Maijishan Grottoes Day Tour from Xian by Bullet Train
Tour Overview
On this one-day tour, you will travel from Xian to Tianshui to visit Maijishan Grottoes and Fuxi Temple by bullet train. Maijishan Grottoes is a highlight along the ancient Silk Road, and it is also one of the four great grottoes in China (the other three are Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, Yungang Grottoes in Datong, and Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang). When you reach the site, you will be surprised by the honeycomb-like caves on the face of the cliff, and you will explore the caves uniquely by climbing the plank roads built on the cliff.
After visiting Maijishan Grottoes, your guide will accompany you to Fuxi Temple where you will appreciate traditional Chinese buildings and learn the story about Fuxi. We will take care of the train tickets, all transfers, entrance tickets, etc., and you just have fun.
Travel destination: Tianshui
Suitable for: Culture Explorers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Appreciate the Buddhist art at one of the “Four Greatest Grottoes of China“.
- Learn about the story of Fuxi, the originator of mankind in Chinese mythology.
- Enjoy a convenient and fast China bullet train ride in Northwest China.
At approximately 6:00 am, our driver will pick you up from your Xian downtown hotel and transport you to Xian North Railway Station. Board the D2671 train departing at 07:48, arriving at 09:28, or a similar train, booked and delivered to your hotel in advance (excluding last-minute bookings). Alight at Tian Shui Nan Station, where the local guide will warmly welcome you and start your journey to the Maiji Grottoes, situated 26 km from the station.
The Maijishan Grottoes are named after the mountain resembles a wheat stack. It is known as one of the four major grottoes in China, along with the Mogao Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Yungang Grottoes.
The original grottoes here were carved during the post-Qin Dynasty (384-417), and this architectural complex was expanded in subsequent dynasties with the development of Buddhism. The statues preserved in the grottoes are mainly made of clay sculptures, and you will have a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of ancient clay sculptures. Due to natural factors such as dampness and rain, there are relatively few preserved murals here, but with rich themes in highly skilled techniques. In 2014, UNESCO designated Maiji Caves as a World Cultural Heritage site.
Lunch will be at your own expense. You can feel free to consult your tour guide for recommendations. After lunch, be transferred to explore the Fuxi Temple, one of the famous ancient architectural complexes in northwest China. Fuxi is a respected figure in Chinese legend. He is one of the three great emperors and is considered the ancestor of the Chinese nation. The existing temple buildings (9th reconstruction) can be traced back to the late Qing Dynasty. Your tour guide will explain more stories about Fuxi to you.
As the tour concludes, your guide and driver will escort you to Tian Shui Nan Station for the return ride to Xian on D2726 departing at 18:07 and arriving at 19:53, or a similar train. Upon arrival in Xian, our designated driver will await you at the station exit, holding a name board, and transfer you back to your hotel.
Tour Price ($=USD)
From $289 P.P, which is based on a private tour for 2 people. The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel.
Price includes
- All entrance tickets as mentioned in the itinerary
- Private transfer in an air-conditioned car
- Excellent English-speaking tour guide and experienced driver
- 2nd class Xian – Tianshui bullet train
- One bottle of mineral water per person
Price excludes
- Meals and guide service on the trains
- Personal expense
- Gratuities (Recommended)
