Millennium-Old Matisi Grottoes gain new vitality

The Matisi Grottoes. [Photo/IC]

Nestled in the Qilian Mountains in Sunan Yugur autonomous county, Zhangye, the Matisi Grottoes are emerging as a vibrant cultural landmark along the Hexi Corridor.

As one of three major Buddhist art treasures along the Hexi Corridor, the 1,600-year-old site now combines sightseeing, study tours and ethnic experiences to bridge its ancient heritage with modern tourism.

According to legend, the grottoes derive their name from a horse's hoof print left by a heavenly steed. They became a center of learning when a Jin Dynasty (265-420) scholar lectured on Confucianism there.

Later, Juqu Mengxun (368-433), the second ruler of Northern Liang Dynasty (397-439), commissioned extensive cave construction. Over subsequent centuries, the site developed into a unique blend of Han and Tibetan Buddhism.

As a classic representation of the "Liangzhou style" of cave art, the grottoes house rare treasures, including the Thirty-Three Heavens Grotto — the only such structure in China built within a mountain.

Other highlights include unique, colored, high-relief flying apsaras and over 500 cliff statues and murals.

Today, the Matisi Grottoes serve as a key stop on the Gansu-Qinghai tourism circuit, accepting over 1.3 million visits annually. Local authorities employ digital technology for preservation and immersive experiences while monitoring the natural environment.

The site has also spurred local economic growth, with more than 1,200 residents engaged in tourism, earning an average annual income of over 36,000 yuan ($5,264.54).

Recognized as a national priority cultural relic site and a 4A-level scenic spot, the grottoes continue to thrive as a symbol of cultural integration in the modern era.