Water Curtain Cave Grottoes, Tianshui

Water Curtain Cave (水帘洞) is a natural arched cave located on the east side of Shishou Mountain, which resembles a giant axe. Spanning approximately 50 meters in length, 30 meters in height, and 20 meters in depth, this cave is renowned for its stunning natural and architectural features. The cave’s name comes from the beautiful water curtain effect created during the rainy season, when water flows from the cave’s roof and walls, cascading down like a curtain of beads. This picturesque scene is reminiscent of a “waterfall curtain” draped over the entrance, creating a dramatic and serene atmosphere.

Inside Water Curtain Cave, visitors can explore several notable structures, including the Four Saints Palace, Guanyin Temple, Southern Hall, and Bodhisattva Hall. These buildings are intricately integrated into the natural rock formations of the cave, with a layout that features both open and enclosed spaces, skillfully blending the architectural design with the natural environment. The Bodhisattva Hall is the most magnificent of these structures. It consists of two levels: the lower level houses a clear pool of water with a pristine reflection, while the upper level features a large plaque inscribed with “Xishan Muyu” (西山暮雨), meaning “Evening Rain on the Western Mountains.” The upper level also houses a statue of Ma Xian Niang Niang, a deity from local folklore. The walls of the cave are adorned with large-scale Buddhist murals from the Northern Wei, Sui, Tang, and Yuan Dynasties, covering over 2,000 square meters. These murals depict various Buddhist themes and are considered important examples of historical Buddhist art.

Lashao Temple (拉稍寺), also known as Great Buddha Cliff, is located directly opposite Water Curtain Cave across the mountain. Established during the Northern Zhou Dynasty, this temple is famous for its impressive stone carvings and is one of the most significant examples of Buddhist art from the Northern Zhou to Yuan Dynasties. The temple is renowned for its grand and ancient architecture, with its highlight being the 40-meter-high high-relief Buddha sculpture, the largest of its kind in China and Asia.

The temple’s main feature is a towering relief of a seated Buddha on a lotus throne, flanked by two Bodhisattvas holding lotus flowers. The lotus petals are intricately carved with patterns of lions, deer, and elephants, demonstrating a high level of artistic craftsmanship. Surrounding the main Buddha are smaller Buddhist statues from the Song Dynasty. The cliff face has been carefully carved and adorned with wind eaves and decorative elements like flying clouds and beasts, with bronze bells hanging from the eaves. The gentle ringing of these bells in the breeze adds a touch of tranquility to the site. Lashao Temple is unique for its preservation of Theravada Buddhist features and stands as a rare example of early Buddhist art in China’s grottoes.

Located 500 meters along the valley from Lashao Temple, Qianfo Cave, or the Thousand Buddhas Cave, gets its name from the thousands of Buddha statues and frescoes that adorn its walls. The cave features over 500 square meters of cliff surface covered in intricate murals. The murals in Qianfo Cave primarily date from the Mid-Tang period and the Five Dynasties, with some typical Northern Zhou flying apsaras frescoes. These paintings, executed in shaded light, display vivid colors and smooth lines, creating a dynamic sense of movement across the walls.

Originally consisting of seven caves, Qianfo Cave now retains remnants of statues and murals. The statues are characterized by their full and varied expressions, with the Bodhisattva statues particularly reflecting the beauty and characteristics of the Northern Zhou period. Some of the artworks also show influences from the Western Wei Dynasty, making this site a valuable resource for the study of early Chinese grotto art.

The cave is divided into two sections by a wooden walkway. The upper section features fewer Buddha niches with high-relief and shadow sculptures, while the lower section contains over a hundred Northern Zhou statues, displayed in both high-relief and niche-form mud sculptures. The styles and techniques in the lower section are distinct from those above.

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