Check in at Tianshui Ancient City

### **1. Introduction to Tianshui Ancient City** Tianshui is located in the southeast of Gansu Province. It is an important town on the Silk Road and is known as the "Jiangnan of Longshang". Tianshui Ancient City (Qinzhou Ancient City) has preserved many historical sites, integrating Fuxi culture, Three Kingdoms culture, grotto art, and ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is an excellent destination to experience the culture and natural scenery of Northwest China. --- ### **2. Recommended Attractions** **1. Fuxi Temple** - **Features**: A temple dedicated to Fuxi, the ancestor of Chinese civilization, and the largest Fuxi cultural building complex in China. - **Highlights**: Ancient trees, Ming and Qing architecture, Fuxi statue, and the Eight Diagrams of the Xiantian Hall. - **Admission**: CNY 20 - **Recommended Visit Duration**: 1–2 hours **2. Maijishan Grottoes** - **Features**: One of the four major grottoes in China, famous for its clay sculpture art, and known as the "Oriental Sculpture Gallery". - **Highlights**: Thousand Buddha caves on the cliff, exquisite clay sculptures (such as the "Oriental Smile" little monk), and plank road sightseeing. - **Admission**: CNY 80 (including the grotto area), sightseeing bus CNY 15 - **Transportation**: About 50 km from the city center, you can charter a car or take a bus (No. 5 to No. 34). - **Tips**: Those who are afraid of heights should avoid the high plank road. It is recommended to hire a tour guide. **3. Nanguo Temple** - **Features**: A thousand-year-old temple where Du Fu once left poems, and there is a "Spring and Autumn Ancient Cypress" in the temple. - **Highlights**: Ancient trees, Du Fu Memorial Hall, and a panoramic view of Tianshui. - **Admission**: CNY 20 - **Recommendation**: Visit in the early morning or evening to enjoy the tranquility. **4. Yuquan Temple** - **Features**: A Taoist holy place named after "Yuquan", an ancient building complex from the Yuan Dynasty. - **Highlights**: Yuquan Fairy Cave, ancient stone tablets, and a panoramic view. - **Admission**: CNY 20 **5. Hu's Residence (North and South Houses)** - **Features**: A Ming Dynasty official residence complex, combining northern quadrangles and southern gardens. - **Highlights**: Wood carvings, brick carvings, and underground treasure caves. - **Admission**: Free (reservation required) **6. Tianshui Ancient City (Xiguan Ancient City)** - **Features**: A historical block in the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, restoring the ancient Qinzhou style. - **Highlights**: Ancient streets and alleys, intangible cultural heritage displays, night lights, and local snacks. - **Recommendation**: Visit in the evening to experience the lively atmosphere of the ancient city. --- ### **3. Suggested Itinerary** **Classic 2-Day Tour** - **Day 1**: Fuxi Temple → Yuquan Temple → Nanguo Temple → Tianshui Ancient City (night tour) - **Day 2**: Maijishan Grottoes → Xianrenya (optional) → Return **In-Depth 3-Day Tour** - **Day 1**: Fuxi Temple → Hu's Residence → Tianshui Ancient City - **Day 2**: Maijishan Grottoes → Maijishan Botanical Garden → Jieting Hot Spring (relaxation) - **Day 3**: Nanguo Temple → Yuquan Temple → Free time (enjoy local food/buy specialties) --- ### **4. Recommended Food in Tianshui** - **Tianshui Guagua**: Cold noodles made from buckwheat, served with chili and vinegar, a must-have for breakfast. - **Jiangshui Noodles**: Sour and refreshing, served with braised meat or cold dishes. - **Cold Noodles**: Made from peas, with a smooth texture. - **Eight Bowls**: Traditional banquet dishes, including braised pork, meatballs, etc. - **Sweet Fermented Grains**: Sweet wine made from fermented highland barley, refreshing and thirst-quenching. - **Recommended Restaurants**: Changji Guagua, Yingbin Building, Tianshui Ancient City Snack Street. --- ### **5. Transportation Guide** - **External Transportation**: - **High-Speed Rail**: Tianshui South Railway Station (direct high-speed rail from Lanzhou/Xi'an). - **Airplane**: Tianshui Maijishan Airport (few flights, you can transfer in Lanzhou). - **Long-Distance Bus**: Direct buses from Lanzhou, Xi'an, and other places. - **Local Transportation**: Bus (CNY 1–2), taxi (starting price CNY 6), ride-hailing. --- ### **6. Recommended Accommodation** - **City Center (Qinzhou District)**: Convenient for visiting Fuxi Temple and the ancient city, recommended hotels: Tianchen Hotel, Tianshui Hotel. - **Maiji District**: Close to Maijishan, you can choose a hot spring hotel or homestay. --- ### **7. Useful Tips** 1. **Best Season**: April to October (pleasant climate in spring and autumn, summer for escaping the heat, autumn for enjoying red leaves). 2. **Ticket Discounts**: Students and seniors can enjoy half-price tickets with valid ID, Maijishan Grottoes require advance reservation. 3. **Cultural Experience**: You can participate in the Fuxi Memorial Ceremony (the 13th day of the fifth lunar month every year) and Tianshui Folk Performance. 4. **Surrounding Areas**: If you have enough time, you can visit Daxiang Mountain in Gangu, Qingshui Hot Spring, and Guan'egou in Longnan. --- I hope this guide will help you explore Tianshui and experience the unique charm of this ancient city!