Trip Moments Recommendations
#Zhagana Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Visiting a local mountain festival
Sometimes you're just at the right place at the right time. During our roadtrip in South-Gansu, we climbed a mountain and found out about the local Tibetan festival, that occurs for one week during August. We tried some homemade food and had a chat waiting for the sunset. We even met a guy from Xi'An who travels there every summer.
Where? Zhagana offers a stunning landscape, forests and small villages. Locals do both farming and pasturing work in Zhagana. The best season to visit is from May to October. Summer is the best time to go as everything turns to green, winter gets cold!
⭐ While visiting Zhagana, there are many opportunities to experience the local culture. Just walk around and see what happens. 😊 Enjoy your trip!
🚐 Zhagana is better for a car trip. 🎫 Entrance fee is around 20 RMB.
#tibet #village
#historicculture#summervacation#hikingtrails
Zha (g) is an ancient city in Yiwa Township, located more than 30 kilometers northwest of Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. The Tibetan language means Shizizi. The terrain is like a giant palace with a large scale and a natural rock wall.
Zha That the mountain is steep, misty, like a fairyland. A variety of production activities such as nomadic, farming, hunting and plucking in the Tibetan village are rationally matched and complemented, which has become a model for people to live in harmony with nature. Zhana in Yiwow Township, Diebu County, Gansu Province is a Tibetan language, meaning Shizizi. Zhaqin Mountain is located in Yiwa Township, 34 kilometers northwest of Diebu County. It is a complete natural Shicheng custom. It is called the "King of the King". The terrain is like a giant palace with a large scale, and a complete ancient city built by natural rock walls. Zhengbei is a majestic, majestic and glorious mountain with a gleaming peak. The ancient name "Shijing Mountain" has its name because of its gray-white rock. It is famous for its easy-reflecting light in the east; the rocky wall in the east rises into the sky, and the clouds are haunted; The pinnacles rise from the ground, and they stand together to form a stone gate; then south to the east wow, the Naga area, the cliffs stand, the clear stream rises and falls, the water mill flywheel, the flow continues. The mountain is steep and beautiful, like a large-scale stone palace. Although this paradise was named as the birthplace of Adam and Eve as early as nearly a hundred years ago, it is still a virgin land.
Travel to Gannan, regret not coming earlier!|||Take a trip to Gannan, avoid the crowded crowds
In spring.
|||Take a trip to Gannan, avoid the crowded crowds. In spring. Travel to Gannan, regret not coming earlier!|||Take a trip to Gannan, avoid the crowded crowds. The temperature in Gannan in spring is not so cold anymore, the scenery is starting to become beautiful, it's quiet and there are few people, it's worth a visit.
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👉👉👉About traveling to Gannan in April and May:
1. Generally, it's quite convenient to enter and exit through Lanzhou, with many trains or flights to Lanzhou;
2. For the route, a small loop of 4~5 days is quite comprehensive;
3. The grasslands along the way have started to turn green, although not as beautiful as in summer, but the scenery is still nice during the May Day holiday;
4. Importantly, there are fewer people and lower costs, it's a relatively niche route;
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🎬🎬🎬Transportation & Accommodation & Clothing
1. First of all, the Gannan route generally starts from Lanzhou and then returns to Lanzhou;
2. There is a big temperature difference, so be prepared for sun protection and warmth, and bring a winter coat for the mornings and evenings during the May Day holiday;
3. Accommodations along the way are quite convenient and not expensive;
4. For dining, Tibetan meals/Halal meals or Sichuan cuisine are mainly available, which is very convenient~
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👉👉👉Places worth visiting in Gannan:
1. Labrang Monastery
2. Zhagana
3. Langmu Temple
4. Lianbao Yeze
5. Tangke Yellow River First Bend
6. Meiren Grassland
7. The Road of Rock
8. Gannan Secret Realm
9. Seda
10. Guan'e Valley
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🆘🆘🆘Departure & Transportation:
1. The Gannan route generally starts and ends in Lanzhou, a loop is better. You can also consider entering and exiting through Lanzhou and Chengdu, but a single line might miss some scenery;
2. Public transportation is not recommended, as it is very inconvenient. Self-driving or carpooling is the main method.
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🎬🎬🎬Gannan 4-Day Loop:
Day 1 Lanzhou--Gannan Secret Realm--Labrang Monastery--Xiahe Stay
Day 2 Sangke Grassland--Zhagana--Diebu Stay
Day 3 Zoige Grassland--Flower Lake--Langmu Temple Stay
Day 4 Langmu Temple-Gahai-Mirariba Buddha Pavilion-Lanzhou
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🌟🌟🌟Gannan 5-Day Loop:
Day1 Lanzhou-Gannan Secret Realm-Labrang Monastery-Xiahe
Day2 Labrang Monastery-Sangke Grassland-Zhagana
Day3 Flower Lake-Zoige Wetland-Yellow River First Bend-Tangke
Day4 Tangke-Suo Ke Tibetan Temple-Gahai Lake-Langmu Temple
Day5 Langmu Temple-Mirariba Buddha Pavilion-Lanzhou
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👉👉👉Gannan 6-Day Loop:
D1. Lanzhou—Gannan Secret Realm—Labrang Monastery—Xiahe
D2. Labrang Monastery—Sangke Grassland—Zhagana
D.3 Zhagana—Zoige Flower Lake—Yellow River First Bend—Tangke
D4. Tangke—Wa Qie Ta Lin—Lianbao Yeze—Aba
D5. A Wan Cang Wetland—Gahai Lake—Langmu Temple
D6. Langmu Temple—Mirariba Buddha Pavilion—Linxia to Lanzhou
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❤️❤️❤️Gannan Classic 7-Day (Seda Edition):
D1 Lanzhou-Gannan Secret Realm-Labrang Monastery-Xiahe
D2 Xiahe-Langmu Temple-Zhagana
D3 Flower Lake-Zoige Grassland-Yellow River First Bend-Tangke
D4 Wa Qie Ta Lin-Lianbao Yeze-Jiuzhi
D5 Tibetan Zebra County-Seda Wuming Buddhist Institute
D6 Seda In-depth Tour-Jiuzhi-Maqu
D7 Maqu-Mirariba Buddha Pavilion-Lanzhou
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Refuse to flock together! Five low-budget, high-enjoyment niche travel destinations for the May Day holiday
Hermit's Wonderland: Gansu·Zhagana
🏞️Recommended reason: A paradise on earth, hidden in the highland valleys, Zhagana is known as 'the last Shangri-La on earth'. Not only does it boast the majestic beauty of its stone forest, but also the simplicity of Tibetan customs and the breath of an original ecological lifestyle, allowing you to fully enjoy tranquility and comfort during the May Day period.
