Tianshui Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Tianshui with our comprehensive guide. Find out what to do, where to stay, and what to see in this ancient Chinese city.


Introduction to Tianshui

Tianshui, located in the northwest of China, has a profound cultural heritage and a beautiful natural landscape. It is the second-largest city in Gansu province and is known for its long history, ancient sites, and stunning scenery. With a history that dates back over 4,000 years, Tianshui is an important cultural and historic center in China. Tianshui is also known for its religious landmarks, including China’s only remaining wooden pentagonal pagoda, and numerous temples and monasteries.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Tianshui has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Tianshui

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Maiji Mountain Grottoes

The Maiji Mountain Grottoes is one of the four famous Grottoes in China, and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2014. The grottoes were carved from the 4th century to the 14th century and features over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and more than 1,000 square meters of murals.

Fuxi Temple

Fuxi Temple is one of the oldest temples in China, and is a must-visit attraction in Tianshui. It was built in honor of Fuxi, the legendary figure who created Chinese characters and marriage tradition. The temple is located at the bottom of Fuxi Mountain, which has a scenic spot behind the temple.

Shanxi Guild Hall Museum

Shanxi Guild Hall Museum is another must-visit historical site in Tianshui. The museum reflects the city’s prosperity in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and showcases a collection of antiques, paintings, and calligraphy works.

Natural Attractions of Tianshui: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mt. Qilian

Mt. Qilian is the highest mountain in the eastern part of Gansu Province, and features unique landscapes with grasslands, forests, and snow-capped peaks. With an altitude of over 4,760 meters, the mountain is ideal for hiking and camping.

Tianshui Waterfall National Park

Located in the Qinling Mountains, the Tianshui Waterfall National Park features a total of 10 waterfalls, including the largest waterfall in China. This park is an ideal destination for nature lovers, featuring stunning scenery of waterfalls, forests, and wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tianshui

Wuquan Mountain Hiking Trail

Wuquan Mountain is located in the southeastern part of Tianshui, and is a popular hiking spot for locals and tourists. The hiking trail starts from the Lianhua Temple, and ends at the Wuquan Mountain Peak. It offers magnificent views of the city, forest, and mountains.

Mountain Biking in Maiji Mountain

Maiji Mountain is also an ideal spot for mountain biking, with a scenic route that covers a distance of 25 kilometers. The route takes you through grottoes, temples, and local villages, and is perfect for adventure lovers.

Best Things to Do in Tianshui: Activities and Tours

Tianshui Festivals

Tianshui hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Fuxi Culture Festival, the Maiji Mountain Temple Fair, and the Qin Opera Festival. These festivals showcase the city’s cultural and historical heritage, and are a great way to experience local traditions and customs.

Temple Tours

Tianshui is home to numerous temples and monasteries, including Maijishan Temple, Wushan Temple, and Fuxi Temple. Visitors can explore these ancient sites, and learn about the religious and cultural history of Tianshui.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tianshui

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Visit the Maiji Mountain Grottoes
Day 2 Explore Fuxi Temple and Fuxi Mountain
Day 3 Hike Wuquan Mountain
Day 4 Visit the Shanxi Guild Hall Museum
Day 5 Mountain biking in Maiji Mountain
Day 6 Visit the Tianshui Waterfall National Park
Day 7 Visit the Maijishan Temple

Food and Drink Scene of Tianshui

Must-Try Dishes

Tianshui cuisine is known for its spicy and flavorful dishes, including Liuyang Fish, Qinzhou Noodles, and Spicy Mutton. If you’re in Tianshui, don’t miss out on trying these delicious local dishes.

Local Beverages

Fruit wines are popular in Tianshui. The most famous one is the Kaiqu Grape Wine, which is made from the grapes grown in Kaiqu County.

Where to Stay in Tianshui: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many accommodation options in Tianshui, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Some popular options include:

  • Hanting Express Hotel
  • Huachen International Hotel
  • 7 Days Inn Tianshui Train Station Branch

What to Buy in Tianshui: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tianshui is known for its handicrafts, such as pottery, silk products, and paper-cutting. You can also buy local snacks, such as Huaishan Chicken, Gansu Noodles, and Tianshui Rice Wine, which make great gifts for friends and family.

Local Culture and Customs of Tianshui

Tianshui is an important cultural and historic center in China, and its people have a strong and unique cultural identity. Locals are known for their hospitality, and visitors are often welcomed with open arms.

Best Time to Visit Tianshui

The best time to visit Tianshui is from April to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, visitors should be prepared for large crowds during festivals and peak travel months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tianshui

Do:

  • Learn a few basic Chinese phrases
  • Dress appropriately when visiting temples and religious sites
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in public places
  • Don’t disrespect local customs and traditions
  • Don’t take photographs without permission inside the temples

Safety and Health

Safety in Tianshui

Tianshui is a safe city for visitors. However, visitors should be aware of pickpocketing and take precautions when carrying valuables in crowded places.

Health in Tianshui

The tap water in Tianshui is not suitable for drinking. Visitors should drink bottled water and avoid street food that has not been properly cooked.

Getting to Tianshui: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tianshui

The closest airport to Tianshui is the Tianshui Maijishan Airport. However, this airport only operates a limited number of flights.

Bus Stations Near Tianshui

Tianshui has a bus station with regular connections to major cities in Gansu province and beyond, including Xi’an and Lanzhou.

Other Options

Another option for visitors is taking a train to Tianshui. There are regular trains from major cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, to Tianshui.

How to Get Around in Tianshui

Tianshui has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and taxis. Visitors can also rent a bicycle or walk to explore the city.

Where to Go Next from Tianshui: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions from Tianshui include:

  • Lanzhou
  • Xiahe
  • Pingliang

Conclusion

Tianshui is a must-visit destination for travelers interested in Chinese history, culture, and nature. With a range of historical sites, natural attractions, and outdoor activities, Tianshui has something for everyone. Plan your trip to Tianshui and experience the beauty and charm of this ancient Chinese city.