Tianshui Travel Guide āVisit the Birthplace of Chinese Civilization
As people often say, to see the past 1,000 years of Chinese history, visit Beijing, the past 5,000 years, visit Xiāan, the past 8,000 years, visit Tianshui. Situated where the Loess Plateau and the Qinling Mountains meet, Tianshui city of Gansu Province is considered a birthplace of Chinese civilization. The city itself has a history of over 2,000 years, is the second-largest city of Gansu.
Located in southeast Gansu, Tianshui is called āJiangnan of West China (Longshang).āĀ BecauseĀ unlike the climate of Loess Plateau or most areas of West China, the climate of Tianshui is more like Jiangnan, mild and pleasant. As a result, it has an abundance of fertile ground, beautiful natural landscapes, and therefore a rich culture and history. Tianshui was also a prominent stop on the ancient Silk Road.
This article will provide you with the most complete and helpful Tianshui Travel Guide, including weather, transportation, and of course, the top attractions like Fuxi Temple, Maijishan Grottoes, Dadiwan Site, and Water Curtain Cave.
- Chinese: å¤©ę°“ tiÄn shuĒ
- Location: Southeast Gansu
- Population (urban area): 2,954,000
- Postal Code: 741000
- Phone Area Code: 0938
Content Previewā
- Why Travel to Tianshui?
- Top Tianshui Tourist Attractions
- Top Things to Do in Tianshui
- Tianshui Weather & Best Time to Visit
- How Many Days and Where to Stay
- Tianshui Transportation
- Indulge in Tianshui Delicacies & Where to Eat
- Essential Travel Tips
- FAQs about Tianshui Travel
- Explore Tianshui with China Xian Tour
- Recommended Gansu Tianshui Tours
- Best Gansu Tours
Why Travel toĀ Tianshui?
- Historic and Cultural Treasures: In Tianshui, youāll learn about ancient history from all the way back to the Neolithic era and Qin dynasty at Dadiwan Site. Visit Fuxi Temple to experience local worship of Chinaās first mythical emperor. Maijishan Grottoes have the oldest and most complete clay sculpture among all grottoes in China.
- Natural Splendor: Tianshui sits among a variety of landforms, including mountains, rivers, and lush forests. For travelers interested in hiking, biking, or photography, Xianren Cliff, Shimen Shan, and Water Curtain Cave are some great options.
- Local Delicacies: A couple years ago, Tianshui Malatang went viral on Chinese social media for its appealing look and chili peppers. And aside from the Malatang, noodles are also a signature dish. They come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. Many travel to Tianshui just for its local delicacies.
Top Tianshui Tourist Attractions
A journeyĀ to Tianshui is always worth having because its attractions span from archaeological sites like the Dadiwan Site to the cliff-carved wonders of the Maijishan Grottoes. Indeed, no matter youāre expecting for deep-ancient cultural roots or striking natural landscapes, Tianshui can provide you with everything you may wish to see in a trip. By gradually going through each one of them, youāll also grab the hints aboutĀ why Tianshui has long been known as one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization.
Top Things to Do in Tianshui
Marvel at Xianren Cliff
Xianren Cliff is 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from Maijishan Grottoes. Itās a good idea to visit them together. Xianren Cliff consists of 3 cliffs, 5 peaks, and 6 temples. Itās incredible to see the temples constructed in such locations.
Visit Hu Family Mansion
Hu Family Mansion is a massive residential complex built in Ming Dynasty. Its architecture, layout, and furnishing demonstrate local traditions. Itās a great place to get a sense of local history and lifestyle.
Indulge in Tianshui Delicacies
You must try its Malatang and noodles when you travel to Tianshui. Its Malatang uses locally grown chili peppers that bring unique flavors and smells to the dish. Noodles are an important culinary tradition for people in Gansu. Itās an essential part to getting to know the region.
Tianshui Weather & Best Time to Visit
Tianshui has four distinct seasons. July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 29.1Ā°C (84.4Ā°F), while January is the coldest at -0.4Ā°C (31.3Ā°F) on average. Most rainfall occurs in the summer.