💰Average budget: About ¥2000 (including transportation, accommodation, dining, and admission fees)
📍Recommended spots: Fairy Beach, Stone Forest, Dongwa Village, Lhasang Temple
⚠️Precautions: The altitude is relatively high, be aware of altitude sickness; respect local customs, protect the environment.
Sino-Western Fusion: Sichuan·Nanxun Ancient Town
🏡Recommended reason: Full of the charm of a southern ancient town, Nanxun stands out with its unique Sino-Western architecture and the leisurely atmosphere of a water town. Avoid the hustle and bustle, stroll on the bluestone paths, boat through the waterways, and experience the comfort of a slow life.
💰Average budget: About ¥1500
📍Recommended spots: Hundred Rooms Building, Zhang's Old Residence, Jiaye Hall Library
⚠️Precautions: Plan your trip in advance to avoid peak crowds, take care of cultural relics, and try to visit off-peak on non-holidays.
Pearl of the East Sea: Fujian·Yushan Island
🏝️Recommended reason: Far from the mainland, Yushan Island, with its blue seas and skies and continuous grasslands, is like a pearl on the sea. The island's tens of thousands of acres of grasslands and lakes complement each other, making it a paradise for camping enthusiasts and an ideal place for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of nature.
💰Average budget: About ¥1800
📍Recommended spots: Moon Bay, Tianhu Grassland, Zao'ao Fishing Village
⚠️Precautions: The island's climate is variable, please be prepared for rain and sun protection, follow outdoor activity regulations, and maintain the ecological environment.
Picturesque Poetry Town: Anhui·Chaji Ancient Town
-art-station-Recommended reason: A poetic village from the painter's brush, Chaji Ancient Town retains a large number of ancient Ming and Qing buildings, with small bridges over flowing water and deep alleys, where time stands still. During the May Day holiday, come here to return your mind and body to simplicity and feel the profound cultural heritage.
💰Average budget: About ¥1200
📍Recommended spots: Xu Creek, Chaji Ancient Residential Group, Renrang Square
⚠️Precautions: Keep quiet, do not disturb the local residents' life, take your trash with you, travel civilly.
Charm of the First Emperor: Shandong·Yangma Island
🐎Recommended reason: Yangma Island is named after the First Emperor of Qin raised horses here. It has both the romance of a seaside resort and the mystery of historical legends. During the May Day holiday, enjoy horse riding, sea farming, and watching the sunrise, and enjoy the leisure time on the island.
💰Average budget: About ¥1000
📍Recommended spots: Qin Emperor Cultural Square, Yangma Island Yangma Island Racecourse, Tianma Square
⚠️Precautions: Please pay attention to safety when playing by the sea, follow beach regulations, pay attention to sun protection, and be aware of tide changes.
Pack your mood, pack your bags, and let's find the belonging of our souls and the joy of travel in these little-known beautiful scenes this May Day! 🎈🎈🎈
This is called 'the abode of the gods', and it truly lives up to its name
Gannan, a poetic and distant place hidden on the edge of the sky road, is a secret realm that combines magnificent landscapes, unique customs, and a millennium of culture.
This time, we will lead everyone onto this mysterious land, starting with a visit to Hezuo City and the famous Labrang Monastery in Xiahe. Strolling on the prayer wheel path paved with bluestones, one can feel the strong religious atmosphere, listen to the prayers of the faithful, and experience a spiritual cleansing.
Next, we will enter the mysterious Zhagana, which is like another planet on Earth, with layers of red rocks nestled among the clouds in the mountains. Walking through the quiet canyons, listening to the babbling streams, one can enjoy the freshness of a natural oxygen bar.
In the evening, we will arrive in Diebu County to admire the magnificent scenery of the Diebu grasslands. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the green grass is like a carpet, dotted with colorful wildflowers, as if it were a beautiful painting.
Finally, we will head to the Yellow River Wetlands in Zhouqu, which is known as 'the realm of the sky'. Walking on the wetland boardwalk, admiring the towering mountains on the opposite bank, one can feel the magic of nature. At night, spend a warm night in a tent by the Yellow River, listening to the insects, gazing at the starry sky, and appreciating the beauty of nature.
Throughout the journey, we will deeply experience the local folk culture, taste authentic cuisine, and appreciate the customs of the Tibetan, Qiang, and other diverse ethnic groups. Let us embark on this unforgettable journey together and explore the beauty and mystery of Gannan!
A Colorful Scroll on the Plateau: Gannan, where you can let yourself roam free on the grasslands
Gannan, a secret paradise praised by 'National Geographic' as a must-visit destination in one's lifetime, what exactly is its charm? Although it is not Tibet, it is better than Tibet, without the daunting high altitudes or the treacherous roads. Here, you can experience the rich Tibetan culture, feel the simplicity and mystery; you can also enjoy the stunning natural scenery, as if you are in the midst of a magnificent painting. What's more precious is that the place is not crowded with tourists, allowing you to fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this secret land. Coming to Gannan is like entering a fairyland on earth, making people linger and yearn for more. Indeed, it is a place one must visit in their lifetime.
Location of the scenic area: Southwest of Gansu Province
Transportation guide: Fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport from all over the country
🚀 🌄🎒
🌄 DAY 1: Lanzhou ➜ Labrang Monastery ➜ Sangke Grassland ➜ Langmusi Town
🏨 Overnight: Langmusi Town
🌅 DAY 2: Langmusi Town ➜ Zhagana ➜ Dangchang
🏨 Overnight: Dangchang
🌤 DAY 3: Dangchang ➜ Guan'e Valley ➜ Lanzhou
⚠️Travel Tips for Gannan
❗️Gannan is located on the plateau, with a large temperature difference between day and night, so you need to wear fleece, thin sweaters or jackets in the morning and evening!
