Situated in the center of China and Gansu Province, Mati Si is a temple cave featuring fine rock art in a remote area south of Zhangye. Although touristy and permits are required by foreigners, it’s a must-see for arty types.
Mati Si is no ordinary rock-art site; it resides high up in a cliff-side temple complex that was built between the 5th and 14th centuries. It is actually within an autonomous region, the Sunan Yugu Autonomous County, and features seven parts, including: the Shengguo Temple, Thousand Buddhas Cave, Golden Pagoda Temple, Puguang Temple, and the upper, middle, and lower Goddess of Mercy Caves.
Golden Pagoda Temple is one of the nicest sights in Mati Si, with its Chinese flying goddess mummy. It is kept in excellent condition. Tourists can stay in the region, although will have to rough it in a Yugu minority (Tibetan) tent. Eating and drinking tradition Tibetan foods and wines is par for the course.
The surrounding scenery of Mati Si is worth the trip from Zhangye and views from the temple balconies are surreal. It is a stunning, lonely region of high mountains and vast grasslands and trekking it by horseback is fun.
Getting There & Away
Mati Si is 65kms south of Zhangye and about 4 hours away by bus or 2 or 3 hours by car. Zhangye Airport receives limited flights but is the most convenient way in. The Gansu capital, Lanzhou, is a 10-hour bus journey southeast and less than an hour by plane. Be sure to obtain an Alien Travel Permit to visit the Sunan Yugu Autonomous County, where Mati Si is located.