# Wuwei travel guide (武威) Gansu Province · Northwest, China · 5 places Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/destinations/gansu/wuwei ## Quick itinerary - **Day 1:** Wenmiao (Confucius Temple) → Luoshi Temple Pagoda → Leitai Han Tomb ## The feel of the place - **Four Commanderies of Hexi:** Beginning in 111 BCE, over the course of a decade, Emperor Wu of the Han drove the Xiongnu out of the Hexi Corridor and built four commandery seats on the largest oases: Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan and Dunhuang. He also built the Yangguan and Yumen Passes west of Dunhuang to keep the Silk Road open. These four commanderies are collectively known as the Four Commanderies of Hexi, and they are historic cities on the western route of Gansu. ## The feel of the place Galloping Horse Trampling a Flying Swallow. In 1969, construction workers digging an air-raid shelter under Leitai in Wuwei unexpectedly unearthed a brick-built Han-dynasty tomb. It comprised a 19.2-metre passageway, a front chamber, a middle chamber, and four side chambers. A total of 231 artefacts were excavated. The most exquisite is a bronze statue of a galloping horse. Three of its hooves are off the ground, and its right hind hoof treads on the back of a startled flying swallow, exaggerating yet accurately capturing the swiftness of the flying horse. ## Getting there & around ### Getting There and Away Once you enter Gansu, long-distance coach is the most convenient way to travel. ### By Rail Trains from Lanzhou to Urumqi stop at Wuwei Station, so rail is an option. However, Wuwei is only worth a quick look for travellers, so it is recommended to explore Gansu's western route by long-distance coach along National Highway 312. ### By Road Road conditions are very good both east and west of Wuwei, and shuttle buses to Lanzhou or Zhangye depart every half hour to one hour. ### Getting Around the City Wuwei has several bus routes. Minibus Line 5 goes to Haizang Temple, one of the city's sights. Taxis are the fastest way to get around Wuwei and greatly help residents and visitors alike. - **Wuwei Railway Station** — - **Wuwei South Station** — - **Wuwei Passenger Transport Center Station** — - **Wuwei North Bus Station** — ## Things to see - **Wuwei Western Xia Museum** (★★★): Admission Free; advance reservation required for visits; Opening hours 8:00–18:00; closed Mondays; Time needed 1 hour — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/wuwei-western-xia-museum - **Luoshi Temple Pagoda** (★★★): Admission Free; Opening hours 9：00—17：00; Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/luoshi-temple-pagoda - **Qilian Mountain Binggou River Scenic Area** (★★★): Admission ¥120; Opening hours 8：00—18：30; Time needed 2–4 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/qilian-mountain-binggou-river-scenic-area - **Leitai Han Tomb** (★★★): Admission Leitai Park is free; Leitai Han Tomb ticket ¥45; Opening hours 9:00–17:00 (closed Mondays); Time needed 1–2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/leitai-han-tomb - **Tianti Mountain Grottoes** (★★★★): Admission ¥30; Opening hours 8:30–18:00 (summer); 9:00–17:30 (winter); Time needed 1 hour — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/tianti-mountain-grottoes --- Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 731–734. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.