Things to do in Tianshui
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Top 10 attractions in Tianshui
Maijishan Scenic Area
The Maijishan Scenic Area is located in the southeast of Tianshui, Gansu Province, within the Xiaolong Mountain forest area of the western Qinling range. A ridge extending from southwest to northeast separates the Wei River, a tributary of the Yellow River, from the Jialing River, a tributary of the Yangtze, placing them to the north and south respectively. The northern mountains boast majestic peaks, while the southern streams are serene and picturesque, blending both temperaments within the same landscape. The entire attraction comprises five major sections: the Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex, Xianren Cliff, Shimen Mountain, Quxi, and Jieting Hot Springs, with over 180 attractions scattered across more than 200 square km of forested terrain. Ancient Qinzhou scenes like "Maiji mist and rain," "immortals offering lanterns," "night moon at Shimen," and "pine waves in pure land" all originate from these mountains. The core of the attraction is the Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex, renowned alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, and the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang as one of China's four great cave-temple complexes. Maiji Mountain is an isolated peak in the Xiaolong range, named for its resemblance to a farmer's wheat stack. Its sheer red cliffs—over 100 m high on the eastern, western, and southern sides—are densely honeycombed with caves, connected by tiered aerial walkways spiraling upward to the Upper Seven-Buddha Pavilion, colloquially called "Sanhua Tower," where railings frame panoramic views of forested peaks. First excavated during the Later Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms, the complex saw continuous construction for over 1,600 years through the Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, and up to the Ming and Qing dynasties. With over 200 surviving caves and 10,000 clay and stone sculptures, it's hailed as the "Oriental Sculpture Gallery." Particularly lifelike are the life-sized round sculptures, including the smiling novice monk in Cave 133, celebrated as the "Oriental Smile." When rain clears during summer and fall, mist coils around the cliffs, veiling the grottoes in ethereal beauty—a spectacle enshrined as "Maiji mist and rain" among the Eight Views of Qinzhou. The other areas each have their own highlights: Xianren Cliff, located over 10 km from the grottoes, consists of three cliffs, five peaks, and six temples. The halls beneath the cliffs preserve nearly 200 statues dating back to the Northern Wei dynasty, and with the lake reflecting the red cliffs, the old scene of "immortals offering lanterns" has been passed down to this day. Shimen Mountain features a granite peak forest landscape and is known as "Little Huangshan." Juxian Bridge spans the north and south peaks, and on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the bright moon hangs right over the bridge, creating the "night moon at Shimen" scene. Quxi is hidden deep in the Xiaolong Mountain forest, where a stream winds through nine bends, featuring small bridges and flowing water—a secluded spot full of wild charm. The hot spring water in Jieting Ancient Town maintains a temperature of about 40 degrees year-round. The ancient town is said to be related to the Three Kingdoms allusion of "losing Jieting" and also preserves traces of Du Fu's stay in Qinzhou, making it a perfect place to soak and relax after touring the mountains and waters. The major areas are spaced 10 to over 20 km apart, so it's recommended to plan your itinerary priorities in advance. If time is limited, prioritize the Maijishan grottoes. The grotto walkways are suspended with steep and narrow steps, so travelers with acrophobia or limited physical strength should proceed within their capabilities. The walkways become slippery after rain, so take your time ascending—it's also a perfect opportunity to enjoy the mountain mist.Tianshui · 35.8 km from downtown
Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex
The Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex is carved into the cliff face of an isolated peak resembling a farmer's wheat stack in the Xiaolong Mountains. Alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the Yungang Grottoes, and the Longmen Grottoes, it is renowned as one of China's four great cave-temple complexes and serves as the core attraction of the Maijishan scenic area. The caves were first excavated during the Later Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms and underwent continuous construction for over 1,600 years through the Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, and up to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The site preserves over 200 caves and niches, more than 10,000 clay and stone sculptures, and nearly 1,000 square meters of murals. Featuring predominantly clay sculptures with an unbroken