Maijishan: The Oriental Sculpture Museum on the Cliff

Maijishan, in Tianshui, Gansu Province, is one of China four great Buddhist grotto sites. Unlike Yungang and Longmen, where caves are carved into rock, Maijishan features clay sculptures attached to a cliff face, creating a unique appearance often called the Oriental Sculpture Museum.

Clay Sculpture Technique

The sculptures at Maijishan are made of clay mixed with straw and hemp, applied to wooden armatures attached to the cliff. This technique allowed for more detail than stone carving but is more vulnerable to damage. Over 7,000 sculptures survive, some over 1,500 years old.

Boardwalks and Views

Wooden boardwalks cling to the cliff face, connecting caves and viewing platforms. Walking these paths, with the valley far below, is thrilling. The views of the surrounding mountains are dramatic. The boardwalks have been rebuilt multiple times over the centuries.

Artistic Styles

Maijishan spans the Northern Wei to Song dynasties, showing the evolution of Buddhist art. Early sculptures are slender and serene; later ones are more rounded and expressive. The clay medium allowed for fine details in faces and drapery that stone cannot achieve.

Western Influence

Tianshui was on the Silk Road, and Maijishan shows Central Asian influences. Some figures have Western features: deep-set eyes, high noses, and wavy hair. The site documents the transmission of Buddhist art from India through Central Asia to China.

Relative Obscurity

Maijishan receives far fewer visitors than Yungang or Longmen, despite its significance. The remote location in Gansu keeps crowds away. This makes for a more peaceful experience, with time to study individual sculptures.

Getting There

Maijishan is about 45 minutes by bus from Tianshui, which has rail connections to Lanzhou and Xi'an. Allow a half-day for the site. Spring and autumn are the best times; summer is hot, winter is cold but the sculptures are protected in caves.