Bingling Temple Grottoes

On 25.05.2025 (Day 3), we continued our journey westward along the ancient Silk Road, travelling from Xian to Lanzhou by high speed train - a distance of approximately 650Km. This marked yet another long but fascinating leg of our Silk Road adventure, as we pushed further into the heartland of Chinese history and culture enroute to our ultimate destination of the day - the Bingling Temple Grottoes. 

Upon arrival to the Lanzhou Train Station, we transferred to a bus for an 80Km drive to Liujiaxia Dam pier. From there, we boarded a boat for an hour-long cruise across the tranquil waters of Liujiaxia Reservoir, surrounded by canyon landscape before finally reaching the grottoes.

The Bingling Temple Grottoes are located in Yongjing County, Gansu Province. Nestled within a remote and scenic stretch of the Yellow River, these remarkable site features an extraordinary and beautiful collection of Buddhist cave art, carved into the steep cliffs along the banks of the Yellow River (Huang He). These remarkable site boasts a history spanning over 1,600 years, with artistic treasures dating from the Western Jin Dynasty (4th century), through the Tang, Ming and Qing Dynasties. The grottoes are renowned for their intricate stone sculptures, vibrant murals, and striking statues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, all reflecting the spiritual devotion and artistic mastery of generations of craftsmen. The site stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Buddhism along the Silk Road, where cultures and ideas from East and West once converged. 

On the way to Liujiaxia Dam pier to board the boat to Bingling
Temple Grottoes.

The boat ride offered a spectacular panorama of rugged hills and towering cliffs, with the shimmering waters of Yellow River winding gracefully through the landscape, creating a breathtaking and unforgettable scene.

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The Giant Maitreya Buddha (27m tall) is the most iconic statute carved during the Tang Dynasty.

The lying Buddha likely carved during the Tang Dynasty (618AD - 907AD) - this period is reckoned to be the golden age of Buddhist art in China.

After exploring Bingling Temple Grottoes, we boarded our boat for the return journey to Liujiaxia Dam pier. From there, our bus took us to Yun He Ye Bo Hotel, where we settled in for the night in preparation for the next day's adventure to Mati Temple Grottoes.