Horseshoe Temple is named because the legendary heavenly horse has horseshoe prints in this drinking water, it is famous because of the temple, it is won by the scenery, it is known as one of the three major Buddhist art treasure houses in Hexi, it integrates the grotto art, the scenery of Qilian Mountain and the Tibetan customs, the mountain is green, the water is beautiful, the peak is strange, and the cave is strange can be called the four uniques.
1. The geographical background of Zhangye Horseshoe Temple
Located in the northwest of Gansu Province, Zhangye is a famous cultural city with a long history. The Horseshoe Temple is a bright pearl in the Zhangye area, located at the northern foot of the Qilian Mountains, with a unique geographical location and rich historical and cultural connotations that attract countless tourists. The mountains and rivers here are beautiful, the climate is pleasant, and it is an excellent place for sightseeing and summer leisure.
2. The main attractions of the Horseshoe Temple
- Thousand Buddha Caves
The grotto is divided into three sections: south, middle and north according to the trend of the mountain cliff, the south and middle sections are Buddha caves, and the north section is the relief stone tower.
The Thousand Buddha Cave is built by digging caves, among which the passage leading to the Medicine Master Hall is the most difficult to climb, which is 90 degrees vertical, this section has a very climbing feeling, and it must be challenged.
- Thirty-three days of grottoes
The Thirty-Three Days Grotto is one of the landmark buildings of the Horseshoe Temple and one of the most desirable attractions for tourists.
There are 7 floors and 21 caves, and this grotto group is located on top of the cliff, layered on top of each other, like a castle in the sky. The passage in the cave is narrow, and you need to use both hands and feet to climb up.
When you climb to the top of the hill and look out over the entire grottoes, you will be amazed by what you see: the caves carved out of the red sandstone walls are scattered against the blue sky and white clouds, forming a magnificent picture.
- Special Cave
In addition to the Thousand Buddha Caves and the Thirty-Three Day Grottoes, the Horseshoe Temple also has four special caves open for tourists to visit. Although the Buddha statues in these caves have been damaged, the remaining murals and sculptures still give a sense of the charm of ancient art. It is not recommended to visit these tickets are expensive, and it is not cost-effective to watch them in five minutes.
3. The local culture of Zhangye Horseshoe Temple
The Horseshoe Temple is a natural beauty and a treasure of traditional Chinese culture. It integrates various religious and cultural elements such as Chinese Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism, forming a unique cultural landscape.
Near the Horseshoe Temple, see the herdsmen grazing on the grassland, and hear their melodious singing and cheerful laughter. The Tibetan culture here is rich and colorful, including unique costumes, food, singing and dancing, and more, which is an experience that tourists should not miss.
4. Travel Advice
- Best time to travel
Zhangye Horseshoe Temple is suitable for travel in all seasons, but the best time to visit is spring and autumn. With its pleasant climate and beautiful scenery, it's the perfect time to see the grotto art and experience the local culture.
- Transportation
From Zhangye City, take a bus or chartered bus to the Horseshoe Temple. Bus fares are cheaper but infrequent, while chartered buses are more convenient and flexible to suit your needs.
- Dress advice
The Horseshoe Temple is located in a mountainous area with a wide range of temperatures, so visitors are advised to wear comfortable, warm clothing and shoes.
Some attractions require climbing and drilling, so it is recommended to wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable for movement.
- Precautions
When visiting the Horseshoe Temple, respect the local customs and religious beliefs, and do not touch and destroy cultural relics and monuments at will. Pay attention to safety and follow the regulations of the scenic spot and the safety tips on the reminder board.
5. Tickets: 35 yuan, don't buy 1-4 special caves, 4 small caves 85
Zhangye Horseshoe Temple is a tourist attraction full of mystery and legend, with magnificent natural scenery, rich history and unique folk customs. Here I felt the wisdom and ingenuity of the ancients, and appreciated the breadth and profundity of the traditional culture of the Chinese nation.
After reading these two horseshoe temples, what other temples in Gansu do you know, welcome to leave a message in the comment area.