Tianshui

In late October, Tianshui has a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring warm clothing when visiting outdoor attractions.

Tianshui combines grottoes, ancient temples, and old-town lanes, along with a rich selection of local snacks. Here is a sample three-day, two-night itinerary for getting to know the history and everyday life of the hometown of Fuxi.

• Maijishan Grottoes: One of China’s four major grotto complexes, best known for its finely crafted clay sculptures. The cliffside walkways cling to the rock face, offering close views of Buddhist statues that have stood for more than a thousand years.

• Fuxi Temple: One of the best-preserved temple complexes in China dedicated to the worship of Fuxi. Dozens of ancient cypress trees, some over a thousand years old, remain on the grounds, creating a strong sense of history. It is also an important site for ancestor worship and tracing one’s roots.

• Tianshui Old Town: The Ming- and Qing-era lanes still retain the layout known as “five connected cities,” and are ideal for an evening stroll. The lanes are home to many shops selling intangible cultural heritage crafts and creative cultural products, making it easy to slow down and explore.

• Yuquan Temple: A large Taoist architectural complex built to follow the contours of the mountain, surrounded by old trees and clear springs. From the higher points, you can look out over Tianshui. It is known as the “finest Taoist temple in Longshan.”

• Hu Family Ancient Residence: One of the representative Ming- and Qing-era buildings in northwestern China. Its intricate wood and brick carvings offer a close look at the traditional construction techniques of eastern Gansu residences. Admission is free.

• Xianren Cliff: Three cliffs and six temples are spread along the mountainside. The setting is peaceful, and the site is close to Jingtu Temple, making it suitable for visitors in good physical condition who want a more substantial hike.

Three-Day, Two-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: City history and old-town life
  • Morning: Start with Fuxi Temple. Admission is CNY 20. Then walk to the neighboring Tianshui Museum. Admission to the museum is free, and it offers an introduction to Tianshui’s history spanning more than a thousand years.
  • Afternoon: Visit the old-town residences known as the “Little Potala Palace,” then stroll through the Ming- and Qing-era lanes of Tianshui Old Town and observe local everyday life.

• Evening: Try Tianshui malatang or Pangzi Fish Hot Pot around the old town, then enjoy the old town’s night scenery.
• Day 2: Grottoes and ancient-temple hiking
  • Early morning: It is recommended to set out for the Maijishan Grottoes before 7 a.m. After taking a sightseeing bus to the foot of the mountain, follow the cliffside walkways upward to see the Buddhist statues known as the “Oriental Smile” up close.
  • Afternoon: After returning from Maijishan, hike at Xianren Cliff and take in the way its three cliffs, six temples, and wooded landscape blend together. Alternatively, visit free-entry Jingtu Temple to see its architecture combining Han Chinese and Tibetan styles.
  • Evening: After returning to the city, head to Guangming Lane Night Market or Ermalu for barbecue and cold skewers, and experience the local nighttime food scene.
• Day 3: Morning markets and Taoist temples
  • Early morning: Visit the morning markets at Yusheng Lane or Jianjiahe to buy potato cakes, lard pastries, guagua, and turmeric steamed buns, and experience Tianshui’s traditional breakfast foods.
  • Morning: Visit Yuquan Temple, climb to a higher vantage point overlooking Qinzhou, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere created by the temple, ancient cypresses, and mountain woods.
  • Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, visit the Hu Family Ancient Residence, or buy local specialties such as Huaniu apples and chili powder before heading home.

Local Specialties to Try

Tianshui cuisine centers on noodles, grains, and snack foods, with sour, spicy, and fragrant flavors being especially common.

• Tianshui Malatang: Unlike the more familiar style from Sichuan and Chongqing, Tianshui malatang is mainly served dry-tossed. Hand-rolled wide noodles are coated in red oil and a specially made chili sauce, then served with potato meatballs. The flavor is rich without being overly fiery.

• Tianshui Guagua: A provincial-level intangible cultural heritage snack made from buckwheat starch. It is torn into small pieces and mixed with a vinegar-based sauce, minced garlic, and chili oil. Soft yet pleasantly chewy, it is often eaten for breakfast locally.

• Pangzi Fish Hot Pot: A long-established local restaurant that often has a queue. It uses a 2.5-jin snakehead fish for each hot pot. The fish is tender, while the broth includes pickled vegetables and konjac. Even the mildly spicy version is full of flavor.

• Ma Ke Hand-Pulled Lamb: The lamb has a good balance of lean and fatty meat, a mild gaminess, and a tender texture. It can be eaten plain or dipped in salt and pepper. Sweet raw onion adds a refreshing contrast.

• Lard Pastry: Crisp on the outside and soft inside, with a rich lard aroma. It can be eaten with a special dipping sauce or stuffed into a flatbread, and is a common breakfast specialty at Jianjiahe Morning Market.

• Fermented-Brine Noodles: The soup base is made from fermented brine produced with celery or cabbage, giving it a fresh, tangy flavor. Cooked handmade noodles are topped with the brine. The dish is mild and refreshing, making it a good choice after a heavy meal.

Transportation and Accommodation Guide

• Getting there: By high-speed rail, Tianshui South Station is usually the best choice; trains from Xi’an take about 1.5–2 hours. If traveling by a regular train, get off at Tianshui Station.
• Getting around: Attractions in Qinzhou District are relatively concentrated. Taxis in the city have a starting fare of about CNY 5, and buses are also convenient. To reach Maijishan, you can take Bus 34 or use a rideshare, which costs about CNY 60–80 and is usually better value than taking a taxi directly.
• Where to stay: Consider staying near Fuxi Temple or Tianshui Old Town, where restaurants and attractions are concentrated and getting around is easy. Comfortable rooms are available for just over CNY 100.

Practical Tips

• Maijishan reservations: The Maijishan Grottoes require advance reservations through the “Maijishan Tourism” WeChat official account. Enter during your reserved time slot. Special caves, such as Cave 133, require a separate ticket purchased at the on-site guided-tour service center and cannot be reserved online.
• Avoiding crowds: It is best to leave early for Maijishan. Arriving before 8:30 a.m. can reduce queuing time. If you prefer not to get up early, you can also go after around 1 p.m., when visitor numbers are relatively lower.
• Ticket options: When visiting the Maijishan Grottoes, you can use the old visitor center, where the sightseeing bus costs CNY 15 and the process is relatively simple. The new visitor center charges CNY 30, and queues are usually longer.
• What to wear: Tianshui is cool in late October, with a marked difference between day and night temperatures. A fleece-lined outdoor jacket or thick coat is recommended. Maijishan and Xianren Cliff have many steps, so wear comfortable, slip-resistant walking shoes.
• Morning market hours: Morning markets such as the one at Yusheng Lane usually begin closing around 8–9 a.m. Go in the morning, as it is usually difficult to find the full range of breakfast foods in the afternoon.