2025 Gangu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

This is the temple in the small Gansu city Gangu 甘谷县. A few words about the city. Located in Gansu valley the city is surrounded by mountains and hills. There are no high skyscrapers or modern Chinese city features. This city is like time machine taking you to previous century. Yes, to describe my impression I should say Gangu reminds me the Soviet Union Uzbekistan. And I like it. Looks like everything is OK, people are open heart and even a little but naive. That was my travel to the peaceful past when people do not need to lock the doors and guards at train or bus station do not think it's necessary to check passengers. The temple is only one landmark in this city. The big territory on top of the hillside includes Daxiangshan Giant Buddha. But from time to time the narrow path going to the grotto is being destroyed by rains or slumps. So, please, before your going there, make sure everything is OK. I haven't seen that Buddha with blue moustache, but during exploring the table territory I've met very friendly and interesting group of people. We chatted a lot. The "post Balzac aged" ladies remembered a few Russian words and told me. For me it was unexpected to here my language in such outlying place. #tripaway#triplocal

Some say that grottoes are the carvings of time and culture. Looking back at the 3,000-year-old grotto art corridor, the sculptures on the cliffs 🗿 make the desolate cliffs come alive. Gansu is a huge treasure trove of grotto art. In Gangu County, Tianshui, there is a palace on a cliff - Daxiang Mountain. Built on the cliff, layer by layer, you can experience the holy land of Buddhism and enjoy the scenery of Gangu. · 💐 How to play? 👇 ✨️ Daxiang Mountain is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. There are many ancient temples and stone carvings on the mountain, such as the Great Buddha Grotto, Thousand Buddha Cave, and Arhat Hall. Visitors can experience the profound Buddhist culture here and overlook the entire Gangu County! 🔔 The Great Buddha Grotto is the core attraction of Daxiang Mountain in Gangu. There is a 23.3-meter-high stone clay sculpture of the Great Buddha in the grotto, which is one of the largest existing grotto statues in northern China. The Great Buddha is dignified and solemn, majestic, and gives a strong visual impact. · ‼️ How to get there? 📍 Address: Wulipu Village, Daxiangshan Town, Gangu County, Tianshui City, Gansu Province ⏰️ Opening hours: 08:00–18:00 daily ⛳️ Ticket price: CNY 30/person (adult) CNY 15/person (half price) ✅️ Ticket purchase Visitors can purchase tickets directly at the visitor center or ticket office at the entrance. Seniors over 60 years old need to verify their identity with their ID card. 🚌 Transportation: Take bus No. 2 or a taxi directly to the scenic spot ✨️ Tips ▫️ As the roads in the scenic area are mostly steps, it is recommended to wear flat shoes or sneakers.

🌈[Gansu Daxiang Mountain - Explore the Secret Land of the Ancient Silk Road]🌈 [Departure] The first step of a journey is always exciting. Gansu Daxiang Mountain, a place that sounds mysterious, is the destination of my trip. It is not only a mountain but also a witness to history and a shining pearl on the ancient Silk Road. [Daxiang Mountain Scenery] Daxiang Mountain attracts countless travelers with its spectacular natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. The peaks are majestic and shrouded in mist, like a fairyland falling from the sky. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Gansu and feel the grandeur of "I will climb to the top and see all the mountains below." [Paradise for Photographers] If you are a photography enthusiast, Daxiang Mountain will not disappoint you. The sunrise and sunset, the changing light and shadow, every moment is a perfect shooting opportunity. Remember to bring your camera and capture these unforgettable moments. [Food Exploration] Food is an indispensable part of travel. At the foot of Daxiang Mountain, you can taste authentic Gansu cuisine, such as Lanzhou noodles and lamb soup, each bite is an ultimate temptation to the taste buds. [Cultural Experience] Daxiang Mountain is not only a treasure trove of natural scenery but also a gathering place of culture. Here, you can visit ancient temples and feel the tranquility and sacredness. In the sound of the temple bells, you can hear the echoes of history. [Hiking] If you love hiking, the hiking trails of Daxiang Mountain will definitely meet your needs. The natural scenery and cultural relics along the way allow you to exercise while also gaining a deeper understanding of the stories of this land. [Accommodation Recommendation] There are many unique homestays and hotels near Daxiang Mountain. Choosing a local-style accommodation can make your travel experience more perfect. [Travel Tips] - Remember to check the weather forecast and choose the right time to travel. - Bring enough water and food, as supplies on the mountain may not be convenient. - Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the mountain roads may be rugged. - Respect local culture and customs, protect the environment, and do not litter. [Conclusion] Gansu Daxiang Mountain, a place full of mystery and charm. Here, you can find the beauty of nature, the weight of history, and the depth of culture.

