Tiantishan Grottoes
天梯山石窟
An early grotto site carved in the Northern Liang period and known as the “ancestor of grottoes.” A Tang-dynasty Great Buddha stands against the mountain, facing the Huangyanghe Reservoir.
Tiantishan Grottoes lie in Zhonglu Township, about 50 km south of Liangzhou District. They were carved during the Northern Liang period of the Sixteen Kingdoms and are among China’s earliest surviving cave temples. They strongly influenced the later Yungang and Longmen grottoes, earning the name “ancestor of grottoes.” During the construction of the Huangyanghe Reservoir in the 1950s, most of the sculptures and murals were moved to the Gansu Provincial Museum for preservation. The main attraction on site is the Tang-dynasty Great Buddha in Cave 13, with its attendant bodhisattvas and heavenly kings. The Buddha stands more than 20 m tall and faces the reservoir, giving it an imposing presence. Hiring a car or self-driving is recommended. Admission follows official announcements.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Baita Temple (Liangzhou Meeting Site)
- Wuwei Desert Park
- Shenzhou Desert Wildlife Park
- Wuwei Confucian Temple & Western Xia Museum
- Wuwei South Gate Tower
- Dayun Temple & Bell Tower
- Kumarajiva Temple
- Zhaxixiulong Grassland