Quick Facts

Name: Tianshui

Chinese characters: 天水

Province: Gansu

Status: Prefectural city

Population: 3,450,000

Area: 14,300 km²

Tianshui is the first stop on the Silk Road from Xi'an. The city has preserved its authentic character with charming wooden houses and makes for a pleasant stopover during your journey through Gansu.

History

Founded during the reign of Emperor Wu Di, Tianshui boasts a history spanning 2,000 years.

Tianshui is said to be the birthplace of Fuxi, one of the three legendary sage-kings of ancient Chine. The city is thus revered as the cradle of ancient Chinese civilization.

The city was once called Qinting and was renamed Tianshui during the Qin Dynasty (221 BCE – 206 BCE).

Today

Situated on the western stretch of the Silk Road, Tianshui is a pleasant stopover after Xi'an.

The city is divided into two main zones with an industrial area between them. The eastern zone is called Beidao and the western zone is called Qincheng. Longcheng Lu connects these two sections, which lie 18 km apart.

Qincheng is the city center and is considerably more peaceful than its eastern counterpart.

Tianshui's proximity to the cradle of Chinese civilization means it benefits from countless historical remains.

The Buddhist statues of Maiji Shan are the city's main attraction. These impressive caves rank among the four greatest temple complexes in Chine. The statues carved into the rock face of Mount Maiji create a unique and breathtaking landscape.

If time permits, you can visit the Fuxi Temple and browse the city's antiques market.

Climate

Enjoying a temperate continental climate, the city experiences distinct seasons, with extreme heat in July and overcast, rainy skies in autumn.

The average annual temperature is around 11°C.

Train

The Tianshui Railway Station is served by trains from Lanzhou, Urumqi, Xi'an, Xining, and Yinchuan.

Xi'an and Lanzhou are just 4 hours away by train.

Long-distance bus

You can also reach Tianshui by long-distance bus from Lanzhou (approximately 4 hours), Linxia, Xi'an (approximately 5 hours), Gangu, and Pingliang.

Buses and taxis operate within the city and between the two zones.

What to Do in Tianshui?

• Marvel at the impressive Buddhist caves and statues carved into the cliffsides of Maiji Shan.
• Immerse yourself in the city's history at the Fuxi Temple.