Things to Do

Tianshui offers a combination of ancient Buddhist art, Taoist heritage, and neolithic archaeology within an unusually green city environment. The main reason to come is Maijishan, but the city itself rewards a day or two of exploring.

Guide

Things to Do

01

Maijishan Grottoes

Cliff-face Buddhist grottoes near Tianshui, with painted sculpture reached by vertiginous walkways.

Sight
02

Wushan Water Curtain Caves

The Wushan Water Curtain Caves are about 90 kilometres northwest of Tianshui and are among the least-visited significant Buddhist cave sites in Gansu. The …

Sight
03

Fuxi Temple

The Fuxi Temple in the old quarter of Tianshui is one of China's oldest surviving Taoist temple complexes dedicated to a mythological ancestor figure. …

Sight
04

Tianshui City Museum

Tianshui City Museum holds a well-regarded collection of painted pottery from the Yangshao and Majiayao neolithic cultures, along with bronzeware and other artefacts spanning …

Museum
05

Nanguo Temple

Nanguo Temple is one of Tianshui's best-known Buddhist temples. Its long history, hillside setting, and role as a place for prayer and meditation make …
06

Yuquan Temple

Yuquan Temple is an old Taoist temple on the slopes above Tianshui, with roots going back to the Yuan dynasty. Its hillside setting gives …

Sight
07

Houjie Mosque (Black Street Mosque)

The Houjie Mosque, also known as the Black Street Mosque, is the principal mosque in Tianshui's old city and one of the more architecturally …

Sight
08

Tianshui Folk Culture Village

Tianshui Folk Culture Village presents traditional handicrafts, folk dances, and regional drama from Gansu. Visitors can watch demonstrations and, in some cases, take part …
09

Tianshui Industry Museum

Tianshui Industry Museum occupies a former electrical equipment factory and focuses on the city's industrial past. The displays of old machinery and factory history …

Museum