Zhangye, Gansu Province

Wenshushan Grottoes

文殊山石窟History & Culture · Temples

Built during the Northern Liang period of the Sixteen Kingdoms, this is a large Buddhist grotto complex. Its main caves include the Thousand Buddha Cave,…

Wenshushan Grottoes, Zhangye

Key facts

Admission
¥120
Opening hours
8:00—18:00
Time needed
1 hour
Getting there
Located in Qifeng Tibetan Township, Sunan County, about ten-plus kilometers from downtown Jiayuguan; you can take a taxi or self-drive from Jiuquan/Jiayuguan, and set your navigation to Wenshu Mountain Grottoes
Guidebook rating
4 / 5

From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 741. Open in Google Maps

About Wenshushan Grottoes

Built during the Northern Liang period of the Sixteen Kingdoms, this is a large Buddhist grotto complex. Its main caves include the Thousand Buddha Cave, the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave and the Ancient Buddha Cave on the back mountain, all central-pillar caves with domed ceilings and roughly square floor plans. The Ten Thousand Buddha Cave contains a large Western Xia-era mural of the Maitreya Sutra Transformation and the "Four Heavenly Kings Guarding the Cave" statues.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Wenshushan Grottoes cost?

Admission to Wenshushan Grottoes is ¥120, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.

What are the opening hours of Wenshushan Grottoes?

Wenshushan Grottoes is open 8:00—18:00.

How do I get to Wenshushan Grottoes?

Located in Qifeng Tibetan Township, Sunan County, about ten-plus kilometers from downtown Jiayuguan; you can take a taxi or self-drive from Jiuquan/Jiayuguan, and set your navigation to Wenshu Mountain Grottoes

How long should I spend at Wenshushan Grottoes?

Plan on 1 hour for Wenshushan Grottoes.

Where is Wenshushan Grottoes?

Wenshushan Grottoes is in Zhangye, Gansu Province, in the Northwest of China. Qifeng Tibetan Township, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye City

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