❗️Due to the high altitude, the ultraviolet rays are strong, so be sure to bring sun hats, sunglasses, and other sun protection items! It's also best to wear long sleeves and pants in the summer!
China's Most Beautiful 100 Kilometers | The Loko Road
The Loko Road, a classic route for self-driving tours in Gannan, is also known as the Jiangdie Highway. It starts in Zagulu Town, Gannan, Gansu, and ends in Zhagana, covering a total distance of about 106 kilometers. The scenery along the way is breathtakingly beautiful, ranging from dense forests at lower altitudes to high-altitude alpine meadows, as well as wilderness and glaciers. Known as 'China's Most Beautiful 100 Kilometers,' it is a journey one must take in a lifetime.
Gannan Travel Guide, for friends visiting Gannan during the May Day holiday
📍Gannan, located at the junction of Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces, on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, boasts a paradise comparable to Tibet, a Shambhala secret realm away from the hustle and bustle of the city
📍Due to its unique geographical location, itineraries from 3-6 days are all feasible.
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✅ First Encounter with Gannan >> 3+1 days
💫 Budget: 1.4k
💫 4-8 person carpool from Lanzhou
D1 From all over the country to Lanzhou hotel🏨 - Free time in Lanzhou
D2 Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland🌱 - Diebu
D3 Diebu - Zhagana - Flower Lake - Langmusi
D4 Langmusi - Guomang Wetland - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou
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💫 Classic Gannan mini circuit, enjoy the essence of Gannan in the shortest time.
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✅ Exploring Gannan >> 4+1 days
💫 4-8 person carpool from Lanzhou
💫 Budget: 2.4k
D1 From all over the country to Lanzhou hotel - Lanzhou City Walk
D2 Lanzhou - Zagulu Town - Laojun Mountain Road🛣️ - Zhagana
D3 Fairy Beach light trekking - Xiaodukou - Flower Lake - Langmusi
D4 Namo Gorge - Guomang Wetland - Sangke Grassland - Xiahe
D5 Xiahe - Labrang Monastery⛩️ - Ganjia Secret Land - Lanzhou
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💫 Specially includes Laojun Mountain Road, one of China's most beautiful 100 kilometers.
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✅ Sacred Gannan >> 4+1 days
💫 4-8 person carpool from Lanzhou
💫 Budget: 2.3k
D1 From all over the country to Lanzhou hotel - Lanzhou City Walk
D2 Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Ganjia Secret Land - Xiahe
D3 Xiahe - Sangke Grassland🌱 - Langmusi - First Bend of the Yellow River - Tangke Town
D4 Tangke Town - Zoige Grassland - Flower Lake - Xiaodukou🛣️ - Zhagana
D5 Zhagana - Guomang Wetland - Eight Alleys and Thirteen Lanes - Lanzhou
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💫 A deep dive into the Tibetan culture of Gannan, experiencing the devout faith of the Tibetan people.
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✅ Touring Gannan >> 5 days
💫 Bus tour from Xi'an
💫 Budget: 1.6k
D1 Xi'an - Langdu Wetland Grassland - Dangchang
D2 Dangchang - Guan'e Valley - La Zi Mouth - Diebu
D3 Zhagana - Zoige Grassland - 💐Flower Lake - Langmusi
D4 Langmusi - Sangke Grassland - Labrang Monastery - Lanzhou
D5 Lanzhou - Lianhuo Expressway - Xi'an
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💫 Starting from Xi'an, check off Longnan➕Gannan in one trip, reaching the Shambhala kingdom on earth.
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✅ Self-driving in Gannan >> 5 days
💫 Self-driving car from Xi'an
💫 Budget: 1.9k
D1 Xi'an - Langdu Wetland Grassland - Min County
D2 Min County - Laojun Mountain Road🛣️ - Zhagana
D3 Zhagana - County Road 550 - Langmusi
D4 Langmusi - Sangke Grassland - Labrang Monastery - Linxia
D5 Linxia - Tianshui - Maijishan - Xi'an
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💫 Starting from Xi'an, discover the nine-colored Shambhala and deeply traverse Laojun Mountain Road!
For a unique Labor Day travel experience, consider visiting an underrated and less crowded city
This destination is cheaper than Tibet and has a lower risk of altitude sickness.
The endless meadows stretch to meet the distant snow-capped mountains.
Colorful jungles spread across canyons and hillsides.
Beneath the sacred mountain lies the hidden village of Zhagana.
Forests, snow mountains, valleys, grasslands, and temples,
This place has its own memorable name📍Gannan.
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Generally, seven days is enough.
Day 1-3 Lanzhou-Linxia-Hezuo-Zhagana
Day 4-5 Langmusi-Sangke Grassland-Labrang Monastery
Day 6-7 Xiahe-Baishiya-Ganjia Secret Land
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✈️Fly to Zhongchuan Airport, then take the city rail to Lanzhou Station.
There are many direct flights, ✈️with fares as low as 800+ offering great value for money.
Alternatively, 🚄taking a direct train to Lanzhou is very convenient, with a journey time of about 10 hours.
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🌟6 must-visit highlights
📍Ganjia Secret Land
Drive through the sprawling grassland roads to enter a cloud-top secret land where ancient cities, monasteries, villages, grasslands, canyons, pastures, and caves merge into one.
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📍Langmusi
Known as the 'Little Switzerland of the East,' this town is where a small stream brings together the peacefully coexisting Tibetan and Hui ethnic groups. You can hike into the Namu Canyon to seek the source of the Bailong River and delve into the area's mystical legends.
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📍Zhagana
A hidden paradise known as 'Earth's Eden,' and one of the '50 places to go in your lifetime' as rated by 'Chinese National Geography.' It consists of four Tibetan-style villages and a scenic area. Stay in a small village at the foot of the sacred mountain, take an early morning stroll through the stone city, and hike to a viewpoint to await the sunrise🌅.
