Dadiwan Site: An 8000-year-old Archaeological Site Along the Silk Road

Written by Veronica | Updated September 20,2024

Dadiwan Site is a Neolithic archaeological site in Qin’an County, Gansu. It is the earliest and definitive found site of Dadiwan culture, dating back around 8,000 years. It has huge historical significance, giving insights into the progression of agriculture, pottery, architecture in ancient China.

Dadiwan Site has a museum, a restoration area, and remains of a palace. It’s a stop that you must make when you travel to Gansu along the Silk Road.

Fast Facts about Dadiwan Site

• Location: Shaodian Village northeast of Qin’an County, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, China
• Hours: 8:00 – 17:00 for the site; 9:30-17:00 (April to October) or 10:00-16:00 (November to March) for the museum
• Ticket price: free
• Visit time: about two hours
• Best time to visit: spring and autumn
• Suited to: history lovers

 

What to See and Do at Dadiwan Site

Dadiwan Museum

Built with yellow earthen walls, Dadiwan Museum exhibits cultural relics discovered at the Dadiwan Site, including bright-colored pottery, stonewares, earthen wares, and exquisite mussel decorations. The museum gives visitors a comprehensive introduction to the history of Dadiwan Site.

Restoration Area

The Restoration Area at Dadiwan Site is built by experts to recreate a primitive village from the Neolithic Age. There are statues, houses made from thatch and wood stakes, furniture to create scenes of ancient daily life. You’ll also learn about innovative architectural and agricultural techniques of the time.

Palace Ruins

At Dadiwan Site, there are remains of a grand palace over 5,000 years ago, the oldest and largest palatial structure ever unearthed. Explore the palace’s foundation and walls and admire the craftsmanship of architecture during Yangshao Culture Period.

 

Best Time to Visit Dadiwan Site

The best time for your Gansu tour to Dadiwan Site is during spring and autumn seasons. Gansu weather during these months is nice with comfortable temperatures. It’s the perfect time for outdoor activities.

How to Get to Dadiwan Site

By Air: Fly into Tianshui Maijishan Airport, which is only 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) away from Tianshui city center. You can find flights from various cities including Tianjin, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Chongqing, and Xi’an. Then take the airport shuttle bus or city buses NO. 1, 5, 8, 16, 35, 58, or 59 to downtown Tianshui.

By Train: Or you can take a train to Tianshui Railway Station in the downtown area. From the station, there are city buses directly to the foot of Maiji Mountain. This journey usually takes 40 minutes. Then take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Dadiwan Site.

By Bus: Head to Tianshui Coach Station and take a bus bound for Qin’an County. The fare for this bus ride is about CNY 14, and the journey takes about an hour. Then transfer for a bus to Wuying Town. Get off at Shaodian Village, where Dadiwan Site is located. The bus journey is about 1.5 hours.

Attractions nearby Dadiwan Site

Jieting Ancient Battlefield Ruins of the Three Kingdoms is a famous historical site about 4.7 miles (7.5 kilometers) from Dadiwan Site.

Qin’an Museum enhibits the history and culture of Qin’an County, an important stop along the Silk Road. The museum is 17 miles (27 kilometers) away from Dadiwan Site.

Yangpo Village showcases well-preserved traditional architecture and customs of the Hui ethnic group in this village. The village is located 11.5 miles (18.5 kilometers) from Dadiwan Site.

Taishanmiao is an ancient Taoist temple dating back to Tang Dynasty. It is situated 16 miles (26 kilometers) from Dadiwan Site in Wushan County.

China Silk Road Tours to Dadiwan Site

Plan your Silk Road trip now with China Xian Tour! We can help you with a customized tour to Dadiwan Site in Gansu.