Diverse Artistic Styles: The excavation of Xumishan Grottoes began in the North Wei Dynasty (A.D. 365 - 534) and the periodic reconstruction were put during the later dynasties. Whether Buddhist figures or the painted murals retain their distinct features of their times. Visiting these grottoes adorned with various statues, wall paintings and inscribed stelae allows travelers to get a glimpse of different styles of stone engravings of China's different times.
Historical Significance: Xumi Mountain has served as an important gateway in the eastward spread of Buddhism and the westward movement of goods on the silk Road. Many mysterious stories are told in Xumishan Museum to help visitors get a better understanding of the history.
Great Scenery and Peaceful Environment: More than cultural exploration, the natural feast is also accessible in Xumishan Mountain. The red sandstone cliffs together with green trees and flowing river create an absolutely beautiful painting of nature. There are lots of paths for hikes around the area. Since this place is so far off the beaten path, you can easily find spots with complete peace and quiet.
The whole scenic area of Xumishan Grottoes can be divided into two parts, namely the museum near the front gate and the grottoes in the mountain. At present, there are 162 preserved grottoes distributed in 5 separate clusters in 5 peaks of the mountain, including Dafo Mansion Area, Taohua Cave Area, Yuanguan Temple Aera, Xiangguo Temple Area, and Zisun Palace.
The whole building Xuyushan Museum covers an occupation of 5,550 square meters and the exhibition area covers 4,500 square meters. There are five sections in the museum, which will walk you through the mystery of the Silk Road and fascinating art of Buddhist grottoes. Visitors can have a general view of the beginning of the Silk Road, the introduction of Buddhism, the status of Xumishan Grottoes, the Buddhist world, and 20 significant grottoes in China. It is strongly recommended spend half an hour appreciating the exhibitions before you get close to the grottoes.
Located in the southmost part of Xumishan Grottoes, the Great Buddha Mansion Area is the essence of the whole scenic area. There are five grottoes (No.1 to No.5 Grottoes) here and the Great Buddha Mansion (No.5 Grottoes) housing a giant sitting Buddha is the most famous one. The Buddha statue occupying the upper half of the entire mountain was excavated during the reign of Emperor Wuzetian in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), at the same time as construction of Lushena Buddha in Longmen Grottoes. Although this towering Buddha statue is carved from a sand cliff, it seems like a clay sculpture because of the super skill of the craftsmen.
Huadhua Cave (Peach Blossoms Cave), located in the west of the core area of Xumishan Grottoes, is named after the peach blossoms blooming in the valley in front of the caves every spring. There are 5 grottoes (No. 104 to No. 108) in this area constructed in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 607), and they are a typical representative of the super technique of the craftsmen art of the Tang Dynasty.
Xiangguo Temple, located in the north of the core area of Xumishan Grottoes, has 50 grottoes (No.50 to No. 103) totally, and these grottoes were mainly constructed in the North Zhou Dynasty (557 - 581) and Sui and the Tang Dynasties (581 - 907). No.52 Grottoes, - the Xiangguo Temple constructed in North Zhou Dynasty, is the most important one.
Yuanguang Temple, located in the central part of the core area of Xumishan Grottoes, is the part with the highest numbers and richest kinds of statues and cavings. There are 5 grottoes (No.49 to No. 103), and most of them were excavated during North Zhou Dynasty. Other than the Buddha statues, there are also statues of followers, deities, and providers. Among these grottoes, No. 45 Grotto and No. 46 Grottoes house the most magnificent statues.
Xumishan Museum
No.5 Grotto
Located in Huangduopu Street, Sanying Town, Guiyuan City, Ningxia (宁夏回族自治区固原市三营镇黄铎堡街), Xumishan Grottoes are
Generally, it's convenient to get to Xumishan Grottoes by public transport, and you need to make several transfers. If you start your trip from Yinchuan, you can take a normal train (about 6.5 hours) to Guyuan, then take a public bus to Sanying Town (三营镇) from Guyuan, and take another public bus to Xumishan Grottoes. If you visit in low season, you have to rent a car to Xumi Grottoes from Sanying Town.
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How to Get to Ningxia: It is easy to take a flight to Yinchuan from Beijing (2.5h), Shanghai (about 3h), Xian (about 1.5 h), Guangzhou (about 3 h), Shenzhen (about 3.5h), Chengdu (about 1.5 h), Chongqing (about 2h), etc.
Best Time to Visit Ningxia: May to October is the best time to visit Ningxia. It is cold in late autumn and winter (November ~ next February) and rather windy in early and mid-spring (March and April).
In order to make full of your holiday, we suggest spending 6 ~ 7 days taking an in-depth Ningxia tour with a visit Guyuan. Yinchuan is a good starting point for a Ningxia tour, and you are recommended to visit all its highlights in 3 days. On your arrival day, you can enjoy a short view of the landmarks in the city area, such as Haibao Pagoda, Drum Tower, China-Arab Axis, etc. Then visit the essence of Yinchuan City - Western Xia Imperial Tombs and the Rock Painting of Helan Mountain. Of course, visiting one of the top wineries and tasting a cup of wine are recommended experiences, whether you are a wine-lover or not. On the third day, go to Ningxia Museum and Shuidong Cave before driving to Zhongwei. It takes 1 ~ 2 days to have desert fun in Shapotou Desert. Visiting Tengri Desert in one day is also recommended. Finally, travel to Guyuan and probe into Guyuan’s rich culture and history in Xumishan Gorttoes and Guyuan Museum before leaving.
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