Mǎtí Sì translates as Horse Hoof Monastery, a reference to a legendary event in which a heavenly horse left a hoof imprint in a grotto. Between the 5th and 14th centuries a series of caves were almost as miraculously built in sheer sandstone cliffs and filled with carvings, temples and meditation rooms. The caves are reached via twisting staircases, balconies, narrow passages and platforms that will leave your head spinning.
The grottoes are not in one area but spread over many sections. The most accessible are the Thousand Buddhas Caves just past the entrance gate to the scenic area. Within this complex is the Pǔguāng Temple where you’ll find the relic of the horse foot imprint. The Mǎtí Sì North Caves are just above the village (2km up the road from the Thousand Buddhas Caves). Other collections of grottoes are scattered about the cliff faces, as are utilitarian caves that were formerly used as dwellings by local people.
Both or neither of the main caves may be open if you arrive outside May to September.
