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
Confirm the day's ticket type and price at the North Gate ticket office.
Hours
08:00-18:00
Transport
No metro. Take a taxi or drive directly to the North Gate ticket office.
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Time
Year-round; begin earlier in the afternoon to cover the main courtyards
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Go directly to the North Gate ticket office
Take a taxi or drive to the North Gate ticket office and begin from the upper entrance.
Tip:Getting off at the foothill archway means a sustained uphill walk and noticeably more physical effort.
2
Confirm the day's ticket arrangements before buying
Read the prices and required documents posted at the North Gate ticket office before entering.
Tip:Do not estimate costs from an old promotional price; use the rules displayed at the ticket office that day.
3
Visit the main temple route in courtyard order
Visit Tianwang Hall, the Du Shaoling Shrine, the stele corridor, the ancient cypress and Beiliu Spring in courtyard order. Current public hours are 08:00-18:00; allow 1-2 hours and begin in the earlier part of the afternoon.
Tip:The courtyards and steps are spread out, so a late arrival shortens the useful visiting time.
4
Slow down in the temple halls and memorial areas
Read the inscriptions and interpretation panels before spending time by the ancient cypress, spring and viewpoints.
Tip:Follow on-site rules for photography, incense and access in religious and heritage areas, and keep noise low.
Highlights
- The ancient three-branched cypress is a major feature, with an unusual trunk structure and companion vegetation.
- The Du Shaoling Shrine places Du Fu's time in Qinzhou within the temple visit.
- The stele corridor brings together calligraphy, poetry and local history.
- Temple halls, old trees and the spring create a layered hillside temple visit.
Insider Tips
✦Going straight to the North Gate reduces the uphill walk from the foothill.
✦Confirm ticket prices and discount categories at the ticket office before buying; past offers are not necessarily standard prices.
✦There are steps and sloping paths inside, so wear non-slip shoes and bring drinking water.
✦If visiting in the afternoon, see the principal courtyards and ancient cypress first, then leave time for viewpoints and photographs.
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
Fuxi Temple
伏羲庙
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Admission
CNY 20 for adults
Typical Visit
60-90 minutes
04Historic 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
05Historic Walk
Yuquanguan Scenic Area
玉泉观景区
All Ages
Admission
CNY 20 for adults
Typical Visit
1.5-2 hours
06Historic Walk
Tianshui Museum
天水市博物馆
All Ages
Admission
Free with a timed reservation
Typical Visit
1.5-2 hours