lineage across dynasties, the complex showcases a complete and clear stylistic evolution, earning it the title "Oriental Sculpture Gallery." In 2014, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor." Maiji Mountain stands alone amidst surrounding peaks, with most of its grottoes carved into sheer cliffs dozens of meters above ground, connected solely by tiered aerial walkways spanning over ten levels. The visit itself becomes a cliffside adventure: at the base, gaze up at the exposed rock face and the colossal cliff-carved Buddha over ten meters tall, then ascend via winding walkways suspended dozens of meters high—both thrilling and offering panoramic views of lush forests. Grottoes along the path vary in size, with smaller ones protected by nets, while larger ones dominate the upper sections. The upper eastern cliff's Sanhua Tower (Upper Seven-Buddha Pavilion) is an unmissable highlight. This seven-bay, eight-pillared hall with a single-eaved hip roof replicates wooden architecture carved directly into the cliff, featuring a grand front corridor and rear chamber. Its ceiling showcases the unique "thin relief" flying apsaras—faces and limbs rendered in shallow sculpture while flowing robes are painted, creating a distinctive fusion of painting and sculpture unparalleled in ancient Chinese murals. As you walk and observe, the stylistic evolution of clay sculptures becomes distinctly visible: the elegant and slender figures of the late Northern Wei, the refined and serene style of the Western Wei, the plump and graceful forms of the Northern Zhou, and the full and rounded shapes of the Sui and Tang dynasties—like flipping through a three-dimensional history of sculpture. On overcast or freshly cleared days after rain, when mist swirls around the peaks and drizzle veils the landscape, the solitary haystack-shaped peaks emerge and fade in the clouds, creating the famous "Maji misty rain" scenery. The plank road is narrow, and visitors may need to queue and proceed slowly when crowded. Travelers with acrophobia should proceed with caution. Flash photography is prohibited in the grotto area, and touching the statues is not allowed. A few classic grottoes are designated as special grottoes and are not included in the regular tour route, such as Cave 133, famous for the "Oriental Smile" novice monk, and Cave 127, known for its large-scale sutra illustration murals. Travelers with a strong interest in statue art can check the special grotto visiting arrangements in advance. Most of the other caves and niches can be viewed in sequence along the plank road.Tianshui · 36.5 km from downtown
Fuxi Temple
Fuxi Temple was originally named Taihao Palace and also known as Renzong Temple. It was built from the 19th to the 20th year of the Chenghua Period of the Ming Dynasty and has undergone several lots of renovation work to create a large architectural complex. Facing South, the majestic complex presents a distinctive style of traditional Chinese architecture. Fuxi was the first emperor in ancient legends, so the complex is designed like a palace. It is China's largest architectural complex honoring Fuxi.Tianshui · 1.6 km from downtown
Tianshui Ancient City
Tianshui Ancient City is a historic cultural attraction located in Qinzhou District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province. It attracts numerous visitors with its rich historical relics and unique cultural charm. Tianshui Ancient City is a well-preserved residential courtyard complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties, known as "One Street with Eleven Alleys." Cuijia Alley is one of these lanes, with the heart of the ancient city located to its west. Visitors can enter through Cuijia Alley and pass byAntique MarketOn Huayan Street, you'll find the Fengyun Sculpture, which depicts Zhuge Liang's first arrival in Tianshui during the Three Kingdoms period as part of his "Six Expeditions from Qishan." Strolling through Tianshui Ancient City, visitors can admire attractions such as Sanxin Lane, the Rong's Fuxin Tianshui Office, and the Han General's Mansion. These buildings showcase the essence of ancient architectural art with their exquisite carvings and unique styles, serving as cultural landmarks of Tianshui that attract countless history enthusiasts and cultural explorers. Visitors can also participate in local traditional festivals and folk performances to experience the city's distinctive cultural atmosphere. Tianshui Ancient City is not just a sightseeing destination, but a multi-layered experience space where you can feel the charm of history and culture.Tianshui · 1.1 km from downtown
Maijishan Hot Spring
