Tianshui Gansu, China Travel Guide
Shimen Grottoes and Xianren Cliff (within Maijishan Scenic Area) present serene Buddhist grottoes and cliff-carved temples. Wushan County (1.5-2 hours from Tianshui) contains the Wushan Grottoes, known for distinct artistic styles and a "Water Curtain Cave."
For Shimen Grottoes and Xianren Cliff, local buses travel to Maijishan. Taxis or Didi cover the final stretch. Wushan County is reachable by long-distance bus from Tianshui Long-Distance Bus Station. A local taxi or bus connects to the Wushan Grottoes from there.
Tianshui's surrounding landscapes present refreshing natural escapes, providing opportunities to immerse oneself in the region's beauty. These zones are ideal for peace or outdoor activity.
Tianshui National Forest Park offers trails for hiking and walking, diverse plant life, and scenic viewpoints. The Maijishan Scenic Area, beyond the grottoes, features lush forests and breathtaking cliffs.
Autumn leaves (September-November) transforms the mountains with colors. During the rainy summer, the "Water Curtain Cave" at Wushan Grottoes might display a small waterfall.
Tianshui’s convenient location on the high-speed rail network makes it a starting point for longer regional travel, to extend your itinerary to other major Chinese destinations.
Add 2-3 days for the Terracotta Army, City Wall, Muslim Quarter, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Reachable in 1.5-2 hours by high-speed train. Discover Xi'a tours.
Add 1-2 days for Lanzhou Beef Noodles, Gansu Provincial Museum, and White Pagoda Hill. Travel time 1.5-2 hours by high-speed train. Explore Lanzhou experiences.
From Lanzhou, continue west to Zhangye (Danxia landforms) and Dunhuang (Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Shan). This route follows the ancient Silk Road.
Start in Tianshui, then high-speed train to Xi'a for imperial history. From Xi'an, extend to Luoyang (Longmen Grottoes) or even Chengdu to combine past with panda viewing.
From Tianshui, take the high-speed train to Lanzhou. Continue west by train to Zhangye (Danxia landforms) and after that further to Dunhuang (Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Shan Desert, Crescent Lake).
Beyond the main Tianshui sites, tour ancient grottoes, rural life, and local pilgrimage spots.
Wushan Grottoes in Wushan County offer a distinct artistic style and an unique setting, with grottoes behind a natural "water curtain." Dadiwan Ruins, a Neolithic archaeological site, allows for exploration of early Chinese cultural sequences.
Exploring villages and agricultural areas, especially around Maijishan, offers glimpses into local rural life, traditional farming, and customs. Numerous smaller local Buddhist temples and mosques dot the Tianshui region as important pilgrimage points.
Home to the world-renowned Terracotta Army, the remarkably preserved City Wall, the bustling Muslim Quarter for street food, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Xi'an has ancient Chinese imperial history.
The provincial capital, famous for its Lanzhou Beef Noodles. Explore the Gansu Provincial Museum, visit White Pagoda Hill for city views, and walk along the Yellow River. Lanzhou acts as a gateway to western Gansu.
Consider extending your journey along the ancient Silk Road through Gansu or combining historical sites with other cultural experiences inside China.
Tianshui to Xi'an (imperial history), then potentially Luoyang (Longmen Grottoes) or Chengdu (pandas, spicy cuisine).
Tianshui to Lanzhou, then west to Zhangye (Danxia landforms) and Dunhuang (Mogao Grottoes).
Book high-speed train tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. Find Day Trips on GetYourGuide.
Tianshui's surrounding landscapes and rural areas offer refreshing natural escapes and opportunities to immerse oneself in local life.
Offers well-maintained trails for hiking, diverse plant life, and scenic viewpoints.
Beyond the grottoes, it features verdant woodlands, dramatic cliffs, and clean air.
The Qinling Mountains foothills, with rolling hills, valleys, and the Wei River, create attractive views.
A prominent site for cultural and spiritual visitation in Tianshui city.
A major Buddhist site, representing centuries of spiritual devotion and art.
A large number of smaller sites throughout the Tianshui region are important for local sacred communities.
