Tianshui City Travel

Tianshui, Gansu — "Jiangnan of Longshang", an important birthplace of Chinese civilization. Experience 8,000 years of historical culture, admire Buddhist grotto art, and experience the unique customs of southern Gansu.

8000+
Years of Civilization History
1
World Cultural Heritage
3
National Key Cultural Relic Protection Units
5+
Historic and Cultural Towns

Tianshui City Travel in Each District and County

3-Day 2-Night Essence Tour of Tianshui City

Explore grotto art, pay homage to the ancestor of human civilization, and experience Buddhist culture

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Maijishan, Fuxi Temple, Nanguo Temple
Suitable for
Culture lovers, history researchers, art appreciators
Per Capita Budget
¥800-¥1200
01
Grotto Art
Maijishan Grottoes · Xianrenya
Itinerary Highlights

Arrive in Tianshui City and head to Maijishan Grottoes to admire the precious Buddhist art treasures known as the "Oriental Sculpture Museum". In the afternoon, visit Xianrenya Scenic Area to experience the integration of Danxia landform and Buddhist culture.

Attraction Arrangement
Maijishan Grottoes
A World Cultural Heritage Site and one of China's four major grottoes, housing 194 existing niches, more than 7,000 clay and stone sculptures, and over 1,000 square meters of murals.
Xianrenya (Immortal Cliff)
Composed of three cliffs, five peaks and six temples, the Danxia landform and Buddhist temples complement each other, making it a famous Buddhist resort and natural scenic spot in Tianshui.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Maijishan Scenic Area Hotel
  • Star-rated Hotels in Tianshui Urban Area
  • Featured Homestays
Food Recommendations
  • Tianshui Guagua
  • Jiangshui Noodles
  • Halal Food
Travel Tips
  • Grotto visit takes 2-3 hours
  • Wear comfortable shoes for much walking in mountainous areas
  • Protect cultural relics, do not touch
02
Ancestor of Human Civilization
Fuxi Temple · Yuquan View
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, visit Fuxi Temple to learn about the culture of Fuxi, the ancestor of Chinese human civilization. In the afternoon, tour Yuquan View to experience Taoist culture. In the evening, experience the customs of Tianshui's old urban area.

Attraction Arrangement
Fuxi Temple
A national key cultural relic protection unit, a complex of buildings for Fuxi worship built in the Ming Dynasty, and an important place for studying Fuxi culture.
Yuquan View (Jade Spring View)
A Taoist temple built in the Yuan Dynasty, named after the clear spring like jade in the view, it is a famous Taoist activity site in Tianshui.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Urban buses reach all attractions
  • Taxi fare is about 10-15 yuan
  • Short distance between attractions
Ticket Information
  • Maijishan: 90 yuan
  • Fuxi Temple: 40 yuan
  • Yuquan View: 30 yuan
Travel Tips
  • Fuxi Temple has sacrificial activities to observe
  • Old urban area is suitable for walking tours
  • Taste local characteristic snacks
03
Buddhist Sacred Site
Nanguo Temple · Li Guang's Tomb
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, visit Nanguo Temple to learn about Buddhist culture. In the afternoon, tour Li Guang's Tomb to experience the history of the Han Dynasty. End the trip in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Nanguo Temple
A Buddhist temple built in the Northern Wei Dynasty, housing the former residence site of Du Fu when he lived in Tianshui in exile, with profound cultural heritage.
Li Guang's Tomb
A cenotaph of Li Guang, a famous general of the Han Dynasty. The tomb area is solemn and respectful, an important place to learn about the history of the Han Dynasty and Li Guang's life.
Practical Information
Return Trip Information
  • Tianshui South Railway Station has convenient high-speed rail
  • Airport is about 15 km from urban area
  • Long-distance bus station has rich schedules
Shopping Recommendations
  • Carved lacquerware handicrafts
  • Hemp shoes
  • Chinese prickly ash
  • Chinese medicinal materials
Travel Tips
  • Nanguo Temple has precious cultural relics
  • Li Guang's Tomb has a solemn environment
  • Arrange return transportation in advance

Must-Try Foods in Tianshui City

Tianshui Guagua

A special snack in Tianshui, made of buckwheat flour with a soft and glutinous taste. Served with specially made seasonings, it is sour and spicy, and is the first choice for Tianshui people's breakfast.

Jiangshui Noodles

Traditional noodles in Tianshui, with chewy noodles and fermented jiangshui soup, sour and appetizing, it is a summer heat-relieving food.

Halal Food

Characteristic Hui ethnic catering in Tianshui, including hand-grasped mutton, beef noodles, etc., with unique flavors, reflecting the Hui ethnic dietary culture.

Tianshui City Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Pleasant climate, blooming flowers
  • Autumn (September-October): Clear sky and fresh air, suitable for outdoor activities
  • Summer: Maijishan is a summer resort
Must-Try Foods
  • Tianshui Guagua
  • Jiangshui Noodles
  • Halal Food
  • Niangpi (Steamed Vermicelli Roll)
  • Tianpei (Sweet Fermented Grains)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: about 160 yuan
  • Accommodation: 200-400 yuan/night
  • Catering: 60-100 yuan/day
  • Transportation: about 150 yuan
  • Total: 800-1200 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Must-visit attractions in Tianshui? → Maijishan, Fuxi Temple
  • Best season to visit Maijishan? → April-October
  • Any special souvenirs? → Carved lacquerware handicrafts, hemp shoes
  • How is urban transportation? → Convenient buses, cheap taxis