01City Guide
Maijishan Grottoes
麦积山石窟
Adults Focused
Admission
Type A: CNY 80, includes the grottoes; Type B: CNY 25, excludes the grottoes.
Typical Visit
2.5-3 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
CNY 20 for adults
Hours
Daily 08:00-18:00; ticket sales and entry stop at 17:30
Transport
No metro. Use the East Archway, West Archway, or visitor service center as your arrival point.
Duration
60-90 minutes
Best Time
Year-round; arrive early for a calmer visit
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Start at the East Archway or visitor service center
The East Archway's Fuxi Temple stop is served by buses 21, 22 and 84. The West Archway's Jianjiahe stop is served by 7, 14, 18, 21, 24, 26, 83 and 96. Bus 5 stops near the visitor service center.
Tip:These are different arrival points; confirm your intended ticket office or entrance on the map before getting off.
2
Buy your ticket, then follow the central axis
Adult admission is CNY 20. Buy through the Tianshui Museum WeChat account or mini-program, or use the staffed and self-service counters at the visitor center. The site opens daily from 08:00 to 18:00; ticket sales and entry stop at 17:30.
Tip:Aim to arrive before 17:00. Being in the area after 17:30 does not allow entry.
3
Visit the main buildings and ancient cypresses in order
Follow the northbound central axis through the four courtyards, including Xiantian Hall and Taiji Hall. A standard visit takes about 60-90 minutes.
Tip:Avoid repeatedly backtracking for photos; leave time to reach the exit before clearing begins.
4
Treat the museum and ancient city as separate next stops
Tianshui Museum can be entered free with a separate reservation through its north gate. Tianshui Ancient City is an open historic district, reached separately on foot or by vehicle after the temple visit.
Tip:A Fuxi Temple ticket does not replace the museum reservation. The three places are close, but do not share one ticket system or operating schedule.
Highlights
- Ming- and Qing-era architecture unfolds along a clear central axis.
- Xiantian Hall is the key stop, with the Fuxi statue and Eight Trigrams-related decoration.
- Taiji Hall rewards a close look at its timber structure and window carvings.
- Ancient cypresses and red walls create a quieter walking section.
- Pair it with Tianshui Museum for a half-day cultural visit, while handling tickets and reservations separately.
Insider Tips
✦Use 08:00-18:00 as the day's visiting window; ticket sales and entry stop at 17:30.
✦If visiting the museum on the same day, secure its timed reservation first, then plan the temple arrival around it.
✦Use the official account or visitor center for tickets; do not mistake unofficial guide services for site ticketing.
✦Follow photography and access signs inside halls, and do not enter restricted areas for a photo.
More Tianshui Attractions
02City Guide
Tianshui Maijishan Scenic Area
天水麦积山风景名胜区
Adults Focused
Admission
Type A: CNY 80, includes the grottoes; Type B: CNY 25, excludes the grottoes.
Typical Visit
1-2 days
03Historic Walk
Tianshui Ancient City
天水古城
All Ages
Admission
Free public streets; individual venues set their own entry rules
Typical Visit
1-2 hours
04Historic Walk
Yuquanguan Scenic Area
玉泉观景区
All Ages
Admission
CNY 20 for adults
Typical Visit
1.5-2 hours
05Historic Walk
Tianshui Museum
天水市博物馆
All Ages
Admission
Free with a timed reservation
Typical Visit
1.5-2 hours
06City Guide
Immortal Cliff
仙人崖
Adults Focused
Admission
Adult ticket: CNY 40. The CNY 10 round-trip shuttle may be a separate line item or included.
Typical Visit
2.5-3 hours