Bingling Temple — Attraction in Gansu

Bingling Temple (Bingling Grottoes) is an absolutely stunning historic site tucked away along the Yellow River. Getting here is an adventure in itself—you usually need to take a boat ride across the Liujiaxia Reservoir, which adds to the excitement and makes the approach feel special.

The grottoes date back over a thousand years, with incredible Buddhist statues, carvings, and murals built into the cliffs. The highlight for me was the massive seated Maitreya Buddha, which towers over the complex and instantly captures your attention. Walking along the caves, you’ll find countless smaller carvings and detailed artwork that tell stories from centuries past.

The atmosphere is peaceful and quiet, with dramatic sandstone cliffs surrounding the site. It really feels like stepping back in time. The natural scenery is just as breathtaking as the cultural heritage—you get a mix of history, spirituality, and nature all in one place.

A few tips: • Be prepared for the boat ride, as timings can vary depending on the season and water levels. • Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking along uneven paths. • Bring some water and snacks—there aren’t many facilities once you’re there. • Hiring a guide can help you appreciate the history and symbolism of the carvings.

Overall, Bingling Temple is a must-visit if you’re in Gansu province. It’s less crowded than many other historic sites in China, which makes the experience even more special. Highly recommend it for history lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting to experience China’s ancient Buddhist heritage in a...

Bingling Temple, located in Yongjing County, Gansu Province, is a renowned Buddhist grotto complex carved into the cliffs along the Yellow River. The name "Bingling" means "thousand Buddhas" in Tibetan, reflecting its spiritual significance and the rich array of Buddhist art found here. The site dates back to the Western Qin period (circa 420 AD) and has evolved over centuries under various dynasties, including the Tang and Song.

The grottoes are set in a dramatic canyon landscape, accessible by boat through the Liujiaxia Reservoir, adding to the sense of adventure and serenity. The temple complex contains over 180 caves, hundreds of stone carvings, and clay sculptures, as well as colorful murals depicting scenes from Buddhist teachings and local history.

Among the most impressive features is the giant 27-meter-tall seated Maitreya Buddha, which dominates the cliff face and showcases the intricate artistry of ancient Chinese Buddhist sculpture. Despite weathering and natural erosion, the site retains remarkable details and artistic beauty.

Bingling Temple is not only a sacred place for Buddhists but also a cultural treasure that highlights the historical exchange between Han Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism. It's a peaceful and awe-inspiring destination for history, art, and...

Amazing peaceful place in a beautiful canyon.

Tickets - 50 rmb + boat price 130-160 rmb (varies depending on how many passengers there are)

Transport - bus from Lanzhou west bus station 23 rmb each way - you need to bring physical ID to take the bus (they were very insistent 🙄).

To return there is a small station in town or you should be able to wave down a bus outside the entrance to the boat terminal (you don’t need to register your ID to return to Lanzhou for some reason 🙃).

I left a review for the bus station nearby the boat terminal with the timetable so if you find that it is the right location.

Contrary to some reviews it is possible to drive to the main scenic area so if you self drive or are a group, it is better to take a taxi from the town to the grottoes (approx 250 rmb return for the car).

The boat is a bit expensive, uncomfortable and you don’t really see much more scenery if you take it so unless you are solo or don’t care about cost...