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📍Labrang Monastery
The 'Harvard and Peking University of Tibetan Buddhism,' the outer walls of Labrang Monastery are made up of more than 2,000 prayer wheels, holding the Guinness World Record for the 'world's longest prayer wheel corridor.' On the way to Labrang Monastery, the golden domes are visible from afar, with Tibetan incense swirling around and Buddhist devotees prostrating devoutly on the ground, praying for happiness.
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📍Sangke Grassland
The most beautiful pasture in Gannan, where herds of cattle and sheep roam freely. Lead a gentle pony and gallop forward on horseback, listening to the melodious Tibetan folk songs, purifying the soul.
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📍Baishiya
The lesser-known 'Dolomites' of Gannan, Baishiya, where a natural mountain screen divides the Ganjia Grassland into two high-altitude pastures with a 1000-meter elevation difference. Clouds hang like jade belts over the cliffs, and the temples and villages nestled in the mountains seem to tell endless stories.
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✅Tips
🌟The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is significant, so bring warm clothing; the night sky is beautiful🌃.
🌟Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, as the UV radiation is strong in high-altitude areas!
🌟There are many cattle and sheep on the grassland, so drive carefully.
The Road of Rock
Reissue for Gannan
From Shangri-La to Gannan, I still have to admit that I am just a weakling on the plateau. At the 3200-meter Norland camp, I vomited to the point of questioning life. But still, with the spirit of a chicken blood, I drove for 5 hours and completed the top-level self-driving route with the highest altitude of 4000 meters - The Road of Rock. The scenery is too good, the road is quite easy to drive, from Zhagana to Zagulu, you can see the natural wonders, majestic and perilous, so great and enchanting.
The reverse travel during the May Day holiday was a success! Let me recommend an underrated and less popular city
It's cheaper than Tibet,
and it's not prone to altitude sickness. The endless meadows stretch to meet the distant snow-capped mountains, and the colorful jungles are scattered across canyons and hillsides.
The secret village of Zhagana at the foot of the holy mountain,
forests, snow mountains, river valleys, grasslands, and temples.
This place has its own name worth remembering Gannan.
Usually, seven days is enough.
Day 1-3 Lanzhou-Linxia-Hezuo City-Zhagana
Day 4-5 Langmusi-Sangke Grassland-Labrang Monastery
Day 6-7 Xiahe-Baishiya-Ganjia Secret
Zhongchuan Airport, then take the city rail to Lanzhou Station.
There are many direct flights, and the cost is not less than 800+, offering great value for money.
Or 🚞 direct to Lanzhou is very convenient, with the journey taking about 10 hours.
👍Most recommended:
6 essential places to visit
Ganjia Secret
Drive through the sprawling grassland roads, enter the cloud realm of Ganjia Secret, which integrates ancient cities, monasteries, villages, grasslands, canyons, pastures, and caves.
Langmusi
Known as the 'Little Switzerland of the East', this town merges the Tibetan and Hui ethnic groups living in peace. A stream flows through it, with lamaseries and mosques occupying both banks of the stream. You can hike into the Namu Grand Canyon to seek the source of the Bailong River and delve into the magical legends of this place.
Zhagana
A hidden paradise known as 'Earthly Eden', and also one of the '50 places to go in your lifetime' as rated by 'China National Geography'. It consists of four Tibetan-style villages and one scenic area. Stay in the small village at the foot of the holy mountain, take an early morning stroll in the stone city, and hike to the viewing point to wait for the sunrise.
Labrang Monastery
Known as the 'Harvard and Peking University of Tibetan Buddhism', the outer wall is made up of more than 2,000 prayer wheels, holding the Guinness World Record for the 'world's longest prayer wheel corridor'. On the way to Labrang Monastery, you can see the golden dome from afar, with Tibetan incense wafting through the air, and Buddhist devotees prostrating devoutly on the ground, praying for happiness.
Sangke Grassland
The most beautiful pasture in Gannan, where cattle and sheep are scattered all along the way. Lead a gentle pony and gallop forward on horseback, listening to the melodious Tibetan folk songs, purifying the soul.
Baishiya
The less-known adverse condition of Gannan's 'Dolomites' Baishiya, a natural mountain range screen divides the Ganjia Grassland into two high mountain pastures with a drop of 1000 meters. White clouds hang like jade belts over the cliff valleys, and the temples and village homes nestled in the mountains seem to tell endless stories...
📝Note tips:
The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is significant, so bring a thick coat; the night sky is beautiful.
Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, as the UV radiation is strong in the plateau region
There are many cattle and sheep on the grassland, so drive carefully
Experience the classic Gannan mini-tour this May Day, four days and three nights for around 1k+ per person
📣 If you don't know where to go for the May Day holiday, head to Gannan!
Grasslands, lakes, 🏔️ snow-capped mountains, 💐 seas of flowers, wetlands, 🌲 forests, rivers, temples, ☁️ blue skies with white clouds, fluttering prayer flags, and Tibetan charm—all your beautiful imaginations can be found in Gannan.
❓❗ Is it worth going to Gannan for May Day?
✅ Fewer people→ Gannan has relatively fewer people during May Day, so you won't be stuck in crowds of people everywhere you go👩👩👦👦
✅ Tibetan culture→ Rich in Tibetan culture, the world-renowned Tibetan academy 'Labrang Monastery' is located here. You can experience Tibetan specialty foods🍲, take Tibetan-style portraits, and more
✅ Low altitude→ The average altitude is around 3000 meters, which is considered a 'low altitude' area in Tibet, 👍🏻 and most people will not suffer from altitude sickness
✅ Low cost→ Prices increase slightly during May Day, but are much lower compared to July and August
❓❗ What can you see in Gannan during May Day?
✅ Only in May can you see the half snow-capped mountains🏔️ and half green lands!