The best time for a trip to Tianshui is during spring or autumn, when you can avoid the extreme heat or cold, as well as the wet season. You might want to consider Gansu weatherĀ as a whole while planning your Silk Road Tour.
How Many Days and Where to Stay
How Many Days to Stay in Tianshui
A 2- to 3-dayĀ tripĀ in Tianshui is a massive choice, as thisĀ length allows you to explore basically all the sitesĀ at a rather comfortable pace.
For those whoāre traveling for 2 days,Ā spend your first day to explore the city center. Most would visit the Fuxi TempleĀ and old streets, and after a busy day, relax yourself withĀ snacks such as Tianshui Malatang andĀ theĀ handmade noodles. These authentic local flavors allows you to go deeper into the heart of Tianshui. On the second day, travel a bit farĀ to Maijishan Grottoes. This attraction is believed to be one of the most impressive Buddhist cave complexes in China. And after that, itās optional to enjoy the nearby hiking trails and mountain views.
If it is possible for you toĀ stay there for 3 days,Ā Dadiwan SiteĀ would be a good place to go. Itās an 8,000-year-old Neolithic ruinĀ which shows visitorsĀ the roots of early Chinese civilization. However, if you prefer more natural explorations, aĀ half-day trip to Xianren Cliff or Water Curtain CaveĀ is also perfect.
Where to Stay in Tianshui
First-time visitors and those planning only short staysĀ normally choose hotels inĀ downtown Tianshui (Qinzhou District). As for these travelers, convenience may comes the first and city center is always equipped withĀ easy access to restaurants, shops, and public transport.
If you prefer a quieter baseĀ closerĀ to nature, consider the Maiji District, especiallyĀ the partĀ near Maijishan Grottoes. Here, manyĀ boutique hotels and local guesthouses will be surrounded by greenery and mountain views.
Tianshui Transportation
How to Get to Tianshui
By Air:
Tianshui Maijishan Airport is about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) from downtown Tianshui. There are flights connecting major Chinese cities including Tianjin, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Chongqing, and Xiāan. From the airport, you can either take the airport shuttle bus or city buses No. 1, 5, 8, 16, 35, 58, and 59.
By Train:
Tianshui has two major railway stations, Tianshui Railway Station and Tianshui South Railway Station. They connect Tianshui with major cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xiāan, Lanzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing. After you get to Tianshui, continue your journey by taxi or bus.
By Bus:
If you prefer traveling by bus, Tianshui Long-distance Bus Station has buses to nearby cities and counties such as Lanzhou, Pingliang, Wushan, and Qingshui. From there take a taxi or a city bus to your destination.
Guide from Major Cities to Tianshui
From ā Tianshui | Flight (Economy) ā Typical Duration | Flight ā Price Range (CNY, One-way) | High-Speed Train (2nd Class) ā Typical Duration | High-Speed Train ā Price Range (CNY) |
Lanzhou ā Tianshui | ~1h (to nearby Longnan or Tianshui Maijishan Airport) + 30ā60 min transfer | Ā„370 ā Ā„2,300 | ~1.0 ā 2.5 hrs (multiple bullet trains daily) | Ā„63 ā Ā„138 |
Xiāan ā Tianshui | ~1h10m ā 1h30m (direct regional flights available) | Ā„150 ā Ā„500 | ~1.0 ā 2.5 hrs (many high-speed connections; avg ā1.3h) | Ā„60 ā Ā„150 |
Xining ā Tianshui | ~1.0 ā 1.5 hrs (limited seasonal flights) | Ā„200 ā Ā„800 | ~2.5 ā 7.5 hrs (depends on transfer; fastest ~3h) | Ā„95 ā Ā„370 |
Luoyang ā Tianshui | ~1h15m (flights less frequent than major cities) | Ā„300 ā Ā„900 | ~2.5 ā 3.0 hrs (some direct, others via transfer) | Ā„120 ā Ā„180 |
Ā
How to Travel around TianshuiĀ
By City Bus:
Tianshui has a wonderful city bus system that connects most urban areas as well as some suburban regions. Useful stops include Fuxi Temple, Tianshui Railway Station, and Tianshui South Railway Station. You can make your payment in cash or by using a transportation card.
