Located in northwest China, Gansu Province is shaped like a jade ruyi, a traditional Chinese ornamental object. Over thousands of years, it has preserved the enduring legacy of Chinese civilization.
As we trace the roots of Chinese civilization across Gansu, our first stop is eastern Gansu. Here, ancient communities settled and thrived, leaving behind traces of early human civilization. Today, traditional customs, cultural heritage, and distinctive products continue to showcase the vitality of eastern Gansu. The region's vitality is rooted in its rich historical heritage and fueled by modern innovation. Intellectual property (IP) is becoming a bridge connecting the past and the future — preserving the roots of Chinese civilization, unlocking cultural value, and driving industrial upgrading across this ancient land. This is where the first route of our "Touring China, Embracing IP" journey through Gansu begins. Join us to discover the origins and enduring vitality of Chinese civilization, where the echoes of the ancient past meet the pulse of modern innovation.
Tianshui
Tianshui attracts visitors not only with its famous malatang spicy hotpot, but also with its rich historical and cultural heritage. Start your journey at the Fuxi Temple, where a grand ceremony is held around the summer solstice each year to pay tribute to Fuxi, revered as one of the legendary early ancestors of Chinese civilization. Driving northeast, visitors arrive at the Dadiwan site, dating back more than 7,800 years. Archaeological discoveries here, including some of China's earliest dryland farming crop specimens and ancient painted pottery, reveal the development of early agricultural civilization in China. After exploring history, visitors can head to Liuping Town in Qin'an County to taste Qin'an Peach, a sweet and juicy fruit recognized as a Chinese national geographical indication (GI) product. Nearby, the Nanshan Huaniu Apple Base in Maiji District offers a closer look at Huaniu Apple, another GI product from Tianshui famous for its large size and bright red color. At sunset, the journey continues to the Maijishan Grottoes. Perched on cliffs rising more than 100 meters high, the centuries-old clay sculptures renowned for their "Oriental Smile" have touched visitors with their timeless beauty and serenity.
IP Highlight 1: Fuxi Temple
With VR headsets, visitors can enjoy an immersive experience and explore the legendary story of Fuxi developing the Eight Trigrams. Today, Fuxi culture is being revitalized through digital exhibitions, cultural and creative products, and educational programs, allowing this ancient heritage to connect with modern life.
IP Highlight 2: Huaniu Apple
Growing in the well-known apple-growing zone around 35°N latitude, Huaniu Apple is popular among consumers worldwide and exported to more than 30 countries and regions. Backed by GI certification, the Huaniu apple industry has developed a complete industrial chain with an annual output value exceeding RMB 10.6 billion, creating a successful example of how specialty agriculture can support rural revitalization.
Pingliang
Leaving Tianshui and traveling east, visitors arrive in Pingliang, a region where nature and culture are deeply connected by the philosophy of "Dao," or "the Way." At Chengji Cultural City and Chaonaqiu Lake, visitors can explore ancient legends about the origins of Fuxi and early Chinese understanding of nature and the universe. At Wangmu Palace in Jingchuan, the legend of Xiwangmu (Queen Mother of the West) reflects traditional Chinese ideas of nurturing life and harmony. On Kongtong Mountain, ancient inscriptions tell the story of the Yellow Emperor seeking wisdom from the legendary sage Guangchengzi. The spirit of "Dao" is also reflected in Pingliang's modern development. The Pingliang Red Cattle industry embodies a sustainable agricultural model connecting grassland, livestock, people, and the environment. Jingning Apple embodies the hard work of generations of farmers. For generations, people in Pingliang have adhered to the philosophy of respecting nature and living in harmony with the environment.
IP Highlight 1: Pingliang Red Cattle
Recognized as China's first registered GI certification trademark for live cattle, Pingliang Red Cattle has become a renowned local brand. In Pingliang, visitors can learn about modern cattle farming practices and taste premium snowflake beef produced from this distinctive breed.
IP Highlight 2: Kongtong Mountain
Walking along the mountain paths through the Daoist temple complex on Kongtong Mountain, visitors can discover the legendary story of "Seeking the Dao at Kongtong" and experience the wisdom of traditional Chinese philosophy. A performance of Kongtong martial arts, listed as an intangible cultural heritage (ICH) project, offers another opportunity to experience local culture through its graceful yet powerful movements.
Qingyang
Continuing eastward, visitors arrive in Qingyang, a place that preserves thousands of years of Chinese cultural history. According to legend, the Yellow Emperor discussed medicine with Qibo here, a mythological Chinese doctor, which is why the city is known as the "Birthplace of Qihuang Culture." Qingyang is also regarded as one of the birthplaces of early Zhou civilization. At Zhouzuling Forest Park, visitors can discover traces of the origins of Chinese agricultural civilization. The region's long agricultural tradition has earned Qingyang the title of the "Granary of Eastern Gansu." Qingyang Apple, a national GI product, is a gift from this fertile land. Abundant sunshine and large temperature differences between day and night give the apples their distinctive sweetness and crisp texture. After tasting apples, visitors can explore local ICH workshops and watch artisans create Qingyang Sachet stitch by stitch. As night falls, a visit to Huanzhou Ancient City Shadow Puppet Museum offers a chance to admire exquisite shadow puppet artworks and enjoy authentic Huanxian Daoqing shadow puppetry performances, bringing this journey through the origins of Chinese civilization to a memorable conclusion.
IP Highlight 1: Birthplace of Qihuang culture
Visitors can follow the footsteps of the Yellow Emperor and Qibo at Qibo Scenic Area, appreciate calligraphy inspired by Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), and experience traditions through wellness cuisine and herbal baths. This creates a cultural journey combining sightseeing, learning, and health experiences.
IP Highlight 2: Qingyang Sachet
The annual Qingyang Sachet Folk Culture Festival has brought this nationally recognized GI product into the spotlight. Generations of ICH inheritors have combined traditional embroidery techniques with modern creativity, helping Qingyang Sachet products reach more than 20 countries and regions. Today, these handcrafted sachets serve as a cultural bridge connecting China and the world.