✅ Secluded and leisurely Tibetan villages, sacred and solemn temples, fewer noisy tourists, making this land peaceful and quiet, allowing you to calm down, contemplate life, and feel the devout Tibetan faith
✅ The beauty lies in the landscape, and when you're at the scenic spot, the feeling of having the mountains and waters all to yourself is undoubtedly a pleasure
💫 First stop of the journey—Lanzhou city walk, check in with the taste of the Northwest
💫 Sangke Grassland—Endless meadows where you can ride horses🐴
💫 Zhagana—Natural stone city, God's Eden
💫 Flower Lake—Ruoergai Wetland, encounter the distant Black-necked Cranes
💫 Labrang Monastery—World-renowned Tibetan academy, appreciate the profound Tibetan culture
💫 Langmu Temple—The Eastern Switzerland, a miniature version of Shangri-La
💫 Milarepa Buddha Pavilion—A resplendent Tibetan cultural museum
💫 Select comfortable accommodations along the way, 🏨 stay comfortably, relax and rest
💫 38 degrees users are mostly young people aged 16-39, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere
🌈 This route is suitable for friends who are visiting Gannan for the first time!
👍🏻 First encounter with Gannan >> Lanzhou distribution >> 3+1 days
D1 Nationwide - Free travel to Lanzhou
D2 Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland - Diebu
D3 Diebu - Zhagana - Flower Lake - Langmu Temple
D4 Langmu Temple - Guomang Wetland - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou
📣PS: The itinerary includes buses & cars, two different ways to play, choose your travel style freely based on your schedule
Tips:
1⃣️ The grassland has a large temperature difference between day and night, ☔ the weather is changeable, bring a thick coat, the night sky is beautiful
2⃣️ Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, 🌞 the UV rays are strong in the plateau areas
3⃣️ Although the altitude is not very high, altitude sickness varies from person to person, it is recommended to bring altitude sickness medicine, as well as some chocolate🍫, glucose
4⃣️ There are many cattle and sheep on the grassland, be careful when driving
Departing from Xi'an on May Day, embark on a unique and pure journey to Gannan!!
In this land with an average altitude of 2900 meters, you can encounter grasslands, lakes, snow-capped mountains, seas of flowers, wetlands, forests, rivers, temples, blue skies and white clouds, fluttering prayer flags, and Tibetan charm. All your beautiful imaginations can be met in Gannan.
The itinerary includes options for coach & car, two different ways to enjoy the trip, and you can freely choose the way to play according to your schedule.
🌈First stop on the itinerary is a city walk in Lanzhou, checking in with the Northwest flavor🌈Sangke Grassland - an endless meadow where you can ride horses
🌈Zhagana - a natural stone city, God's Eden Flower Lake🌈Ruoergai Wetland, encountering the distant Black-necked Crane
🌈Labrang Monastery - a world center of Tibetan studies, experiencing the profound Tibetan culture
🌈Langmu Temple - the Oriental Switzerland, a miniature version of Shangri-La
🌈Anduo Hezuo Monastery's Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - a resplendent Tibetan studies museum
🏨Carefully selected comfortable accommodations along the way, ensuring a comfortable stay.
💰Admission fees:
A: Labrang Monastery 40 yuan (entrance to the hall)|Students 20 yuan
B: Zhagana 80 yuan|Students 40 yuan
C: Flower Lake 105 yuan|Students 75 yuan
D: Langmu Temple 30 yuan|Students half price
E: Milarepa Buddha Pavilion 20 yuan|Students 10 yuan
⚠️Warm tips for essential items:
1️⃣Gannan is a plateau region with strong ultraviolet radiation, remember to protect yourself from the sun, and be aware of the large temperature difference between day and night, around 5-18°C!
2️⃣Clothing: For travel between April and May, it is recommended to prepare clothes for both spring and winter, lightweight down jackets, windbreakers, and thin outerwear with long sleeves for the daytime
3️⃣Shoes: Comfortable sports shoes/hiking shoes are both suitable
4️⃣Thermal water bottle: When going out for a trip, it is recommended to drink hot water throughout the journey
5️⃣Electronic payment is available, but also carry a small amount of cash
6️⃣Sun protection: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, face masks
May Day Travel | 3-Day Gannan Loop | The Road of Zhagana and Loka
The beauty of nine colors, the secret realm of Gannan🌈 When the first rays of the morning sun sprinkle on Zhagana amidst the clouds🌞 Herds of cattle and sheep stroll on the Sangke Grassland, and red-robed monks murmur scriptures in the Milarepa Buddha Pavilion... The whole world seems peaceful and serene~
Those who are preparing for the May Day holiday, take a look here, you must not miss this niche scenic area❗❗
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🚘Itinerary at a glance
D1⃣️Lanzhou - Gannan Secret Realm - Labrang Monastery - Xiahe
D2⃣️Xiahe - Sangke Grassland - Langmu Temple - Zhagana
D3⃣️Zhagana - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou
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🎨Exquisite Attractions
Milarepa Buddha Pavilion: 'Tibetan Buddhism Museum' ✨ The red Tibetan-style nine-story pagoda in Hezuo City of Gansu's Amdo Tibetan area
Tips: 🎫20/person
Tibetan area V1⃣️ houses the architecture that worships masters of various sects of Tibetan Buddhism, each floor is a separate Buddha hall, representing different sects, worshiping different main deities
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Gannan Secret Realm: ✨ In Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture's Xiahe County, Gannan Town, the scenic area contains rich geological structures and unique Tibetan customs
Tips: 🎫80/person
The eastern part of Ganjia Grassland has the mark of the Silk Road in the ancient Octagonal City, and at the end is the magical Baishi Cliff, with caves, grand canyons, and other landscapes in between
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Zhagana: A hidden paradise among the clouds surrounded by mountains, where one can watch the morning mist and the starry sky at night, a utopian land of half fireworks and half celestial
Tips: 🎫80/person (half price for student tickets)
Dari Viewing Platform is good for watching the sunrise but often crowded, Fairy Beach is the best spot for sunset in the scenic area, with crystal clear water
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Labrang Monastery: 'World Tibetan Academy', built against the mountain with red walls and glazed tiles, has the world's longest prayer corridor
Tips: 🎫 Main hall, namely Wensi Hall, 40/person, Gontang Pagoda 20/person
The prayer corridor should be visited clockwise, and there is a wooden bridge across the Daxia River to the southwest of the monastery, where you can take a panoramic photo of Labrang Monastery 50 meters south of the Buddha sunning platform
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Langmu Temple: Not a temple but a town, the Bailong River inside the town divides Langmu Temple into two, which are Gerdeng Monastery in Sichuan and Sertri Monastery in Gansu
Tips: 🎫30/person (same price for both temples)
The Flesh Relic Hall in Sichuan Gerdeng Monastery is the essence of Langmu Temple, and you can also pass through the Namo Grand Canyon, through the Fairy Cave, Tiger Cave, and explore the source of the Bailong River
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Sangke Grassland: One of the largest highland grasslands in Gannan, also a natural pasture, where local Tibetans often pray and celebrate festivals
Tips: Grassland protection 💰15 yuan Horse riding price 50-80/30min
Respect the local customs and religious beliefs, try not to enter yurts/temples at will, and do not damage stone carvings, prayer flags, etc.
