Fuxi Temple: A Must-Visit for Root-Seeking

**Tianshui Travel Guide: Exploring the Historical Culture and Natural Wonders of the "Jiangnan of Longshang"** Tianshui, located in southeastern Gansu Province, is known as the "Jiangnan of Longshang" and is the birthplace of Fuxi culture as well as a key node on the Silk Road. This city boasts not only profound historical and cultural heritage but also breathtaking natural landscapes and unique cuisine. Here’s a detailed travel guide to help you explore Tianshui to the fullest! **1. Must-Visit Attractions** **1. Maijishan Grottoes – The Oriental Sculpture Gallery** One of China’s four major grottoes, the Maijishan Grottoes are renowned for their exquisite clay sculptures. Carved into sheer cliffs with precarious plank walkways, the site is both thrilling and spectacular. Highlights include the **"Eastern Smile" young monk statue in Cave 44**, hailed as the "Oriental Mona Lisa," and the **Buddha statues in Cave 133**, showcasing the evolution of sculptural art from the Northern Wei to the Song Dynasty. The newly added **"Night Tour of Maijishan" light show in 2025** enhances the grottoes' mystical grandeur under the night sky. **Tips:** - Ticket: ¥80 (includes ¥15 shuttle bus fee). Some special caves require additional reservations. - Hiring a guide (around ¥100 per group) is recommended to fully appreciate the stories behind the art. **2. Fuxi Temple – The Origin of Chinese Civilization** As a sacred site for global Chinese descendants to trace their roots and honor ancestors, Fuxi Temple is dedicated to Fuxi, the legendary progenitor of Chinese culture. The temple features towering ancient cypresses and historically significant structures like the Bagua Altar and Xiantian Hall. The annual **Fuxi Ceremony on the 13th day of the fifth lunar month** is a grand event where visitors can participate in rituals and immerse themselves in the depth of Chinese civilization. **Tips:** - Ticket: ¥40 (half-price for students). - Try the **AR blessing experience** or toss a coin into the "Bagua Well" to test your fortune. **3. Immortal Cliff – A Perfect Blend of Danxia Landforms and Ancient Temples** Comprising East Cliff, West Cliff, and South Cliff, Immortal Cliff combines Danxia landforms, Buddhist grottoes, and Taoist temples. With its steep cliffs and crystal-clear lakes, the site is a paradise for photographers, especially at sunset when golden light bathes the cliffs. **Tips:** - Ticket: ¥40. Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours. - Combine with trips to **Shimen Mountain** (best for autumn foliage) or **Quxi** (picturesque landscapes). **4. Nanguo Temple – A Millennium-Old Monastery Immortalized by Du Fu** Nanguo Temple gained fame through Du Fu’s poem: "On the hill stands Nanguo Temple, by the stream named North-Flowing Spring." The temple houses a **2,500-year-old cypress**, older than Confucius and a living fossil. The **"North-Flowing Spring"** here offers refreshing water ideal for tea brewing. **Tips:** - Ticket: ¥20. Best visited at dawn or dusk for a tranquil atmosphere. **2. Food Recommendations** Tianshui’s cuisine blends the bold flavors of the northwest with the spiciness of Sichuan. Must-try dishes include: 1. **Tianshui Guagua** (buckwheat jelly with chili and garlic sauce, ¥10/bowl). 2. **Jiangshui Noodles** (sour and appetizing, perfect for summer, ¥20/bowl). 3. **Nuan Guo** (a copper pot stew with Longxi cured meat, potatoes, and tofu, ideal for winter). 4. **Lard Bread** (crispy outside, soft inside, best dipped in Guagua soup, ¥3/piece). **Recommended Restaurants:** - **Changji Guagua** (a local institution). - **Yingbin Lou** (authentic Longshang cuisine, famous for Nuan Guo). - **Commercial Building Night Market** (a hub for snacks like Liangpi and sweet fermented rice). **3. Accommodation and Transportation** **Accommodation** - **Luxury in Downtown**: Sunshine Hotel (near Fuxi Temple). - **Budget-Friendly**: Tianshui Hotel (3-star). - **Hot Spring Experience**: Maijishan Hot Spring Hotel (great for relaxation). **Transportation** - **High-Speed Rail**: 1.5–2 hours from Xi’an or Lanzhou. - **Self-Drive**: Accessible via the Lianhuo Expressway (G30), ~5 hours from Xi’an. - **City Buses**: ¥1–2 per ride. Taxi starting fare: ¥5. **4. Best Time to Visit** - **April–October**: Spring for flowers (e.g., Qin’an Peach Blossom Festival), autumn for Maijishan’s sea of clouds. - **Avoid Peak Seasons**: Crowds surge during Labor Day (May 1) and National Day (Oct 1). **Final Thoughts** Tianshui is an underrated gem, blending the artistic soul of Dunhuang with the scenic charm of Jiangnan. Whether exploring ancient grottoes or savoring local delicacies, you’ll be captivated by this city’s unique allure. Plan your trip before the crowds arrive!