Valleys of History and Terraced Beauty
EASTERN GANSU
Overview
Valleys of History and Terraced Beauty
Created for travellers who prefer meaningful journeys, this Eastern Gansu route connects Tianshui, Pingliang, and Qingyang through faith, landscape, and traditions that have remained largely untouched by mass tourism.
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Majishan Grottoes & Fairy Cliff, Tianshui
The Majishan Grottoes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most significant Buddhist cave complexes. Carved directly into steep cliffs, the site features hundreds of intricate Buddhist sculptures dating back over 1,500 years. The nearby Fairy Cliff offers a quieter setting with scenic views that complement the historical depth of Majishan.
Tianshui has a recorded history of more than 3,000 years and played an important role along the Silk Road. This ancient city preserves traditional street patterns, historic structures, and cultural sites that reflect its long-standing position as a key centre of trade and culture in northwest China.
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Tianshui Ancient City
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Zhuanglang Terraced Fields, Pingliang
The terraced fields of Zhuanglang are the result of generations of farmers shaping the hills to grow crops. Built step by step over time, the terraces show how people adapted to the landscape and created a farming system that remains in use today.
First developed during the Northern Wei Dynasty, the North Grottoes Temple is an important example of early Buddhist art in China. Its cliff-carved caves and statues overlook the valley, offering both historical insight and a calm, reflective atmosphere.
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North Grottoes Temple, Qingyang
