Name: Wuwei

Chinese name: 武威市

Province: Gansu

Status: Prefecture-level city

Population: 1,815,054

Area: 33,000 km²

Wuwei is a city in the northwest of the province of Gansu. The prefecture-level city borders Inner Mongolia to the north and Qinghai to the south, which accounts for its population of many ethnic groups.

Located in the east along the Hexi Corridor and the Silk Road, Wuwei is considered one of the most celebrated historic and cultural cities of Chine.

History

Wuwei enjoys a long history, with traces of human habitation dating back 5,000 years.

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) sent General Huo Qubing to attack the Hexi Corridor in 121 BC. After successfully defeating the Xiongnu and capturing the territory, Emperor Wu named the city Wuwei.

During the period of the Three Kingdoms, the state of Wu established its government there. Later, the dynasties of the Former Liang (320–376), Later Liang (386–403), Southern Liang (397–414), and other dynasties made Wuwei their capital, then called Liangzhou.

Today

The city of Wuwei, situated along the Hexi Corridor, nestles between the Qilian Mountains and the Tengger Desert. At the junction of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Wuwei captivates its passing travelers with its vast expanses and spectacular landscapes.

Unlike many popular cities in Chine, Wuwei remains a humble city with authentic, rustic charm. Many foreigners still come as a pleasant surprise and attraction to locals. Some will likely want to take a photo with you, while others may attempt to exchange a few words of English. Proud of their history and way of life, they won't hesitate to share their values, which will become an enriching human experience during your journey through Gansu.

Wuwei is a cultural and historic city in Chine and consequently boasts numerous tourist resources. The Leitai Tomb of the Han Dynasty, where the bronze object "The Flying Horse Treading on a Swallow" was discovered, particularly testifies to the city's past and will make for an interesting visit.

You can also stop at the Confucius Temple, the largest and best-preserved temple in Gansu province dedicated to the great educator Confucius.

Climate

Wuwei has a typical continental climate that is temperate and semi-arid, with a frost-free period of 85–165 days per year. The average annual temperature is approximately 7.7°C, with the lowest in January at an average of –8.7°C and the highest in July at an average of 21.9°C. Annual precipitation is 158 millimeters.

Summer and autumn are the best seasons to travel due to pleasant weather.

Train

Express trains travel frequently between Wuwei and the city of Lanzhou. The journey takes approximately three hours.

The Wuwei Railway Station is served by and operates daily trains to Korla, Beijing, Jiayuguan, Urumqi, Dunhuang, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shangqiu, Lianyungang, and more.

Long-distance buses

There are long-distance buses that travel daily between Wuwei and Lanzhou, Zhangye, Tianshui, Jinchang, Jiuquan, Jiayuguan, Yumen, Dunhuang, Yinchuan, Xining, and more.

Today there are 15 public bus routes operating around the city center. Buses 1, 2, 12, and 102 serve the city railway station. Buses 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 102 can take you to the long-distance bus station.

There are also three types of taxis with slightly different but reasonable prices.

What to do in Wuwei?

• Visit the Leitai Tomb.
• Explore the grand Confucius Temple of Wuwei.
• Meet local people and share your stories.