Muta Temple
The surviving wooden pagoda is a rebuilt brick-and-timber structure, and climbing it offers a view over the city of Zhangye. However, it is far less grand than the purely wooden,…
Muta Temple, Zhangye
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥25
- Opening hours
- 8：00—17：00
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Getting there
- Near Giant Buddha Temple Cultural Square (bus stop)
- Guidebook rating
- 3 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 738. Open in Google Maps
About Muta Temple
The surviving wooden pagoda is a rebuilt brick-and-timber structure, and climbing it offers a view over the city of Zhangye. However, it is far less grand than the purely wooden, rotating pagoda described in Marco Polo's travel accounts. It now houses the Gaotai Folk Customs Museum.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Muta Temple cost?
Admission to Muta Temple is ¥25, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Muta Temple?
Muta Temple is open 8：00—17：00.
How do I get to Muta Temple?
Near Giant Buddha Temple Cultural Square (bus stop)
How long should I spend at Muta Temple?
Plan on 1 hour for Muta Temple.
Where is Muta Temple?
Muta Temple is in Zhangye, Gansu Province, in the Northwest of China.
More places in Zhangye
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Giant Buddha Temple Scenic Area
The temple houses the largest indoor clay-sculpted reclining Buddha in China, measuring 34.5 metres long and 7.5 metres wide. Built in 1098, it is the only large Western Xia Buddhist temple still standing in China. The Giant Buddha Temple now houses the Zhangye Museum.
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The area includes the Danxia geological scenic zone, Kanglong Temple, the Machang Tan grassland, snow-mountain adventure tourism and more. In spring and summer the grassland is green as a carpet; in autumn wild fruit hangs heavy on the branches; in deep winter the snow lies white and the scenery is magnificent. Every July, herders in festive dress gather here from all directions for a grassland festival, with spectacular horse racing, wrestling, archery and other performances.
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