Tianshui Maijishan is renowned throughout China for its Maijishan Grottoes, while Maijishan Hot Spring Resort Hotel has gained international fame for its unique natural hot springs. Nestled in the picturesque "Jiangnan of the North" region of Tianshui, the resort faces the treasure-filled Maijishan Mountain to the south, backs against Du Fu's Thatched Cottage to the north, welcomes the spectacular Shimen Peak to the east, and overlooks Fuxi's Ancestral Guatai Mountain to the west. With convenient transportation, it's just 21 km from the train station and only 15 km from Maijishan Grottoes, one of China's four great grottoes. This makes it an ideal leisure destination for travelers. Maijishan Hot Spring Resort Hotel captivates visitors with its magical hot springs, pastoral charm, serene ambiance, lush valleys, and fragrant meadows—all creating an irresistible allure. The newly built Maijishan Hot Spring Resort Hotel consists of two main sections: indoor and outdoor. The indoor hot spring pavilion (steel-framed greenhouse) showcases authentic tropical vibes, with coconut groves, wave pools, and water play facilities creating a hot spring paradise for the whole family. Meanwhile, the outdoor hot spring pools and private bathhouses in the resort exude a rich classical Chinese aesthetic—featuring arched bridges, winding paths, and misty vapors rising amidst lush greenery, transporting you to a fairy-tale realm. Maijishan Hot Spring offers themed zones like the herbal wellness area, aromatic creek banks, and mountain hot spring district, all set within an open-air ecological garden while providing diverse bathing experiences and services. The resort hotel and conference dining center cater to various requests, including business receptions, group leisure activities, and diplomatic hosting.Tianshui · 32 km from downtown
Immortal Cliff
Not far from the Maijishan Mountain Grottoes, the Immortal Cliff is composed of three cliffs, five peaks and six temples. The temples of the Immortal Cliff are collectively named Huayan Temple. In the 14th year of the Yongle Period of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Chengzu renamed Huayan Temple to Lingying Temple. He gave most of the temples on the Immortal Cliff to King Han (the brother of the Emperor) as his mansion, and so the they became King Han's private temples. Therefore, people generally refer to the Immortal Cliff and Lingying Temple by each other's names.Tianshui · 36.1 km from downtown
Yuquanguan Scenic Area
Yuquanguan Temple in Yuquanguan Scenic Area is located at the foot of Tianjing Mountain in northern Tianshui city. Built during the Tang Dynasty, it's named after a crystal-clear, refreshing spring on the mountain.YuquanDuring the Yuan Dynasty, Qinzhou instructor Liang Gongbi composed a poem while building the temple, which reads: "North of the mountain temple, a famed peak..."YuquanThe name originates from the poetic phrase "Jade Spring." Since its establishment, Yuquan Temple has undergone multiple renovations and expansions. At its peak, it boasted over 90 structures, with more than 60 remaining today—including 5 Ming Dynasty buildings and the rest from various Qing Dynasty periods. The architectural style blends traditional artistry with local influences, following Taoist principles in its layout. Along the central north-south axis stands the magnificent Jade Emperor Hall.,The complex features seven major structures including the Three Pure Ones Hall and the memorial archway. Scattered across the eastern, western, and southern hills and valleys are larger sacrificial halls, temples, spring pavilions, and stele corridors. The temple preserves 47 stone steles, 11 stone tablets, and 34 brick carvings from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Among these, the most precious is the Yuan Dynasty Four-Sided Taoist Stele, renowned for its clear inscriptions and complete historical records, hailed by cultural relic experts as a "national treasure" stele. Additionally, works by the great Yuan Dynasty calligrapher...Zhao MengfuThe Four-Character Cursive Poem Stele is also a rare stone inscription. Within the temple grounds stand 50 ancient cypress trees, including seven that are over a thousand years old. The most striking is the "Braided Cypress"—its exposed roots intertwine like a woman's braided hair, earning it this ancient name.Tianshui · 1.2 km from downtown
Nanguo Temple
The Nankuo Temple Hall had begun to take shape in the Sui and Tang Dynasties. During the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, the original East Zen Forest Court was changed to Du Shaoling Temple. With three arch-style gates as the central axis, it consists of three courtyards: east, middle and west. There are front and rear courtyards in Zhongshan Gate, east and west viewing towers of the front courtyard, the Bell and Drum Towers in the back, and the East and West Zen Forest Courtyard. At present, the west courtyard is still the "Zhanlin Yuan", and the east is the Du Shao Ling Temple. There are three statues of Du Fu and a boy in the temple. The backyard is a spacious and magnificent Tianwang Hall with three rooms and two entrances. In the courtyard, there is a 2300-2500-year-old three-branched ancient cypress, with a dark frosted skin facing south, as dry as firewood, and reaching the sky, but the top is still youthful, with lush branches and leaves. A branch to the northwest has withered. A branch in the north is skillfully placed on the locust branch. What is even more amazing is that there is a black egg tree (Hackberry) with a bust of 108 cm in the split dry, which lives with the old tree.Tianshui · 3.3 km from downtown
