Tianshui

Tianshui is both an ancient city with a history spanning more than a thousand years and a destination known for mala tang and its wide variety of noodle dishes. Here, you can admire Eastern sculptures carved into cliffside grottoes while also experiencing the everyday bustle of local streets and neighborhoods. The following is a suggested itinerary for a 2-day, 1-night visit. Spring and autumn bring large temperature differences between day and night, so it is best to bring a light jacket.

Highlights of a 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Culture and Local Flavors:
  • Morning: Start at the Yusheng Lane morning market and try Changji Guagua, Xiaowu flaky pastries, and lard pastries to learn about local breakfast and noodle traditions. Then walk to Fuxi Temple and the Tianshui Museum to continue exploring Tianshui's history and culture.

• Afternoon: Head to the Maijishan Grottoes and allow 3–4 hours for your visit. Wear non-slip shoes on the cliffside walkways, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains along with the thousand-year-old clay sculptures that have survived to the present day.
  • Evening: Return to the city center and explore Tianshui Ancient City, taking in the night lighting before heading to Guangming Lane or the area around the ancient city for Tianshui mala tang and Pangzi Fish.

• Day 2: Nature and Relaxation:
  • Morning: You can climb to Yuquan Temple for views over central Tianshui, or visit Nanguo Temple to see its thousand-year-old cypress trees and experience the atmosphere evoked in Du Fu's poetry.

• Afternoon: Hike at Xianren Cliff and explore its Danxia landscape. If you prefer a more relaxed schedule, stay in the city and visit the Hu Family Residence to learn about Ming-dynasty official residences.

• Dusk: Before leaving, consider buying Gangu peppers and Huaniu apples as souvenirs.

Must-Try Local Foods

Tianshui is generally quite affordable. Local cuisine mainly centers on noodle dishes and other carbohydrate-rich foods, along with spicy flavors.

Accommodation and Transportation Guide

• Where to stay: Qinzhou District is the best choice, especially near Fuxi Temple and Tianshui Ancient City. Restaurants, the ancient city, and the Tianshui Museum are all easily accessible from here, and mid-range hotels cost around CNY 200 per night. If you plan to visit Maijishan early the next morning, you can also stay in Maiji District.
• Getting there: High-speed trains run directly to Tianshui South Station from Xi'an, Lanzhou, and other cities, with a journey time of around 1.5–2 hours.
• Getting around: Buses accept mobile QR-code payments, and taxi flag-fall fares are relatively low. To reach Maijishan, you can take tourist bus route 5 or bus route 34. A ride-hailing carpool is another option and costs about half as much as taking a taxi directly.

Travel Tips

• Best seasons: Visit in April and May for spring flowers, or in September and October for autumn colors. Try to avoid the summer period of heavy rain.
• Ticket reservations: The Maijishan Grottoes can be crowded during peak season, so tickets should be reserved in advance. Tickets for Special Grotto 133 are distributed on site and can be difficult to obtain.
• What to wear: The walkways at Maijishan have many steps, so comfortable, non-slip sports shoes are recommended. Temperatures vary considerably between day and night, so it is best to bring a light jacket or windbreaker.
• Travel note: When eating mala tang, dip the ingredients rather than stirring everything together directly. Visit the Yusheng Lane morning market early, as some foods may sell out later in the morning.