📝Elephant Mountain Travel Guide👇 📊Best time to visit Elephant Mountain:👇 　　July to October 🎫Elephant Mountain ticket price:👇 　　CNY 30 per person 🕐Elephant Mountain opening hours:👇 　　May 1 to October 31: 08:30–18:00 　　November 1 to April 30: 08:30–17:30 ⛳Elephant Mountain location:👇 　　China > Gansu Province > Tianshui City > Gangu County 🚙How to get to Elephant Mountain:👇 　　Elephant Mountain is located in Gangu County, Tianshui City, 8 km from the train station. There are direct buses from Tianshui Railway Station to Gangu, or you can take a train directly to Gangu Railway Station. 📑Scenic area qualification:👇 　　National 4A-level scenic area ✨Scenic area features:👇 　　Mountain climbing, worshiping Buddha, Buddhist culture, grottoes, Buddha statues, mountains 🎙️Scenic area recommendation:👇 　　Gangu Elephant Mountain is named after the cliff elephant, one of the eight scenic spots in Gangu. It is 1,516 meters above sea level and is famous for its scenery, grottoes, ancient buildings, and Buddhist activities. The Great Buddha Grotto is located on Wenqi Mountain at the western end of the Qinling Mountains, 2.5 km southwest of Gangu County. The mountain is covered with pines and cypresses, and the cliffs are filled with lilacs. In the large cave on the cliff, there is a large stone Buddha statue from the Northern Wei Dynasty. It is one of the important cultural relics on the ancient Silk Road in southeastern Gansu Province, integrating grottoes and ancient buildings.

Grottoes are treasures carved by time and culture. The 3,000-year-old art of grottoes is a corridor of art, with sculptures blooming like flowers on the cliffs, giving life to the cold cliffs. Gansu is a treasure trove of grotto art in China, and in Gangu County, Tianshui, there is a sky-high pavilion - Daxiang Mountain. Built on the cliff, you can climb up the steps and be amazed by the magnificent scenery of the Buddha Kingdom and the beauty of Gangu. 💐 Travel Guide: ✨ Daxiang Mountain is a national 4A-level scenic spot, with ancient temples and stone carvings scattered all over the place, such as the Great Buddha Cave, the Thousand Buddha Cave, and the Arhat Hall. Here, you can immerse yourself in the profound and vast Buddhist culture and enjoy the panoramic view of Gangu. 🔔 The core area is the Great Buddha Cave, which houses a 23.3-meter stone clay sculpture of the Great Buddha, standing proudly among the northern grottoes, and is the best preserved. Its solemn demeanor and majestic aura are visually stunning and reach deep into the heart. ‼️ Travel Tips: 📍 Located in Wulipu Village, Daxiangshan Town, Gangu County, Tianshui City, Gansu Province. ⏰ Open from 8 am to 6 pm. ⛳ Tickets are affordable, with adults at CNY 30 and half-price at CNY 15. ✅ Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center or ticket office at the entrance. Seniors over 60 years old can enjoy free admission with their ID card. 🚌 Bus No. 2 or taxi can take you directly to the site. ✨ Warm tip: The scenic area has many stone steps, so flat shoes or sneakers are recommended.

| The beauty of thousand-year Buddhist charm. Daxiang Mountain is really charming! When you step into this land, you feel like traveling through time and space Back to the ancient times Tianshui Daxiang Mountain⛰️ There is a big Buddha Only by reaching the top of the mountain in person Only then can you feel the shock of it in person So I won’t post pictures If one day you will go to Tianshui Don't miss this place Climbing along the mountain road, the surrounding scenery gradually unfolds before your eyes. Lush trees 🌳 complement the ancient buildings The fresh mountain air lingers on the tip of the nose, making people feel relaxed and happy Along the way, you will see various temples and pavilions of different styles They are scattered in the mountains in an orderly manner Everywhere is worth stopping and admiring 🎈【Game Guide】 🕙Time arrangement: It is recommended that you reserve half a day for the tour, so that you can fully appreciate the charm of Daxiang Mountain without being too rushed. 👟Wearing suggestions: Comfortable sneakers are a must because you need to walk a lot of mountain roads 🎫Tickets: Ticket prices are very affordable and you can buy them on the official ticketing platform or on site

