1.The Hanging: Temples of the Qilian Mountains
Nestled against the snowy backdrop of the Qilian Mountains within the Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, the Mati Temple Grottoes (Mati Si) offer one of the most visually dramatic and culturally rich experiences along the Hexi Corridor. Located approximately 65 kilometers from Zhangye City, this site is a stunning combination of grotto art, mountain scenery, and unique ethnic culture. Unlike the flat desert setting of Dunhuang, Mati Temple is carved directly into the steep red sandstone cliffs, with pavilions and walkways hanging precariously in mid-air. It is often referred to as a "Grotto Art Treasure House of the Hexi Corridor," blending the natural beauty of the Qilian Mountains with Buddhist serenity.
The Legend of the celestial Horse
The name "Mati" translates to "Horse Hoof." According to local legend, the name originates from a hoof print left by a celestial horse. It is said that when the famous Han Dynasty General Huo Qubing was campaigning against the Xiongnu in the Hexi Corridor, his warhorse stopped here to drink. The horse left a distinct hoof print on a rock, which caused clear spring water to gush forth. This "Mati Spring" still exists today within the temple grounds, and the legendary hoof print is enshrined as a sacred relic, believed by the local Yugur people to bring fortune and protection.
The Thirty-Three Heavens
2.The most iconic and breathtaking structure at: Mati Temple is the "Thirty-Three Heavens" (San Shi San Tian) Grotto. This architectural marvel is carved seven stories high into the sheer cliff face, symbolizing the thirty-three layers of heaven in Buddhist cosmology. Visitors can climb through narrow, winding tunnels inside the rock to reach the various shrines. The ascent is steep and thrilling, often requiring one to use both hands and feet, embodying the idea that the path to enlightenment is arduous. From the upper balconies, the view opens up to the vast valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Qilian range, creating a sensation of standing in a "Sky Palace".
A Fusion of Han and Tibetan Buddhism
3.The grottoes date back to the Northern: Wei Dynasty (circa 5th century) and were expanded through the Sui, Tang, Western Xia, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. This long history has created a unique fusion of Han Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist art.
- 4.Thousand Buddha Grottoes (Qianfodong): Carved into the cliffside, these caves contain statues and murals ranging from the Northern Wei to the Ming dynasties. The wooden pavilions clinging to the cliff face are a testament to ancient engineering.
- 5.Jinta Temple (Golden Pagoda Temple): Located at a higher altitude and harder to reach, Jinta Temple houses some of the most exquisite high-relief "Flying Apsaras" (Feitian) sculptures, which are older and stylistically distinct from those in Dunhuang.
- 6.King Gesar Hall: As the temple is located in a Yugur autonomous county, it also features strong elements of Tibetan Buddhism and local folklore, including halls dedicated to the legendary hero King Gesar.
The Yugur Culture
Mati Temple is not just a religious site; it is the cultural heart of the Yugur people, an ethnic minority unique to Gansu Province. The surrounding area offers visitors a chance to experience authentic Yugur hospitality. In the meadows below the cliffs, visitors can see traditional tents, taste yak butter tea and hand-grabbed mutton, and perhaps witness traditional "Hua'er" folk songs or the Guozhuang dance.
