Zagana, Encounter the Fairyland of Tibetan Earth

Zagana, meaning "stone box" in Tibetan, is located in Yiwa Township, Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. Surrounded by mountains, it resembles a natural stone city, where unique terrain blends with rich Tibetan culture. 🕘【Opening Hours】Zagana is open all day, and a visit of 2-3 days is recommended. It is beautiful in all seasons: spring with blooming wildflowers, summer lush and green, autumn with colorful forests, and winter covered in silver. To watch the sunrise and sunset, plan your trip in advance. Early morning visits to the viewing platform offer a sight of the stone city awakening amidst mist, while evenings allow you to enjoy the golden glow of the sunset over the mountains. 💴【Ticket Price】The entrance fee to Zagana is 80 RMB per person, with no recent price changes. Tickets can be purchased at the scenic area ticket window or booked in advance on some online travel platforms for convenience. ⛺【Activities】 Fairy Beach: Starting from the village, walk along the wooden plank road to reach Fairy Beach. The view is wide open, with distant mountain peaks and neatly arranged Tibetan villages, and a green carpet-like meadow dotted with wildflowers beneath your feet. Standing at Fairy Beach feels like being inside a natural landscape painting, perfect for photography or simply relaxing. Fairy Lake: Continue hiking uphill from Fairy Beach to reach Fairy Lake after a trek. The lake is clear and emerald green, like a gem nestled in the mountains. Surrounded by forest, it is quiet and serene, with occasional bird songs. The hike offers various natural sceneries, allowing you to experience the tranquility and beauty of nature. Wear comfortable shoes and bring enough water and food. Lasang Monastery: This is a historic Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on a high spot in Zagana. The architecture is unique, with a golden roof shining under the sun. Inside, you can feel a strong religious atmosphere, talk with local lamas, and learn more about Tibetan Buddhist culture and history. 🚌【Transportation Guide】 Public Transport: First reach Diebu County. There are several daily buses from Diebu County Bus Station to Zagana, taking about 40 minutes. However, bus frequency is limited, so travel times may not be flexible. Chartered Car: Renting a car from Diebu County or cooperative cities to Zagana is a convenient option, allowing you to arrange your schedule and enjoy the scenery along the way. The cost varies by vehicle type and number of days, generally around 300-500 RMB per day. Self-Driving: Navigate to Zagana Scenic Area by car. The scenery en route is magnificent, but some road sections are complex, especially in rainy or winter conditions. Be cautious of slippery roads and ice. There is parking available in the scenic area, with fees usually between 10-20 RMB. 👉【Itinerary Suggestions】Nearby: After visiting Zagana, you can go to Langmu Temple, known as the "Little Switzerland of the East," to experience its tranquility and mystery; or visit the Ruoergai Grassland to admire the vast and magnificent prairie scenery. For accommodation, there are many Tibetan-style guesthouses in Zagana Village offering an authentic Tibetan living experience, as well as inns and hotels with relatively complete facilities, allowing you to choose according to your needs and budget. 🧡【Preparation Before Travel】 Clothing: Zagana has a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so even in summer, bring a thick jacket. Also, prepare clothing and shoes suitable for hiking. Altitude Sickness Medication: Zagana is at a high altitude, and some visitors may experience altitude sickness. Prepare some anti-altitude sickness medicine in advance, such as Rhodiola. Other Items: Bring sunscreen, rain gear, common medicines, etc., to cope with different weather and health conditions.