65 kilometers south of the city proper, in the Sunan Yugu (Tibetan) Autonomous Prefecture, lies the Mati Temple, or Horse’s Hoof Temple, (Mati si). This is a famous scenic spot integrating grotto art, mountain views and folk customs of the Yugu minority group. The temple got its name because legend has it that a Chinese Pegasus landed here, leaving a huge horseshoe imprint that can still be seen within the Mati Hall (Mati dian).
The temple itself has been highly touristfiled. Thankfully the region, centering upon the Tibetan village of Mati, has not been ruined. It is an area of mountains and grasslands, all littered with pine forests and various temples. Around the main temple there are winding passageways, caves, and stairwells that all generally lead to impressive balcony views, or to the temples. One of the nicest temples, Jinta si, or Golden Pagoda Temple, contains a mummified body that has been decorated in the form of Asparas, a Chinese flying goddess, kept in good condition by the dry climate of Gansu.
For those wanting to stay for a few days here, exploring and wandering, it is possible to stay in a Yugu minority tent, where you can drink chang (Tibetan wine, made of barley) and sample the traditional “hand eaten lamb”. The nomads here lead a unique lifestyle and have many customs. Horse riding can be tried for the adventurous.
How to get there: Visiting Mati is a little bit troublesome for foreigners because an Alien Travel Permit is required from the local PSB at Zhangye. To apply for the permit, head directly to the fourth floor office on Qingnan xijie. The forms can be processed in no time. The only bus from Zhangye’s southern bus station (see Transport) leaves at 3pm (fare: RMB6 each way) and reaches Mati about four hours later. If you are after cheap accommodation, the vicinity of the bus station in Mati is a good place. Buses back to Zhangye depart at about 7am. Those wanting to travel to Mati on the weekend can also catch a tourist bus (RMB12 one way) at 8am, which will bring them back from Mati at around 4pm the same day.
Opening hours: 8:00am-6:00pm
Cost: RMB15 at the entrance and additional RMB9 for most of the sights within.
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