STORY: Exploring grotto wonders at Maiji Mountain in NW China
SHOOTING TIME: March 31, 2024
DATELINE: April 3, 2024
LENGTH: 0:01:41
LOCATION: LANZHOU, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Maiji Mountain
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): LIYA, Kazakh student, Lanzhou University
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
6. SOUNDBITE 5 (English): QUENTIN, French student, Lanzhou University
7. SOUNDBITE 6 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
8. SOUNDBITE 7 (Chinese): LIYA, Kazakh student, Lanzhou University
9. SOUNDBITE 8 (English): QUENTIN, French student, Lanzhou University
10. SOUNDBITE 9 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
11. SOUNDBITE 10 (English): QUENTIN, French student, Lanzhou University
12. SOUNDBITE 11 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
13. SOUNDBITE 12 (Chinese): LIYA, Kazakh student, Lanzhou University
14. SOUNDBITE 13 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
15. SOUNDBITE 14 (Chinese): LIYA, Kazakh student, Lanzhou University

STORYLINE:

Three international students have delved into the grotto wonders of Gansu in northwest China, as part of their exploration of the province's attractions.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
"We're here at Maiji Mountain which is located in Tianshui, Gansu. It has one of the four major grottoes in China."

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
"Can you see the little tower back there?"

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): LIYA, Kazakh student, Lanzhou University
"Yeah, that's really cool."

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
"The mountain is named after its shape. For Maiji, it literally means 'a wheat stack.'"

SOUNDBITE 5 (English): QUENTIN, French student, Lanzhou University
"Since we got here, I've been amazed by the view."

SOUNDBITE 6 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
"The Buddhist mountain is mysteriously spectacular and fascinating."
   
SOUNDBITE 7 (Chinese): LIYA, Kazakh student, Lanzhou University
"In Maiji Mountain Grottoes, there are countless delicate and well-preserved Buddhist figures and murals."
   
SOUNDBITE 8 (English): QUENTIN, French student, Lanzhou University
"They are not only invaluable artworks but also the witness of history."
   
SOUNDBITE 9 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
"That's why the grottoes are honored as 'The Gallery of Eastern Sculptures.' Being up here is really like being in another world."
   
SOUNDBITE 10 (English): QUENTIN, French student, Lanzhou University
"Look at the view. I feel like the fresh air and the picturesque view."
   
SOUNDBITE 11 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
"With all these details and colors, it really leaves you impressed at how people were able to build this up here into the mountain."

SOUNDBITE 12 (Chinese): LIYA, Kazakh student, Lanzhou University
"Maiji Mountain is not only a mountain but also a cultural treasure, as well as a spiritual sustenance."
   
SOUNDBITE 13 (English): EMELIE, German student, Lanzhou University
"If you're interested in grottoes art and Chinese history, ..."

SOUNDBITE 14 (Chinese): LIYA, Kazakh student, Lanzhou University
"Then you have to visit Maiji Mountain. You mustn't miss this place. I'm sure you will be touched by it."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Lanzhou, China.
(XHTV)