https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/gannan/best-things-to-do/10074269000000
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Gannan [2025]
Table of contents
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Jiuzhaigou National Park
4.7
/5
50646 reviews
9.7
From AU$ 34.35
Based on 4,209 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8608377769999
Address: Beside the 301 Provincial Highway, Jiuzhaigou Mouth, Yuzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
Unique alpine lake clusters and travertine ponds
Tibetan customs & wooden houses
Saved by 7462 users37720 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Jiuzhaigou truly lives up to its reputation as the most beautiful Jiuzhaigou. The autumn foliage is absolutely stunning, especially when the sunlight filters through the leaves on a clear day. The temperature difference is quite significant, so be sure to bring warm clothing. I'd love to visit Jiuzhaigou again to experience it in different seasons; it's so incredibly beautiful! Even with the crowds, it doesn't diminish its beauty at all ❤️
The most beautiful Jiuzhaigou in autumn! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Visiting Jiuzhaigou again after 13 years, every shot is a beautiful postcard! I will definitely visit the magical Jiuzhaigou again.
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Huanglong National Scenic Area
4.5
/5
12030 reviews
8.5
From AU$ 36.50
Based on 463 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8640008869692
Address: Pingsong Road, Songpan County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
The Colorful Pool is as gorgeous as a golden dragon's scales
Enchanted calcified pools, earthly paradise
Saved by 2679 users9088 positive reviews
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ได้ไปเที่ยวในวันที่หิมะตกพอดี โชคดีมาก ช่วงบ่ายหิมะละลายก็จะเห็นต้นไม้สีเหลืองสีเขียว สวยงาม
I originally came to Huanglong for the colorful forests at the end of October, but unexpectedly encountered an autumn snowfall—it was absolutely beautiful!
I arrived early, so there was no queue for the cable car. Because of the weather, the shuttle bus was closed, so slowly walking up to see the snow was a delightful experience. Southerners rarely see snow, especially in such a beautiful place, a world blanketed in silver—it's a rare and precious sight, and I was very excited.
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Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum
4.8
/5
7760 reviews
8.3
From %1$s
Based on 49 reviews
Biological Park Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8609715317881
Address: 36 Jing'er Rd, Chengbei Qu, Xining Shi, Qinghai Sheng, China, 810016
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Tibetan music shows daily until 8/15
Open year-round, closed 3 days
Saved by 221 users7187 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
This place boasts the world's longest Thangka painting, offering a systematic understanding of Tibetan culture. However, I felt the explanations of the Tibetan paintings were insufficient and the exhibits weren't clear enough.
It is a museum that collects and displays Tibetan culture, showcasing the characteristics of the Tibetan people from aspects such as their origin, development, historical evolution, Tibetan architecture, Tibetan writing, Tibetan Buddhism, and Tibetan clothing.
No.
4
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Kumbum Monastery
4.6
/5
17184 reviews
8.3
From AU$ 8.59
Based on 213 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609712210188
Address: No. 56 Jinta Road, Huangzhong County, Xining City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Unique hilltop temple complex
Butter sculptures & Thangka masterpieces
Saved by 247 users9340 positive reviews
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"First came the pagoda, then the temple." Master Tsongkhapa also said, "Your only task is to be a happy person." May everyone become a happy person!
As an important temple of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Ta'er Temple is a national 5A scenic spot and a must-see destination for Qinghai tourism. It has both profound cultural heritage and unique artistic charm.
No.
5
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Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park
4.5
/5
2394 reviews
8.0
From AU$ 17.18
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609312123999
Address: 甘肃省兰州市永登县树屏镇杏花村
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Geological & rural tourism destination
Danxia trail: 1.6 miles views
Saved by 240 users2067 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The colorful hills weren't as vibrant as those in Zhangye, but this place was closer to the city, making it more convenient. While regular tickets didn't cover all the areas, it was still okay; it was like having been there. The driver was very kind; since it wasn't yet the official opening time of the main scenic area, he took us to a free, off-the-beaten-path spot where we stopped briefly and took a few photos.
Although SVIP is expensive, the service is truly excellent. They promptly dispatched a private car to minimize waiting time, and the景区 (scenic area) coordination was also very good, with virtually no queues or wasted time. There was also a concert that day where fans could watch the performance for free.
No.
6
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Qinghai Lake
4.5
/5
6629 reviews
7.9
From AU$ 8.59
Based on 598 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609747553999
Address: Qinghai Lake, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Clockwise lake tour & Tibetan culture
Boat ride & scenic views
Saved by 188 users3529 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
As a 5A-level scenic spot in Qinghai, the off-season is the most cost-effective time. The ticket is only 40 yuan and a round-trip bus is included. It takes about an hour to go back and forth. If you travel along the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, you must master the time to play.
I highly recommend visiting Qinghai Lake during off-peak hours. Apart from being a little cold, there's nothing wrong with it! The driver was very welcoming and attentive, and he even took us to see the cattle and horses on the farm, which was very nice.
No.
7
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Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
4.3
/5
5793 reviews
7.9
From AU$ 8.59
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609748519826
Address: 109 National Rd, Gonghe Xian, Hainan Zangzuzizhizhou, Qinghai Sheng, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
3273 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
The Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake is located on the southern shore of Qinghai Lake. Flowers abound in the area, creating a vibrant display of color.