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🌟Considerate Tips
1⃣️The average altitude of Gannan is over 3000m, so it is necessary to prevent altitude sickness and avoid strenuous exercise
2⃣️You can prepare some anti-altitude sickness medicines, such as Rhodiola, oxygen, and glucose, etc.
3⃣️Colorful clothes can produce photos with richer layers
4⃣️The region is mostly inhabited by Tibetans and some Hui people, so it is necessary to respect local customs and habits
Zhagana in southern Gansu, the garden of the gods
Zhā (zhā) gǎ (gǎ) in Tibetan means 'stone box', which refers to a natural stone city located more than 30 kilometers northwest of Diebu County in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, in a village called Yiwu. In Tibetan, it also means 'stone box'. The terrain resembles a grandiose giant palace as well as a natural rock wall formation.
Zhagana is characterized by its majestic mountains, swirling clouds and mists, and a landscape akin to a fairyland. The Tibetan village harmoniously integrates various productive activities such as nomadic herding, farming, hunting, and wood gathering, serving as a model for the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. If you cannot reach the poetry and the distant places, then take a trip to the earthly paradise of Zhagana, and witness the place where deities have descended to the mortal world!
I regret it! I should have gone to Gannan during the National Day holiday, it's so cost-effective!
🤔Why should you visit Gannan at least once?
1⃣It's not prone to altitude sickness, Gannan has plateau scenery, but the altitude is relatively moderate, making it the first stop for those challenging the plateau👍
2⃣Great value for money, you can see the authentic Tibetan scenery without spending much, and you don't have to worry about the risk of altitude sickness
3⃣Diverse landscapes, highland grasslands, canyons, wetlands, Tibetan villages, temples, and rural roads, everyone who has been there regrets not going earlier
🌸The best time to enjoy autumn in Gannan
September to mid-October
📷Must-visit scenic spots
🍃Zhagana | 💰80
Surrounded by impressive stone mountains! The Dari viewing platform offers a full view of the village, and the Fairy Beach is great for taking photos and playing, with very affordable prices💰
🍃Flower Lake | 💰105
A beautiful marsh wetland, with blue skies and white clouds scattered among the aquatic plants, home to many water birds. It takes 4 hours to walk the entire boardwalk, and there's no shade along the way, so be sure to wear sunscreen and carry an umbrella on sunny days🌂
🍃Labrang Monastery | 💰40
Home to the world's 1⃣ longest prayer wheel corridor! The Buddhist atmosphere is very strong, and if you don't plan to visit the halls, you can enter from the commercial street and take photos outside the walls📷
🍃Jianlangmu Temple | 💰30
To be precise, it's a town with two temples. Gansu Temple leads to the burial platforms, and Sichuan Temple backs onto the Namo Grand Canyon. You can hike deep into nature along the stream, and horseback riding is also an option🐎
🍃Milariba Buddha Pavilion | 💰20
Compared to the other temples, Milariba Buddha Pavilion is smaller, but it contains many exquisite murals, painted sculptures, Thangkas, and statues! You need to take off your shoes or bring shoe covers to enter👣
🍃Huosanku Grassland | 💰Free
The Sangke Grassland is vast, with not only highland pastures but also wetland parks, and it's all free. Walking yaks on the grassland, and horseback riding is the right way to experience galloping across the grassland🐂
🍃Guomang Wetland | 💰Free
This is a habitat for black-necked cranes, comparable to Bayanbulak, and there's a huge prayer flag. Both close-up and distant photos are very atmospheric🌈
Hurry up and plan for the National Day💖
2024 Gannan Travel New Routes, Tested Itinerary Included
Families planning to travel to Gannan in 2024, take a look!
These are all personally tested routes and local delicacies recommended 👍🏻
Here are several routes, you can choose according to your travel time
We chose a local small group tour, and the driver arranged for us was a local, which made the trip particularly interesting 😎
In the morning, the driver waited for us on time at the hotel entrance, and along the way, he introduced us to some of the local customs
He also let us get off the bus along the way to rest and take photos, and we were lucky to encounter a stunning sunset 🌄
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🚗 Gannan 4-Day Route:
D1: Depart from Lanzhou -- Labrang Monastery - Gannan Secret Realm - Bajiao City - Baishiya Karst Cave
D2 - Sangke Grassland - Guomang Wetland - Langmu Monastery - Namo Grand Canyon - First Bend of the Yellow River in Zoige
D3 - Zoige Grassland - Zoige Flower Lake - Zhagana
D4 - Zhagana - Loke Route - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Darzong Lake - Lanzhou
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🚗 Gannan 5-Day Travel Route:
D1: Lanzhou -- Milarepa Buddha Pavilion -- Meiren Grassland -- Loke Route -- Zhagana
D2: Zhagana -- Flower Lake -- Zoige Grassland -- First Bend of the Yellow River -- Tangke
D3: Tangke -- Wache Monastery -- Moon Bay -- Gemu Monastery -- Lianbao Yezhe -- Aba
D4: Aba -- Ningma Monastery -- Awan Warehouse Wetland -- Namo Grand Canyon -- Langmu Monastery -- Xiahe
D5: Sangke Grassland -- Labrang Monastery -- Gannan Secret Realm -- Lanzhou
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🚗 Gannan 5-Day Travel Route:
D1: Lanzhou -- Gannan Secret Realm -- Labrang Monastery
D2: Xiahe -- Sangke Grassland -- Awan Warehouse Wetland -- Ningma Monastery
D3: Lianbao Yezhe -- Gemu Monastery -- First Bend of the Yellow River
D4: Zoige Grassland/Flower Lake -- Langmu Monastery
D5: Langmu Monastery -- Half-day tour of Zhagana
D6: Zhagana sunrise mist -- Loke Route -- Niba Village Gongba Monastery -- Milarepa Buddha Pavilion -- Lanzhou
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🍑 Food Recommendations:
Gannan's popular restaurant Wuze Linka, Tibetan milk tea, buttered fern root rice, tsampa, stone-cooked lamb, Tibetan yak yogurt
Northwestern cuisine is quite strong, be careful to prevent getting 'heaty'
⚠️ Precautions:
🔸 The altitude in the Gannan area is around 3000-4500 meters, pay attention to slow down to avoid catching a cold and prevent altitude sickness, the temperature difference between day and night is large
🔸 Lanzhou airport is far from the city center, you can take an intercity train or airport bus to reach the city center
🔸 On the last day back to Lanzhou, it's around 7 pm, you can eat some local snacks in the city center of Lanzhou, and return the next day
Life Advice: Be sure to visit Gannan in the fall
Life Advice: Be sure to visit Gannan in the fall.
