Beishiku Temple (North Grotto Temple)
北石窟寺
A grotto complex carved in the second year of the Yongping era of the Northern Wei (509). It is the largest grotto group in Longdong, one of the Four Great Grottoes of Gansu, and a national key cultural relic protection unit.
Beishiku Temple lies about 25 km southwest of Xifeng District, at the foot of Fuzhong Mountain where the Pu and Ru rivers meet. Carving began in 509, in the second year of the Yongping era of the Northern Wei. It continued through the Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties, and today there are nearly 300 niches and more than 2,000 statues. Main Cave 165 contains seven Buddhas about 8 meters tall, grand in scale and among the finest Northern Dynasties sculptures. Admission is about 30 yuan, and the site is open roughly from 08:30 to 18:00 (closing earlier in winter). Some caves require a guide to unlock them. From Xifeng urban area, the drive or chartered trip takes about 40 minutes.
Opening hours
About 08:30–18:00