Xi'An. . While we teach English during the week, we use our holidays and weekends to explore the different wonders of China. Once the borders open, we'll continue our adventures exploring the rest of the world. Until then, let's explore China together.

--- James and Keli
December 7, 2020, Winter in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

James and Keli continue their Silk Road trip from Xi’an to the Maijishan Grottoes outside Tianshui. They take a train with hard seats, then use bus 34 to reach the site. QR-code systems cause some difficulty because not all accept passport numbers, but they find a way through the checks. At the grottoes they climb about a thousand stairs, leave their bags at the free tourist-center drop and explore cliffside Buddhist caves and sculptures. A sightseeing bus offers a round trip for 15 yuan. Locals help with directions, and the couple later travel onward to Lanzhou, where finding accommodation as foreigners may require advance research.

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Maijishan Grottoes - Tianshui, China

From Xi’an to Maijishan

James and Keli continue their Silk Road journey by leaving Xi’an for Tianshui. They take a train with hard seats and then look for the local bus to Maijishan. From Tianshui station, bus 34 is a convenient and affordable option for reaching the grottoes. The couple encounter difficulties with QR-code and health-code systems because some do not accept passport numbers. They manage to show the required green codes and continue. Locals help by giving directions, and the couple also use Didi when moving around the cities.

At the Maijishan tourist center, they can leave their bags for free before exploring. A sightseeing bus costs 15 yuan for a round trip and saves them from a strenuous uphill climb. They also describe the climb of about a thousand stairs. The grottoes are carved into a cliffside outside Tianshui and contain ancient Buddhist sculptures. James and Keli take time to look at the caves and learn about the scale and history of the site.

Grottoes and the onward trip

The couple’s visit focuses on the cliffside sculptures and the effort required to reach them. They describe the caves as their most memorable stop and reflect on the historical significance of the carvings. The video balances practical travel issues—hard train seats, a local bus and QR-code checks—with the reason they made the journey: seeing the grottoes in person.

After Tianshui they travel onward to Lanzhou. James and Keli note that finding accommodation as foreigners may be challenging, so researching hotels in advance is useful. Their trip includes both logistical problems and friendly interactions with local people, including taxi drivers who help them. They encourage travelers not to let the transport and code issues deter them from visiting. The route from Xi’an to Maijishan and then Lanzhou remains part of their broader Silk Road journey.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How did James and Keli travel to the Maijishan Grottoes?
A: They took a train from Xi’an to Tianshui and then bus 34 to Maijishan. The train had hard seats, and they also used Didi to get around in the cities.
Q: What happened with health codes and QR codes?
A: Some of the systems did not accept their passport numbers, which made the process difficult. They eventually managed to show their green codes and continue the visit.
Q: How were people they met during the trip?
A: James and Keli describe people as friendly and helpful, including taxi drivers who assisted them. Locals also gave them directions as they traveled to the grottoes.
Q: What stood out most at Maijishan?
A: The couple highlight the ancient caves and Buddhist sculptures carved into the cliffside. They describe seeing the grottoes in person as the most memorable part of the journey.
Q: What advice do they give other travelers?
A: They recommend preparing for transport and QR-code challenges and not letting those problems discourage a visit. The couple say the grottoes are worth the effort, and mention the bus, free bag drop and sightseeing bus as useful options.

Previous travel video:

Maijishan Grottoes: A Silk Road Cliffside Journey in Tianshui, China

This week we take you to our second city on the Silk Road, the Maijishan Grottoes! These Grottoes are carved into a cliff side outside of Tianshui and an easy day trip from Xi'An. Support us monthly on Patreon! We have monthly tiers to help support us on the road while we travel, giving you exclusive...

Maijishan Grottoes: Exploring Ancient Buddhist Caves in Tianshui, China

James and Keli, a travel couple from Kansas, share their experience exploring the Maijishan Grottoes, a breathtaking cliffside marvel near Tianshui, China. Easily accessible from Xi'An, this Silk Road gem offers a captivating journey through history and artistry. Their captivating vlog captures the essence of this unique destination, inviting viewers to explore China's hidden wonders.

Attractions in this video: Maijishan Grottoes, Muslim Street Market