If the summer in Gannan is the best choice for a pilgrimage, then the autumn in Gannan is a sleeping beauty!
When the summer crowds fade away, all the beauty is yours to enjoy alone.
Gannan
Southwestern part of Gansu
With an average altitude of 3000 meters, it's not as high as Tibet, but Gannan has everything else that Tibetan areas offer, including the best educational institutions in the Tibetan region, the most authentic Tibetan Buddhism culture, and the essence of nomadic culture and the most primitive ethnic customs.
Best time to enjoy autumn: September - early October
*Scenic spots not to be missed
Zhagana
In the golden autumn of Zhagana, the mountains are covered with colorful forests, and brilliant yellow leaves can be seen everywhere. With the high sky and light clouds, the colorful autumn leaves, the pure and vast snow mountains, the scenery intoxicates people.
Sangke Grassland
In the golden autumn, the Sangke Grassland is filled with an intense gold that seems to melt into the eye. The Sangke Reservoir ripples with clear waves, resembling a colorful painting.
Labrang Monastery
Known as the 'World's Tibetan Academy,' it has a complete Tibetan Buddhism teaching system, and thousands of monks study and meditate here.
Langmu Monastery
Without the summer crowds, the monastery becomes even more tranquil. Monks quietly chant scriptures and pray, and devout believers circumambulate the mountains, water, and stupas.
Namo Grand Canyon
Trekking through the canyon is the best way to enter the autumn of Gannan. The Namo Grand Canyon, hidden deep in the Gerdie Monastery, exudes a primitive and wild natural atmosphere.
4-Day Itinerary Recommendation
D1: From all over the country to Lanzhou, gather in Zhagana
D2: Lanzhou → Labrang Monastery → Sangke Grassland → Diebu County → Zhagana
D3: Zhagana → Flower Lake → Zoige Grassland → Langmu Monastery D4: Langmu Monastery → Lanzhou, disband
7-Day Itinerary Recommendation Labrang Monastery
D1: From all over the country to Lanzhou, gather all day
D2: Lanzhou → Labrang Monastery → Gannan Secret Realm → Xiahe County D3: Xiahe → Guomang Wetland → Zhagana
D4: Zhagana sunrise → Flower Lake → Zoige Grassland → First Bend of the Yellow River → Tangke Town
D5: Tangke Town → Lianbaoyeze → Aba County
D6: Aba County → Hongyuan Grassland → Gerdie Monastery → Langmu Town D7: Langmu Monastery sunrise → Lanzhou
If your eyes
Are tired of the monotonous green of summer, then come to Gannan in the fall~
Let the colorful autumn brighten your eyes
Great places to go for the National Day holiday! The autumn scenery in Gannan is picturesque, and the beautiful views await your exploration!
The footsteps of autumn have already quietly arrived, and the autumn in Gannan is stunningly beautiful! The endless meadows complement the distant snow-capped mountains, and the colorful forests spread across valleys and hillsides. The golden waves of wheat next to the village of Zhagana roll with the wind. During the National Day period, if you yearn for a destination with few people and beautiful scenery, Gannan is undoubtedly the best choice. At this time, there are fewer tourists, the prices are favorable, and the peak travel season is avoided.
The essence of a 7-day tour in Gannan is arranged as follows: D1, free activities in Lanzhou; D2, Lanzhou to Liujiaxia Reservoir; D3, Hezuo to the Road of Rock - Zhagana; D4, Zhagana to Xiaoduku - Flower Lake - The First Bend of the Yellow River; D5, Tangke to Lianbao Yezhe - Gemu Monastery; D6, Jiuzhi to Awan Cang Wetland - Langmu Temple - Sangke Grassland; D7, Xiahe to Labrang Monastery - Ganjia Secret Land - Lanzhou. For those visiting Gannan for the first time, this route can be chosen. If you are not familiar with the road or do not want to worry about traveling with family, you can opt for group tours/customization. The driver can also help take photos, which can be more cost-effective than traveling by yourself.
The accommodation conditions are average, and the sanitary conditions cannot be compared with those in first- and second-tier cities. It is recommended to bring your own toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, and other toiletries. Local delicacies include steamed buns, yak yogurt, Tibetan buns, hand-grabbed lamb, butter tea, beef pancakes, etc. If you don't like them, you can choose local Sichuan cuisine restaurants.
From September to October, Gannan has entered late autumn, with large temperature differences between morning and evening, so it is necessary to bring windproof down jackets/shell jackets to keep warm. Attractions worth visiting include: Ruoergai Flower Lake, Ruoergai Grassland, Zhagana, Labrang Monastery, Sangke Grassland, and Langmu Temple, etc.
Travel tips for Gannan: In terms of clothing, due to the large temperature difference between morning and evening, it is necessary to bring shell jackets and long-sleeved coats, and you can wear a dress with a coat when the sun is sufficient at noon; sun protection should not be neglected, as the ultraviolet rays are strong in the plateau area; when visiting monasteries, local regulations must be followed; smoking and drinking are prohibited before the trip, and it is advisable to avoid fatigue and take preventive medicines such as Rhodiola one week in advance. Eat more vegetables and fruits, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and relax your mind. However, patients with heart disease and high blood pressure should not travel. During the National Day season, the autumn colors in Gannan are rich, and the beautiful scenery awaits your exploration!
