Wuwei City Travel

Wuwei, Gansu — the capital of China's tourism symbol, an important town on the Hexi Corridor, and the birthplace of the Five Liang Cultures. Explore the birthplace of the Flying Horse Treading on a Swallow, pay homage to the Tiantishan Grottoes, and experience the beauty of cultural integration on the Silk Road.

2000+
Years of Urban Construction History
1
4A-level Scenic Area
3000+
Cultural Relics and Historic Sites
100+
Special Local Delicacies

3-Day 2-Night Cultural Tour of Wuwei City

Explore the hometown of the Flying Horse Treading on a Swallow, experience the Silk Road culture, enjoy the desert oasis, and taste Liangzhou cuisine

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Urban Area, Tiantishan Grottoes, Minqin Desert
Suitable For
History and culture lovers, nature explorers
Per Capita Budget
¥800-¥1200
01
First Visit to Liangzhou
Leitai Han Tomb · Confucian Temple · Kumarajiva Temple
Itinerary Highlights

Arrive in Wuwei, check into the hotel, then head to Leitai Han Tomb to visit the birthplace of the Flying Horse Treading on a Swallow. In the afternoon, visit Wuwei Confucian Temple to experience the Confucian culture of the Hexi Corridor. In the evening, visit Kumarajiva Temple to learn about the life of the great Buddhist translation master.

Attraction Arrangement
Leitai Han Tomb
The birthplace of China's tourism symbol "Flying Horse Treading on a Swallow", a large brick-chambered tomb from the late Eastern Han Dynasty, showcasing the superb casting craftsmanship of the Han Dynasty.
Wuwei Confucian Temple
One of the best-preserved Confucian temples in the northwest region, first built in the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty, known as the "Crown of Academic Palaces in Longyou".
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Wuwei Grand Hotel
  • Liangzhou Hotel
  • Homestays near Kumarajiva Temple
Food Recommendations
  • Santao Che (Three-Piece Set)
  • Mianpizi (Wheat Sheet Jelly)
  • Liangzhou Niangpi (Liangzhou Cold Noodle Jelly)
Travel Tips
  • Please abide by the no-photography areas in Leitai Han Tomb
  • Confucian Temple is closed on Mondays
  • Urban attractions are concentrated and accessible on foot
02
Grotto Pilgrimage
Tiantishan Grottoes · White Pagoda Temple
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, head to Tiantishan Grottoes to admire the masterpieces of early Chinese grotto art. In the afternoon, visit the White Pagoda Temple ruins to learn about the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the Hexi Corridor.

Attraction Arrangement
Tiantishan Grottoes
A representative of early Chinese grotto art, first built in the Northern Liang Dynasty, known as the "Ancestor of Chinese Grottoes", with 18 existing grottoes.
White Pagoda Temple
Ruins of a Yuan Dynasty Tibetan Buddhist temple, once an important Buddhist center on the Hexi Corridor, with the existing White Pagoda rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take a bus from Wuwei Bus Station
  • Travel time is about 1 hour
  • It is recommended to depart at 8 am
Ticket Information
  • Tiantishan Grottoes: ¥60
  • Guided service: ¥80 per group
Travel Tips
  • Some areas are restricted for visiting due to grotto protection
  • Temperature difference in mountainous areas is large, bring warm clothes
  • Respect Buddhist etiquette
03
Desert Oasis
Hongyashan Reservoir · Minqin Desert Park
Itinerary Highlights

Spend the whole day touring Minqin County, visit Hongyashan Reservoir, the largest artificial desert reservoir in Asia, experience the unique scenery of the Desert Park, and feel the feat of human sand control.

Attraction Arrangement
Hongyashan Reservoir
The largest artificial desert reservoir in Asia, known as the "Pearl of the Sandy Sea", is the source of life for the Minqin Oasis.
Minqin Desert Park
A comprehensive park integrating desert landscapes, ecological management, and leisure and entertainment, showcasing the achievements of human struggle against the desert.
Practical Information
Transportation Route
  • Take a bus from Wuwei Bus Station to Minqin
  • Travel time is about 2 hours
  • It is recommended to hire a car for sightseeing
Notes
  • Pay attention to sun protection in desert areas
  • Bring enough drinking water
  • Abide by the safety regulations of the reservoir
Special Experiences
  • Desert off-roading
  • Taste Minqin Hami Melon
  • Visit the Sand Control Memorial Hall

Must-Try Foods in Wuwei City

Santao Che (Three-Piece Set)

A characteristic food combination in Wuwei, including Xingmian (Travel Noodles), cured meat, and Fu Tea. It is a traditional breakfast for locals, rich in nutrition and unique in flavor.

Mianpizi (Wheat Sheet Jelly)

A traditional snack in Wuwei, the wheat sheet jelly is chewy and smooth, served with specially made seasonings and vegetables, sour and spicy, a perfect summer refreshment.

Liangzhou Niangpi (Liangzhou Cold Noodle Jelly)

A characteristic pasta in Wuwei, the cold noodle jelly is thick and chewy, served with sesame paste, mashed garlic and other seasonings, fragrant and lingering in taste.

Minqin Hami Melon

A specialty of Minqin, due to the large temperature difference between day and night, it has high sugar content, delicate flesh, sweet and juicy, and is a famous fruit in Gansu.

Wuwei City Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Pleasant climate, avoid sandstorms
  • Autumn (September-October): Melons are in season, clear and crisp autumn weather
  • Summer: Pay attention to sun protection, avoid high temperatures at noon
Must-Try Foods
  • Santao Che (Three-Piece Set)
  • Mianpizi (Wheat Sheet Jelly)
  • Liangzhou Niangpi (Liangzhou Cold Noodle Jelly)
  • Minqin Hami Melon
  • Yangrou Dian Juanzi (Lamb with Rolled Noodles)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥200
  • Accommodation: ¥120-250 per night
  • Catering: ¥40-80 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥150
  • Total: ¥800-1200
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Where is the original Flying Horse Treading on a Swallow? → Gansu Provincial Museum
  • Best season to visit Tiantishan Grottoes? → May-October
  • Must-visit attractions in Wuwei urban area? → Leitai Han Tomb, Confucian Temple
  • How to get to Minqin Desert? → Take a bus from Wuwei Bus Station