Jingtu Temple
The Pure Land Temple was completely demolished in 1971, and all the monuments and couplets are missing. Since the 1980s, the monks of the Pure Land Temple have raised funds and invested nearly 40 million yuan for restoration and expansion. In recent years, buildings such as Luohan Hall, Tibetan Sutra Pavilion and Jingmen Archway have been newly developed and built to increase its scale. The majestic sight is far from comparable to the past.Tianshui · 37.1 km from downtown
Shuiliandong Caves
Wushan Shuilian Cave is located in Wushan County on the west side of Tianshui City. The Shuiliandong Grottoes were built in the post-Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms, and were built in the Northern Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Yuan and other dynasties. Shuilian Cave is a very famous landscape in the scenic area. It is a huge cave about 50 meters long and 30 meters high. The entrance of the cave is often sheltered by streamlined water flow, so it is named Shuilian Cave. There is now a Taoist temple in Shuilian Cave, which is built between the caves and is very delicately combined with the mountains. The main landscape in the cave is the murals of Buddha statues on the walls, which are very similar to the murals in Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Maijishan Grottoes and other places, and the murals of each period have their own characteristics, which is a treasure house of Buddhist art. In addition to the grotto historical sites, the natural scenery of the scenic spot is also a highlight that cannot be missed. The landforms in the scenic area are very strange, with continuous giant stone pillars, stalagmites, etc., which are very spectacular.Wushan · 13.4 km from downtown
Free things to do in Tianshui
Maijishan Scenic Area
Tianshui · 35.8 km from downtownMaijishan Cave-Temple Complex
Tianshui · 36.5 km from downtownFuxi Temple
Tianshui · 1.6 km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeTianshui Ancient City
Tianshui · 1.1 km from downtownMaijishan Hot Spring
Tianshui · 32 km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeImmortal Cliff
Tianshui · 36.1 km from downtownYuquanguan Scenic Area
Tianshui · 1.2 km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeNanguo Temple
Tianshui · 3.3 km from downtownJingtu Temple
Tianshui · 37.1 km from downtownShuiliandong Caves
Wushan · 13.4 km from downtown
What travelers say about Tianshui
M40***13September 16, 2026
5.0
The environment is clean and elegant, the hot spring water is clear and comfortable, the temperature is just right, and you can relax and de-stress after soaking. The service is warm and thoughtful, the price is very reasonable, and the experience is superb.
Maijishan Scenic Area
M27***62October 8, 2026
5.0
Maijishan was even better than I expected, with exquisite murals and beautiful sculptures. However, many of the caves are special grottoes that require separate reservations (there is a daily limit on the number of visitors), and the fees are not cheap.
Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex
沉静的芝士August 18, 2026
5.0
It's a must-see in Tianshui. The Fuxi Temple and Tianshui City Museum are located together, separated by only a wall. The surrounding temple grounds are filled with ancient trees, some seven or eight hundred years old. Fuxi holds special significance for Chinese civilization. The overall environment is quite elegant, and the ancient city of Tianshui is nearby, making it a great place for an evening stroll.
Fuxi Temple
行走在民间的艺术家November 23, 2025
5.0
5 stars! A thousand-year-old city hidden in Northwest China, the night view and food are absolutely amazing!
A must-visit treasure in Tianshui! The free admission to the ancient city is such a generous offer; I was instantly hooked after exploring it. The ancient residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties are incredibly well-preserved, with exquisite wood and brick carvings that are breathtaking. The courtyard layout of the north and south houses is particularly stunning; stepping inside feels like stepping back in time. Wearing Hanfu for photos is incredibly photogenic, and in the morning when it's less crowded, you can take pictures effortlessly.
The vibrant atmosphere of the ancient city is truly captivating! The streets and alleys are filled with Tianshui's signature snacks: spicy and chewy "guagua," refreshing and tangy "jiangshui noodles," and springy "laolao" (a type of noodle). You can't go wrong with any of the small shops; sit down and slurp down a bowl after a long walk—pure bliss! There are also shops selling intangible cultural heritage handicrafts and creative cultural products; you can discover many surprises at a leisurely pace. It's not overly commercialized, allowing for a truly relaxing stroll.