The Erlangjian Peninsula is accessible by speedboat. The waters of the peninsula are even bluer and clearer, lapping against the shore, and seagulls play in the blue sky and on the lakeside, creating a true paradise on earth.
We signed up for a one-day tour of Laji Mountain, Sun Moon Mountain, and Qinghai Lake. The scenery at these attractions was absolutely stunning. Our driver, Master Zhang, was incredibly skilled. He explained the various attractions along the way and explained the best routes to each area beforehand. He also gave us ample time to explore and take photos at each location. Great!
No.
8
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Xining Wildlife Park
4.6
/5
3335 reviews
7.8
From AU$ 42.94
Based on 9 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609718149850
Address: No. 9 Xingzhi Road, Chengxi District, Xining City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Simulated alpine rocks for snow leopards
Wildlife viewing & educational experience
2283 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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📍Xining | Chasing My Star at Xining Wildlife Park: Part 3 Missing
Because of the fact that Teacher Xiaoliang knows this is the only zoo in China where you can see Pallas's cats, I came to see the little friend Teacher Xiaoliang mentioned. While other zoos might use rare feeding or shows as their selling point, Xining Wildlife Park is home to hundreds of animals that would struggle to survive in the wild.
According to the platform's information, since its opening, Xining Wildlife Park has rescued over 2,000 wild animals of more than 60 species. One-third of them have fully recovered and been successfully released back into the wild. The remaining animals, unable to survive, will happily spend their later years in the park.
The park is built on a mountainside, and its limited budget is visibly apparent. Despite this, every corner is spotless, with abundant flowers and plants, showing the utmost love Xining Wildlife Park gives.
Each rescued animal is introduced to visitors as an individual. Their free and vibrant nature suggests they are well cared for behind the scenes.
Thank you to all the staff at Xining Wildlife Park for giving these adorable animals a warm home, and for warming my heart as a visitor from afar.
A fantastic zoo, definitely worth a visit. The animals are all very well cared for. Ling Xiaozhe, Ling Xiaomang, and Aoxue are all so incredibly cute! I went twice and still couldn't get enough. I'll definitely go again if I have the chance.
No.
9
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Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains)
4.4
/5
1462 reviews
7.8
From AU$ 6.44
Based on 27 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +86097117797222532
Address: 40 km southwest of Wuyuan County, Xining City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Diverse landscapes & fluttering prayer flags
Yak rides & highland photography
Saved by 134 users809 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Since ancient times, Sun and Moon Mountain has been a crucial mountain pass along the Qinghai Road of the Silk Road, the Tang-Tibet Road, and the Tea-Horse Road. Legend has it that Princess Wencheng, while traveling through this area on her marriage to Tubo, cast aside the Sun and Moon Mirror to overcome her homesickness, hence the name Sun and Moon Mountain. This area also marked the boundary between the Tang and Tubo regions, and was the site of important historical events such as the Chiling Trade.
The scenic area boasts attractions such as the Sun Pavilion, the Moon Pavilion, the statue of Princess Wencheng, the Princess Spring, and the Tang-Tibet Road. The area also houses cultural venues such as the Qinghai Ancient Road Museum and the Princess Wencheng Memorial Hall, enriching its history and culture.
There are two main areas, one on the mountain and one at the bottom. It was beautiful after the snow. The area on the mountain was more picturesque, but the area at the bottom had those giant prayer flags. The entire area was larger than I expected, so I'd need 2-3 hours to explore it.
No.
10
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Gansu Provincial Museum
4.6
/5
3839 reviews
7.4
Based on 134 reviews
Gansu Provincial Museum/Lanzhou Center | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8609312339131
Address: No. 3 Xijin East Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Paint pottery & experience history
Archaeology & artifact restoration workshop
Saved by 119 users2468 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Whenever I travel to a new place, I always want to visit a museum to learn about its history. I booked free tickets in advance through the official WeChat account, and there's a free locker on the left side of the entrance, which was very convenient. I was surprised by how many visitors usually visit the Gansu Museum, and there was a long line right at the entrance. The main areas of interest are on the second and third floors. The Gansu Museum is very famous for its cultural and creative products, and the prices are quite high, so I bought one as a souvenir. The most famous exhibits are undoubtedly the Horse Stepping on Flying Swallow and the glass lotus flower tray. I was lucky enough to see them in person, and I was truly impressed by the wisdom and exquisite craftsmanship of the ancients. There aren't many other exhibits. Since visiting the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, I feel like every museum's artifacts are younger. Across from the Gansu Museum is a large shopping mall, Lanzhou Center, which you can also visit.
It's worth seeing. A quick tour on your own is a good way to understand history. The teacher's explanations can help you understand history through cultural relics and connect the dots. Teacher Zhang's explanations are very detailed and comprehensive, and he's very efficient. The morning meeting was smoother, and he even recommended parking for us. I especially appreciate the explanations, so much so that even when I visited Wuwei and Zhangye, I could still recall Teacher Zhang's explanations at various museums and connect them all. Highly recommended.
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