By Taxi:
Taxis are fast and convenient especially during nighttime when buses are less available. The initial fare for flagging down a taxi in Tianshui is CNY 5, with an additional charge of CNY 1.4 per kilometer.
Indulge in Tianshui Delicacies & Where to Eat
Where to eat:
čå®¶å «å¤§ē¢(ę»Øę²³å¹æåŗåŗ) (Lao Jia āEight BowlsāĀ –Ā Binhe Square Branch)
This place is for you to try Tianshuiās famousĀ traditional āEight BowlsāĀ set: four meat dishes and four vegetarian side dishes. Theyāll be served in a home-style wayĀ and the dishes will not be greasy, thus basically all visitors can enjoy this identical set easily.
ęµ·č±éŗ»č¾£ē«(äøåč„æč·Æę„č”č”åŗ) (Hai Ying MalatangĀ –Ā Zhonghua West Road Pedestrian Street)
For something more casual and local-cool, you can try Tianshui malatang in this shop. This spot is quite trendy among younger locals, you can choose your preferred skewers and spicy broth, so you donāt have to worry anything you donāt like to show up in your meal.
马ęåøēčé¢(å·„åč·Æę»åŗ) (Ma You Bu Beef Noodle –Ā GongNong Road Main Branch)
Beef noodle is also a famous specialty in Tianshui. You can choose either thick or thin noodles with hearty beefĀ and served inĀ local style. ThisĀ restaurantĀ is listed among best restaurants for both locals and tourists.
Essential Travel Tips
- Pack layers: Tianshuiās climate is milder than many western China cities. However, mornings and evenings can still be cool, and summer would see rainfall happen quite often.
- Get to Maijishan early: the climb and grotto area can take significant timeāfootpaths are steep and some sections require more effort.
- Use public transport or a taxi from Tianshui South Railway Station to Maijishan Scenic Area (approximately 1 hour drive).
- Book your train tickets in advance to secure the best time and preferred seat if travelling by high-speed rail, especially at peak times.
- Even if youāre on a one-day stop, still, it is important to carry water, wear comfortable shoes and allow for extra time to explore side trails.
FAQs about Tianshui Travel
Is Tianshui worth visiting compared to other Gansu destinations?
Yes.Ā Tianshui is less tourist-crowded thanĀ many famous tourist cities, however, the travel experience can sometimes be even better. It isĀ rich in history (including the Dadiwan culture), art (Maijishan), tasty local foodsĀ and comfortable climate. It would be even more ideal if youāre interestedĀ in ancient civilization and less-visited China.
What is Tianshui famous for?
TianshuiĀ has many famous attractions likeĀ the Maijishan GrottoesĀ and the Dadiwan archaeological site. Besides, it also attracts many visitors with itsĀ importantĀ role on the ancient Silk Road, andĀ recently, itsĀ local cuisine like malatangĀ has also gone viral nation-wide.
Are there luxury hotels in Tianshui?
Well, there may be some but not quite a lot. Thereās moreĀ comfortable mid-range hotels in its downtown and scenic districts. But donāt worryĀ a well-located hotel near transport and main attractionsĀ can always provide you with best experience and value.
How long does it take to visit Maijishan Grottoes?
Spending 2 to 4 hours here is what most people would do. However, the exact time is decided by your ownĀ pace, how much climbing you do, and whether you want to combine this visit with nearby scenic spots.
Explore Tianshui with China Xian Tour
As a treasured place with various highlights, Tianshui is waiting for more visitors to explore its charm. No matter youāre interested in the grandeur of Chinaās history or the best taste of Chinese food, having a Tianshui tour with China Xian Tour can certainly fulfill your expectations. Our local travel experts can give you the best customized itinerary which will take you to all the sites you wish to explore. And with us taking care of all the details, your journey will definitely be relaxing and rewarding from the beginning to the end.
Recommended Gansu Tianshui Tours
- 7 Days Silk Road Tour from Xiāan to Dunhuang by High-speed Train
- 11 Days Tibet and Silk Road Tour by Train from Xian
- 15 Days Silk Road Tour: Xian-Gansu-Qinghai-Xinjiang-Yinchuan
