Maijishan Grottoes

Since the beginning of this year, tourism markets in multiple regions across China have been thriving. In addition to traditional well-known tourist destinations, small cities like Tianshui and Quanzhou have been attracting throngs of tourists with their local characteristics. The rapid tourism growth in small cities has become a new highlight for domestic travel. Aerial photo shows tourists crowding around at the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province. ( tasteallchina /Zhang Zhimin) Records from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism show that during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday that ended on April 6, the number of tourists received by Tai'an, Zibo, Tianshui, Kaifeng, and Jingdezhen all increased by more than 50 percent. Compared to previously popular destinations that were mostly well-known tourist cities or big metropolises, some distinctive small cities have been attracting greater attention. The choices of destinations by tourists have become more diverse as they have sought unique and differentiated experiences. Against such a background, a local delicacy, an event, or a scenario in small cities may draw massive crowds of tourists. Following last year's popularity of Zibo's barbecue and Liuzhou's luosifen, or river snail rice noodles, Tianshui malatang, an iconic dish of hot pot, has…

The sensation of Malatang has taken Tianshui city by storm, leaving the locals perplexed. "No one in Tianshui would have ever imagined that Malatang would be the first to gain such popularity!" A friend from Tianshui subtly hinted at a touch of proud in their assessment of the local Malatang craze. The reason for this lies in the abundance of treasures in this small northwestern city. Malatang restaurants have become "tourist attractions" with long queues, making the people of Tianshui feel somewhat aggrieved on behalf of the Fuxi Temple and the Maijishan Grottoes. Even in terms of souvenirs, aside from the rising popularity of Gangu chili peppers, there are also exquisite products such as Qinan peaches and Huaniu apples. Guided by the influx of visitors, waves of tourists are flocking to Tianshui. However, it can be asserted that "if you come to Tianshui and only eat Malatang, then you have missed out greatly!" Amidst the tantalizing aroma of food and the mist of Maiji Mountain, the panoramic view in the Tianshui area gradually becomes clear. This city was the first stop on the Silk Road heading west from Chang'an, establishing itself as the premier city in northwestern China over a…