Gangu Da Xiangshan Park in Tianshui! 🏞️ Here, you can enjoy not only spectacular natural scenery, but also profound cultural heritage. It's the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation! 📍 [Location] Gangu Da Xiangshan Park is located on Wenqi Mountain, 2.5 km southwest of Gangu County, Tianshui City, Gansu Province. It is one of the important cultural relics on the ancient Silk Road. 🚶‍♂️ [Tour Route] 🌅 From the Mountain Gate: Start from the stone steps at the foot of the mountain and walk all the way up. You can enjoy the pavilions and towers built along the mountain and feel the historical atmosphere. 🗿 Great Buddha Grotto: Don't miss the Great Buddha Grotto, which was built in the heyday of the Tang Dynasty. The Gangu Great Buddha is 23.3 meters high and 9.5 meters wide. The statue is magnificent and solemn, and is a cultural wonder not to be missed. 🏰 Ancient Buildings: Along the way, there are also ancient buildings such as the Earth Temple, Meige Hall, and Taihao Palace, each of which carries a rich historical story. 🌄 Overlook from the Top: After reaching the top, you can overlook the whole Gangu County and feel the grandeur of "viewing all the small mountains at a glance." 📸 [Photo Spots] 📷 In front of the Great Buddha: Take a photo with the Gangu Great Buddha and leave your footprints. 🌇 Mountain Top Observation Deck: Here, you can take panoramic photos of Da Xiangshan, which is a great place for taking photos. 🎫 [Ticket Information] Adult Ticket: CNY 30/person Opening Hours: 08:00–18:00 🚌 [Transportation Guide] 🚆 Train: Depart from Gangu Railway Station and take local bus No. 2. It takes about half an hour to get there. 🚗 Self-driving: Self-driving is also a good choice, as it allows you to arrange your itinerary more flexibly. 💡 [Tips] 👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes: It is recommended to wear comfortable sneakers, as you need to climb the mountain. 🌤️ Weather: Try to choose a sunny day to visit, so that the photos will be better. 📱 Phone Battery: Remember to fully charge your phone, as you won't be able to stop taking photos. Come to Gangu Da Xiangshan Park and experience the cultural charm of the ancient Silk Road! 🌈

Gangu Da Xiang Mountain, also known as Wenqi Mountain due to its flag-shaped mountain body, is located in Gangu, Tianshui, Gansu Province. It is named for the large Buddha statue carved on the mountain summit. 🌟 The Gangu Great Buddha sits on the cliff wall, carved more than 200 meters above the relative ground level. Its grotto sculptures date back to the Northern Wei Dynasty, but the specific dates are unverifiable. Da Xiang Mountain Grottoes currently have 22 caves covering an area of 554 square meters; there are 15 wooden structures covering an area of 3903 square meters, with an 800-square-meter plank road connecting the various caves. The layout is divided by the Wuliang Hall, with mainly wooden structures below it; above it are predominantly grotto groups. 👍 The Tang Dynasty Great Buddha carved in the middle of the mountain is the most famous: the Buddha is 23.3 meters tall, with shoulders 9.5 meters wide. The statue has a robust and majestic body, a solemn appearance, and an imposing aura, possessing high historical, artistic, and scientific research value. ❤ Da Xiang Mountain is one of the important cultural relics in the southeastern part of Gansu on the ancient Silk Road, integrating grottoes and ancient buildings. 📍Detailed address: Da Xiang Mountain Park, Xiangshan West Road, Gangu County, Tianshui City, Gansu Province 🕙Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-18:00, Saturday-Sunday 8:00-18:00 💰Ticket price: 30 yuan

🐘Daxiangshan Grottoes: A grotto sanctuary, a symphony of history and nature🎼 📍Attraction Information: Gansu Province - Tianshui City - Daxiangshan Grottoes, a millennium-old treasure trove of grotto art, blending Buddhist culture with natural scenery. 🎫Budget Suggestions: Ticket + local transportation costs, suitable for tourists of all budgets. 📷Photo Spots: The Buddha statues and murals inside the grottoes, as well as the surrounding landscape, are all excellent photography spots. 🍜Food Recommendations: Tianshui cold noodles and guagua noodles, taste the authentic Gansu flavor. 🚗Transportation Recommendations: Self-drive or take a train to experience the scenery along the way. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations: Hotels or homestays in Tianshui city area, convenient and comfortable. 💡Personal Experience Sharing: Standing in front of the grottoes, it's as if you can hear the echoes of history and feel the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients. The lifelike Buddha statues and the colorful murals are truly breathtaking. The surrounding landscape is picturesque, adding a sense of tranquility and beauty. Highly recommended for friends who love history and nature! 🙌

