Things To Do
in Wuwei
Wuwei is a city in northwestern Gansu Province, situated in the Hexi Corridor where desert landscapes meet agricultural valleys. It blends ancient Silk Road heritage with modern development and serves as a practical gateway to the surrounding deserts, oases, and the Qilian Mountains foothills. The scenery ranges from sunlit dunes and salt flats to green orchards and fields, offering a dramatic contrast of elements.
Visitors will find a friendly, slow-paced atmosphere, with hot summers, chilly winters, and clear blue skies for most of the year.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Wuwei Confucian Temple, a serene place that showcases traditional Chinese architecture. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the temple grounds, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful gardens. Don't forget to take photos of the intricate carvings and statues that reflect the rich history of Confucianism in the region.
After lunch at a local eatery, head over to the Wuwei Museum, where you can learn about the fascinating history and culture of the Hexi Corridor. The museum houses a variety of artifacts from ancient times, including pottery, textiles, and coins. Spend some time in the museum’s gift shop to find unique souvenirs to remember your visit.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Yellow River. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance as locals gather for evening strolls and couples enjoy the view. Find a cozy café nearby to savor some traditional Chinese tea while reflecting on your day.
Begin your day by visiting the historic Wuwei City Wall, an ancient structure that once protected the city along the Silk Road. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area, allowing you to appreciate the strategic importance of this location. Take your time to explore the nearby ruins and learn about the stories behind this vital trade route.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Maijishan Grottoes, famous for their stunning rock carvings and Buddhist sculptures. The journey to the grottoes involves a scenic hike, providing a chance to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. Once there, marvel at the intricate artistry and the spiritual significance of these ancient caves.
After returning to Wuwei, dine at a traditional restaurant offering local delicacies, such as hand-pulled noodles and braised lamb. Savor the flavors while experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals. End your evening by attending a cultural performance showcasing traditional music and dance from the region.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍱Mid-range restaurant meal for one | $10-20 |
| 🏨One-night hotel stay (mid-range) | $40-80 |
| 🚌Local transport (one-way) | $0.50-1.5 |
| ☕Coffee/tea in cafe | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Accessible gateway to desert landscapes and oases
- Rich Silk Road heritage with warm, hospitable locals
- Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
- Very hot summers and cold winters; climate is winter-dry and windy
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问,这个多少钱?" - Excuse me, how much is this?
- "厕所在哪里?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "可以刷卡吗?" - Do you accept cards?
- "我会点菜" - I can order food
Places to Visit in Wuwei
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive sand dunes with soft morning light creating long shadows; ideal for wide-angle desert photography.
Panoramic views of mountains meeting arid plains; dramatic silhouettes at dawn or dusk.
Old town walls and alleyways with morning or late-afternoon light, offering human-scale street photography.
Green pockets in the desert with palm trees and irrigation channels; good for contrast shots between arid and lush areas.
Food in Wuwei
Wuwei Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Clear, flavorful beef broth with tender slices of beef and hand-cut noodles; widely available in noodle shops and casual eateries.
Must-Try!
Charred, cumin-scented lamb skewers commonly found at night markets and street stalls.
Slow-cooked lamb in a cumin-forward braise, often served with pita or flatbread and vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling daily market offering fresh produce, noodles, dumplings, and a range of snacks; best explored in the late afternoon through evening.
Night stalls with lamb skewers, fried snacks, soups, and local teas; ideal for tasting regional street foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Offer a polite greeting (Ni hao). Show respect to elders and religious or community leaders; modest dress in traditional areas is appreciated.
When sharing dishes, use the serving utensils and avoid pointing chopsticks at people. Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice.
Respect local customs at mosques or temples; ask before photographing people in traditional dress or ceremonies.
Safety
Tipping in Wuwei
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not widely expected in most public establishments; it is sometimes appreciated at higher-end hotels or private tours, but not obligatory.
Mobile payments are ubiquitous (WeChat Pay, Alipay). Cash is still accepted, and some larger hotels or tourist venues may take credit cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming landscapes; great for city walks and easy hikes, though winds can pick up later in the day.
Hot days and dry air; carry water, wear sun protection, and schedule outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and vibrant light for photography; typically dry with cool evenings.
Cold and windy with occasional frost; some attractions may have reduced hours, but the desert can feel starkly beautiful.
Wuwei at Night
Hiking in Wuwei
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic hikes with valley and mountain views near the foothills of the Qilian range.
Gentle to moderate trails along irrigated oases and desert environs; good for day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Wuwei by plane.
Major gateway to Gansu; 4-5 hours by road/bus from Wuwei; serves international and domestic flights.
Regional airport to the west of Wuwei; convenient for short trips to and from western Gansu.
Located farther to the south; useful for broader desert-region itineraries and connections to Western Gansu and the Hexi Corridor.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Largest ethnic group in the city and surrounding region.
Significant minority community with distinct cultural practices and markets.
Smaller communities contributing to regional diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in schools, parks, and community courts.
Common in streets, schools, and local clubs.
Common morning practice in parks and squares.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Wuwei.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many veggie dishes rely on beans, tofu, vegetables, and dumplings; ask for no meat stock and request vegetable-forward broths when ordering.