▲ Crack in the Cliff: A very narrow path leads to two 60m ladders. After climbing up, a 10-min hike will take you to the scenic shuttle bus stop. If you're tired by this point, we recommend taking the Crack in the Cliff route directly, as climbing ladders is much easier than ascending stairs. Lingzhi Valley: Climb the spiral staircase to the valley top, and you'll find the scenic shuttle bus after a short walk. From the valley entrance, it's about 700m to the staircase - this section has more concentrated scenery, so don't miss it. Hundred-Step Gorge: The gentle stairway slope may seem easy, but trust me, climbing stairs is actually more tiring than climbing ladders.
▲ Highlights of the in-depth tour: For visiting Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, the in-depth tour is highly recommended. This experience includes camel riding, camel cart rides, and off-road vehicle adventures. The in-depth tour allows you to see nearly all the attractions without excessive fatigue, including the famous "One-Line Sky" formation. In-depth tour itinerary (approx. 3 hrs): Take the attraction's sightseeing bus to Observation Deck 1 in the main scenic area (about 10 min ride). From Observation Deck 1, transfer to an adventure vehicle for a 30-min journey to Observation Decks 5 and 6. Continue via camel cart and camel ride to visit Lingzhi Valley. Finally, climb the cliffside ladders to reach the summit.
▲ Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, hailed by China National Geography and renowned geological experts as well as visitors as "rivaling Zhangjiajie" and "comparable to the Grand Canyon," is a new discovery along the Silk Road! Sculpted by millions of years of natural forces, this canyon features profound depths and extraordinary peaks. Nature's masterful craftsmanship has carved the vibrant mountains into breathtaking, unparalleled landscapes that captivate the soul.
▲ The Thirty-Three Heavens Caves are the essence of the Mati Grottoes Tourism Area, featuring five levels with twenty-one grottoes, each containing Buddhist halls. As a Tibetan Buddhist cave complex, the higher levels house halls dedicated to Tara, where many visitors light lamps for blessings. The halls on each level are connected by corridors, some narrow enough for only one person to pass through, while others require climbing, offering a unique experience. The natural scenery of the Mati Grottoes attraction is also impressive, with views of the snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands of the Qilian Mountains.
▲ Legend has it that during the Western Han Dynasty, a heavenly horse descended from the western skies and flew eastward. As it approached the Lin Song Yong Valley, a refreshing fragrance filled the air. Compelled by an unseen force, the celestial steed landed on a cliff, leaving behind an indelible imprint where its hooves touched the rock. Due to this miraculous hoofprint, "Lin Song Mountain" was renamed "Horse Hoof Mountain," and the temple was subsequently called "Mati Temple" (Mati Grottoes Tourism Area). Today, the remaining Buddhist halls and grottoes make it hard to imagine the once-thriving incense-filled glory of the Mati Grottoes Tourism Area. ... However, navigating the narrow and steep corridors carved into the cliffs, visitors are still greeted with breathtaking vistas and the majestic beauty of the Qilian Mountains, offering delightful surprises. Historical research indicates that the earliest grottoes in the Mati Grottoes Tourism Area were carved over 1,600 years ago during the Northern Liang Dynasty. Originally a Han Chinese Buddhist temple, it gradually transformed into a Tibetan Buddhist Gelugpa monastery.
▲ Admission Ticket Basic Ticket: Adult 67 CNY, Student/Senior 37 CNY, includes natural scenery, Thousand Buddha Caves, Palace of King Gesar, Mati Grottoes Tourism Area (North Temple Caves), etc.! Special Caves Ticket: Caves 1-4 ticket 80 CNY. Jinta Temple Ticket: 300 CNY. Combo Ticket: 415 CNY, includes Thousand Buddha Caves, Caves 1-4, Mati Grottoes North Temple, Jinta Temple East & West Premium Special Caves, etc. Recommendation: Purchase the basic ticket first, then buy special caves and Jinta Temple tickets separately if you have time and energy! The scenery included in the basic ticket is already spectacular enough, mainly featuring the North Temple Caves - Thirty-Three Heavens Caves!
