About
Mati Temple, also known as Horsehoof Temple or Horse's Hoof Temple, is an ancient Buddhist temple complex carved into a cliffside in Mati Township, Sunan County, Zhangye, in Gansu Province, China. It is one of the places in Zhangye that visitors come to see for its setting as much as for its religious history.
What to expect
The complex is built into the rock face, so the experience is one of climbing and exploring along the cliff rather than walking through a single building. The temple is named for a horseshoe-shaped impression in the stone, which local tradition says was left by a heavenly horse. Many visitors come specifically to see this mark, and it is the feature the site is best known for.
The temple dates back more than 1,600 years, which gives the visit a strong sense of age. Set against the cliff and the surrounding countryside, it makes a quiet, reflective stop.
Planning your visit
- Mati Temple lies in Mati Township, within Sunan County, a short distance from the city of Zhangye.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves uneven ground and climbing along the cliff.
- For current visiting arrangements, the site can be reached by telephone at +86-936-6121014.
Because the temple sits outside the city centre, it suits a visitor who is already exploring Zhangye and its surrounding area and wants to add a historic site with a distinctive natural setting to the itinerary.
