Yunya Temple Scenic Area
Yunya Temple sits among steep, dramatic peaks that vie for attention, known as the "Four Platforms and Sixteen Peaks." Below lies Zhulin Temple Reservoir, its calm waters mirroring the sky.…
Yunya Temple Scenic Area, Eastern Gansu
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥55
- Opening hours
- 8:00–18:00 (April–October); 9:00–17:00 (November–March)
- Time needed
- 0.5 day
- Getting there
- Take a long-distance bus from downtown Pingliang to Zhuanglang County, then transfer to Zhuanglang Bus No. 5 to Yunyasi Temple stop; by self-drive, take the G30 Lianyungang-Horgos Expressway and then transfer to S202
- Guidebook rating
- 4 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 780. Open in Google Maps
About Yunya Temple Scenic Area
Yunya Temple sits among steep, dramatic peaks that vie for attention, known as the "Four Platforms and Sixteen Peaks." Below lies Zhulin Temple Reservoir, its calm waters mirroring the sky. Sunlight, water, clouds and peaks reflect and complement one another. The Yunya Temple Grottoes, carved into the sheer cliffs of the main peak, are known as the "culmination of late Chinese cave art," and hold significant historical and artistic value for the study of late Chinese grottoes and Buddhist art.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Yunya Temple Scenic Area cost?
Admission to Yunya Temple Scenic Area is ¥55, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Yunya Temple Scenic Area?
Yunya Temple Scenic Area is open 8:00–18:00 (April–October); 9:00–17:00 (November–March).
How do I get to Yunya Temple Scenic Area?
Take a long-distance bus from downtown Pingliang to Zhuanglang County, then transfer to Zhuanglang Bus No. 5 to Yunyasi Temple stop; by self-drive, take the G30 Lianyungang-Horgos Expressway and then transfer to S202
How long should I spend at Yunya Temple Scenic Area?
Plan on 0.5 day for Yunya Temple Scenic Area.
Where is Yunya Temple Scenic Area?
Yunya Temple Scenic Area is in Eastern Gansu, Gansu Province, in the Northwest of China. Zhuanglang County, Pingliang City
More places in Eastern Gansu
Maijishan Grottoes
The Maiji Mountain Grottoes were first carved during the Later Qin of the Sixteen Kingdoms period and were repaired and expanded by successive dynasties. There are 194 caves, more than 7,000 clay and stone sculptures, and over 1,300 square metres of murals. The caves are concentrated on cliffs 20–80 metres above the valley floor and linked by plank walkways. Because of the damp climate, few murals have survived, but the sculptures rival those of the Mogao Caves. Caves are also found at Xianren Cliff, Stone Gate and Qu Xi scenic areas, though these are mainly known for their natural scenery.
¥80; tickets for special-protection caves ¥100–180 · 2–3 hours
Xianren Cliff
Located 15 km from the Maiji Mountain Grottoes, Xianren Cliff is a scenic spot where Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism coexist. It comprises three cliffs, five peaks and six temples. The three cliffs are East, West and South. The five peaks are Jade Emperor, Canopy, Pearl Offering, East Cliff and West Cliff. The six temples are Muglian, Stone Lotus, Iron Lotus, Flower Lotus, Water Lotus and Lingying. Majestic mountains, clear waters, lush trees and scattered wildflowers complement one another, making you feel as if you have stepped into a fairyland.
¥40 · 1–3 hours
Wushan Water Curtain Cave, Tianshui
Water trickles down the cave year-round, and on rainy days water cascades from the eaves like a curtain, which gives the cave its name. The complex includes Lashao Temple, the Thousand Buddha Caves, Xiansheng Pool and the Water Curtain Cave. It is the second most important grotto complex after the Maiji Mountain Grottoes. The scenic area is home to the Lashao Temple Buddha, an open-air cliff relief said to be the largest of its kind in Asia. More than a hundred statues from successive dynasties and over 2,000 square metres of murals survive here, making it well worth a visit.
Admission ¥30; sightseeing shuttle round trip ¥10 · 1–3 hours
Kongtong Mountain
Kongtong Mountain, one of the Twelve Immortal Mountains of Taoism, lies on the eastern foot of the Liupan Mountains, 15 km southwest of Pingliang. Thirty-odd pavilions and temples stand on the summit, divided into five platforms: east, west, south, north and central. Kongtong Reservoir lies at the foot of the mountain. From the peak, the Loess Plateau stretches out below, while pines and cypresses frame the temples and towers, and incense smoke and mist drift through the air. Emperors Qin Shi Huang and Han Wudi both climbed Kongtong Mountain to seek the wisdom of immortals, following the example of the Yellow Emperor.
Peak season ¥110; off-season ¥55 · 0.5–1 day
Tianshui Fuxi Temple Scenic Area
First built in the Yuan dynasty, this large temple complex is laid out across three courtyards on Guanfu West Road. It features ancient cypress trees and old residences, and the statue of Fuxi in the main hall was re-sculpted in recent years. Every year on the 16th day of the fifth lunar month, the Fuxi Festival is held here.
¥20 · 2–3 hours
Gangu Daxiangshan Scenic Area
This area offers beautiful scenery and steep mountains covered with many pines and junipers, and the air is filled with the fragrance of fragrant osmanthus. Pavilions and towers are built into the hillside, and carved beams and painted rafters peek through the green foliage, leaving visitors spoilt for choice. The highlight is the large cave on the mountain, which houses a stone-core clay Buddha statue, lifelike in expression and grand in scale.
¥30