And the night view deserves special mention! As dusk settles, red lanterns illuminate the cobblestone streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the ancient buildings. Occasionally, you might even catch a street band performance or a Qinqiang opera, adding to the lively yet charming ambiance. The guesthouse we stayed at in the ancient town was incredibly stylish with its retro decor. The owner was warm and attentive, even sharing hidden tourist routes. It was within walking distance of the Fuxi Temple and Yuquan Temple, making it super convenient.
The facilities were excellent, and the staff were very attentive. Overall, a fantastic experience! Whether you want to immerse yourself in history and culture or simply enjoy the food and photos, Tianshui Ancient Town is definitely worth a visit. I'll definitely bring my friends back next time!
Would you like me to compile a detailed list of "food and photo spots" in the ancient town, highlighting specific shops and the best photo locations?
Tianshui Ancient City
M55***61July 3, 2026
5.0
Lanterns hang high in the ancient corridors, and calligraphy banners flutter gently in the wind. The guest rooms are made of warm and elegant wood, and the bamboo groves and stone lanterns create a tranquil and serene atmosphere at night. Everywhere you look, you'll find a Chinese ambiance, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Soaking in the hot springs is incredibly therapeutic, allowing you to immerse yourself in the leisurely and carefree life of the mountains and fields.
Maijishan Hot Spring
135***16September 22, 2026
4.0
Xianren Cliff Scenic Area is located in Beidao Town, Tianshui City, Gansu Province. Dating back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, nearly 1600 years ago, it was called Huayan Temple during the Song Dynasty and renamed Lingying Temple during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. It is now a grotto temple combining Buddhist and Taoist elements.
The scenic area comprises the East Cliff, West Cliff, South Cliff, Jade Emperor Peak, Baogai Peak, Lingying Temple, and Mulian Temple, and is renowned for its "Eighteen Arhats Paying Homage to the Jade Emperor" peak formation. The natural landscape is characterized by verdant peaks, steep cliffs, and pine forests, with temples and monasteries mostly built on cliff tops or at the foot of rock faces.
Immortal Cliff
Anonymous userMay 21, 2026
5.0
This guesthouse is absolutely amazing! The rooms are clean and tidy, and the stay is incredibly comfortable. The owner is super welcoming and provides excellent service. They even offer shuttle service to and from tourist attractions, making it super convenient. The breakfast is unlimited and delicious, and if you arrive late, you can order à la carte dishes. It's great value for money! I'll definitely stay here again next time I'm in the area. Highly recommended!
Yuquanguan Scenic Area
丁丁凼凼October 5, 2026
5.0
Nanguo Temple, located on Nanshan Mountain in Tianshui, boasts a tranquil environment with towering ancient trees. A 2,500-year-old cypress tree stands guard, while two 1,300-year-old locust trees stand at the main entrance. The poet Du Fu once stayed here, and the poet Li Bai wrote poems about it, making for a truly immersive experience.
Nanguo Temple
走遍天下XZSeptember 14, 2024
5.0
There is another wonder in Tianshui Pure Land Temple, which is the "natural Buddha" on the cliff. The image of lowering eyebrows and eyes and kind eyes has attracted many Buddhists and believers to come and pay homage.
However, most people who come to Pure Land Temple for tourism have never seen this "natural Buddha".
In fact, it is on the cliff behind. Go straight in from the front of the "Scripture Library", pass the "Dharma Hall", and go forward a few minutes to get there.
This cliff is a bit similar to the Danxia landform like the Immortal Cliff, but it is much smaller. There is a protruding boulder on it. The mottled marks and the outline carved by time on it look like a huge Buddha head, so it is called the "natural Buddha".
Now there are several stone walls below, and you can't get close. There should be a viewing platform, or a Buddhist temple and a passageway under construction.
After it is completed, this place will definitely become a Buddhist holy place!
When you come back from here, you can also pass by the "Five Senses Hall", "Longevity Hall" and "Dragon King Hall".
Jingtu Temple
Anonymous userNovember 8, 2024
5.0
The sightseeing bus is the most worthwhile ride. The world's first cliff relief Buddha is very shocking. It would be nice if there was a voice guide. The Water Curtain Cave is very quiet. When the breeze blows the wind chimes, people feel purified. I also envy the Taoist's hair volume.
Shuiliandong Caves
