Maijishan

Maijishan, also known as the Maijishan Grottoes, is a Buddhist cave complex carved into the cliff face of Maiji Mountain, on the northern bank of the Wei River in the city of Tianshui, Gansu Province, China. The site comprises numerous caves and thousands of Buddhist statues and reliefs excavated directly into the rock.

Construction began in the late 4th century during the Northern Wei dynasty and continued for several centuries, reaching its peak in the Northern Wei and Tang periods. The grottoes reflect the spread of Chinese Buddhism from Central Asia and India, and contain sculptures ranging from early to late periods. The cliff face was exploited for religious art, and the site remained an important pilgrimage center for centuries.

Carved directly into the rock, the caves house large and small statues, many seated or standing Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and guardian figures. The art shows a fusion of northern Asian stylistic influences with Chinese aesthetic forms. The site is known for its survival of murals and sculptural programs that illustrate Buddhist cosmology and narrative themes.

Maijishan is regarded as one of the most important early Buddhist grotto complexes in China, illustrating the development of rock-cut Buddhist architecture. Conservation efforts have protected and stabilized the caves, though many remain vulnerable to weathering and seismic risk. It is a major cultural and historical site and a prominent tourist attraction.

Visitors can reach the grottoes by road from Tianshui; the site is managed by Chinese cultural authorities and is part of regional conservation programs.