Overnight, as if spring breeze comes, thousands of pear trees blossom. A heavy snow turns Gangu Daxiang Mountain Park into an ink-washed paradise, as beautiful as 'the sky and water share the same color'. The snowflakes are crystal clear, dancing with the wind, gathering the energy of heaven and earth, and the shock of the rain, bringing a surprise and warmth to the world. Walking into Gangu Daxiang Mountain Park, everywhere is beautifully covered in silver, just like the famous line from the Tang Dynasty poet Song Zhiwen's 'Encountering Snow in the Garden and Making a Poem', 'I didn't know it was snowing in the courtyard this morning, I thought the forest flowers bloomed last night'. Listening to the snow at night and watching it in the morning, the snow falls into a poem, and the poetic sentiment is better than the snow. On January 21, Gangu welcomed the first snow of 2024. The snowflakes were fluttering and falling, sprinkling and sprinkling, lighting up the dim winter sky with a little white, shattering the usual dull cold and desolation, and the whole city was wrapped in a vast expanse of snow, beautifully decorated, extraordinarily charming. The winter in Gangu is very cold, but those who are good at playing will find many attractive sceneries, which are worth visiting.

Gangu Daxiangshan is located on Wenqi Mountain at the western end of the Qinling Mountains, which is a typical Danxia landform. From the foot of the mountain to the top, it is 1.5 kilometers long and is one of the important cultural relics that integrate the ancient Grottoes and ancient buildings in the southeastern part of Gansu on the ancient Silk Road. Entering the scenic area, the first thing you see is the Daxiangshan archway. After the archway, there is a stele of 'Xihuang's hometown'. It turns out that Fuxi was born here. Going up the steps, there is the Jiangwei Temple first. The couplet on the door says, 'The ambition is in the Central Plains and the life is exhausted, the Shenlou Xiangshan will shine for thousands of years', which fully shows Jiangwei's dedication to the cause of Shu Han. Next is the Wenchang Pavilion, the combination of the inner and outer pavilions is exquisite, and it is the only hexagonal building with double eaves on the whole mountain. Then there is the Luban Temple, with a unique Bagua lotus flower caisson roof, without a nail or a rivet, fully demonstrating the wisdom of the carpenters. Inside the temple is a statue of Luban. On the seventh day of the fifth lunar month, it is Luban's birthday. On this day, the masters of the construction industry will lead their apprentices to drink industry wine here, indicating that there are successors to the ancestor Luban. Next to the temple, you can overlook the whole view of Gangu County. Continuing upwards, there is the God of Wealth Temple, also known as the Guan Saint Temple. Inside the temple is a statue of Guan Gong, stroking his beard with his right hand and holding the 'Spring and Autumn' in his left hand, meaning 'Guan Gong reads the Spring and Autumn at night, with a broad vision'. Walking a short flat road forward, you come to the Great Buddha Temple. The Great Buddha Temple is located in a cliff cave with a relative height of 200 meters at an altitude of 1516 meters. Inside the cave is a Tang Dynasty Buddha carved from the mountain, with a mud statue in the stone womb. The Buddha is 23.3 meters high and 9.5 meters wide. This Buddha is the only Tang Dynasty Buddha in the Wei River Basin, and the only one in the Longdong Grottoes. It is also the highest of the same kind of Buddha carved relative to the ground in the country. After the Great Buddha Temple, there are Baiyun Pavilion, Wuji Palace, Maitreya Temple, Queen Mother Palace, and Tianye Temple, etc. I didn't look carefully and started to go down the mountain. The downhill road is basically a slope, which is relatively easy and good for knee protection. Halfway down the mountain is Yongming Temple. The layout is arranged along the central axis in order, including the mountain gate, the Heavenly King Hall, the dining hall, the guest hall, the bell tower, the drum tower, the Thirteen Ancestor Hall, the Jialan Hall, the Daxiong Treasure Hall, and the Sutra Pavilion. Because I was a little tired, I just took a quick look. Next to the exit of Yongming Temple is Yongming Nunnery, which is not open. Continue to go down the mountain and leave the scenic area, which takes about an hour and a half in total.