These Buddhist caves, located 17km from Luomen in Eastern Gansu, are one of China's many hidden gems.
The main sight is the extraordinary Lashao Si, an overhanging cliff sheltering a 31m-high figure of Sakyamuni seated cross-legged upon a throne of lotus petals, lions, deer and elephants, and with a Boddhisattva on each side. Red, green and white colours can still be seen, and the Buddha and 2 Boddhisattvas have unique features. It is truly a remarkable sight, the sheer size of it, colours and grace are simply mesmerising!
There are also some faded murals and some temples lying hidden in the cliffs, but best of all is the extraordinary and magical scenery all around, with sandstone domes rising high above lush canyon walls.
A visit here is easily combined with a visit to nearby Gangu, where you can see a magnificent huge Buddha with bright blue hair and moustache, and both sights make for an ideal day trip from Tianshui.