Visiting Gannan during the National Day holiday lets you experience a different autumn
You must visit Gannan in the autumn🍁!
😊If Gannan in summer is the best choice for a pilgrimage
🌈Then the autumn in Gannan is a sleeping beauty!
🍃When the summer crowds fade away🧡all the beauty is yours to enjoy alone
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🍁Gannan
📍Southwestern Gansu
With an average altitude of 3000 meters, it's not as high as Tibet, but Gannan has everything else that Tibetan areas offer, including the best educational institutions in the Tibetan region, the most authentic Tibetan Buddhism culture, and the essence of nomadic culture and the most primitive ethnic customs
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🍁Best time to enjoy autumn:
🕟September to early October
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🌟Sceneries you can't miss🌟
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🍁Zhagana
In the golden autumn of Zhagana, the hills are covered with colorful forests, and brilliant yellow leaves can be seen everywhere. With the high sky and light clouds, the colorful autumn leaves, the pure and vast snow mountains, the scenery intoxicates people
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🍁Sangke Grassland
In the golden autumn of Sangke Grassland, your eyes are filled with an intense gold that can't be dissolved. The Sangke Reservoir ripples with clear waves, resembling a colorful painting
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🍁Labrang Monastery
Known as the 'World's Tibetan Academy', it has a complete Tibetan Buddhism teaching system, with thousands of monks studying and cultivating here
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🍁Langmu Monastery
With the summer crowds gone, the temple becomes even more tranquil. Monks quietly chant scriptures and pray, while devout followers make rounds around the mountains, water, and stupas
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🍁Namo Grand Canyon
Trekking through the canyon is the best way to enter the autumn of Gannan. The Namo Grand Canyon, hidden deep within the Gerdie Monastery, exudes a primitive and wild natural atmosphere
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🚗4-day trip recommendation
D1: Gather in Lanzhou from all over the country
D2: Lanzhou→Labrang Monastery→Sangke Grassland→Diebu County→Zhagana
D3: Zhagana→Flower Lake→Zoige Grassland→Langmu Monastery
D4: Langmu Monastery→Lanzhou
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🚗7-day trip recommendation
D1: Gather in Lanzhou from all over the country all day
D2: Lanzhou→Labrang Monastery→Ganjia Secret Land→Xiahe County
D3: Xiahe→Guomang Wetland→Zhagana
D4: Zhagana sunrise→Flower Lake→Zoige Grassland→First Bend of the Yellow River→Tangke Town
D5: Tangke Town→Lianbaoyeze→Aba County
D6: Aba County→Hongyuan Grassland→Gerdie Monastery→Langmu Monastery Town
D7: Langmu Monastery sunrise→Lanzhou
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👀If your eyes
🌿are tired of the monotonous green of summer
🍁then come to Gannan in autumn~
🌈Let the colorful autumn brighten your eyes
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8-Day Trip to Gannan | Cost Breakdown
Last month, my friend and I spent 8 days in Gansu's Gannan, living neither extravagantly nor frugally, with an average cost of about 3000 yuan per person.
Accommodation was roughly 600 yuan, transportation about 900 yuan, entrance fees around 200 yuan, meals approximately 700 yuan, and the remaining expenses were for miscellaneous items, all of which are per person costs (our trip was from June 7th to 15th).
I. The main transportation was by plane, with the outbound flight from Urumqi in Xinjiang to Lanzhou, and the return flight from Chengdu to Guangzhou. The round-trip including tax and fuel was 230 yuan, purchased as part of China Southern Airlines' 'Travel Around China' package (4+1 group price of 3399 yuan, flew 11 times, visited Xinjiang, Gansu, Sichuan, Shanxi, Fujian, Hainan, Henan, and Liaoning).
1. Other transportation was mainly by bus and chartered car, with bus segments being: Lanzhou to Xiahe 80.5 yuan, Zoige to Chengdu 172 yuan, Xiahe to Hezuo 22 yuan, Hezuo to Diebu 72 yuan.
2. Chartered car segments were: Xiahe to Bajiaocheng 260 yuan, Diebu to Zhagana 150 yuan, Zhagana to Langmusi 150 yuan, Langmusi to Zoige 150 yuan, Zoige to the Yellow River's First Bend 400 yuan (got ripped off).
II. Accommodation averaged about 600 yuan per person, mostly staying in standard rooms (we were two girls), between 100-250 yuan. Mid-June is not yet the peak tourist season for Gannan and Western Sichuan (July and August are), so accommodation prices were not very expensive.
For example, we stayed at the Yanggongkuo Hotel in Xiahe for 146 yuan a night, at the Dawa Shengjie Homestay in Zhagana for 137 yuan a night, at the Linjiang Holiday Hotel in Langmusi for 171 yuan a night, at the 8090 Hotel in Zoige for 112 yuan a night, and at the Mingshanju Hotel in Chengdu, which was slightly more expensive, 238 yuan a night.
III. The average cost of meals was about 700 yuan per person. We had a Tibetan meal in Xiahe, ate Tibetan fragrant pork in Zhagana for 90 yuan per jin, lamb soup for 100 yuan per jin, had two meals of yak meat hotpot in Langmusi, each costing 150 yuan and 162 yuan (group purchase package), and in Chengdu, since we stayed near Shuangliu Airport, we group purchased a Lin Hao Old Mother Rabbit Head package for 145 yuan. Overall, we did not deliberately save on food during the trip.
IV. Other expenses were mainly taxi fares and the purchase of local specialties.
This trip to Gannan and Western Sichuan was 8 days, but excluding the travel days, we actually only had 6 days. The cost feels similar to the off-season prices for traveling in Xinjiang (before going to Gansu, we spent 15 days in Yili and Turpan in Xinjiang, excluding the travel days, it was 13 days, with a total average cost of about 5000 yuan per person). Now, during the summer peak season, accommodation prices in Gannan have probably increased several times.
Gannan Secret Realm: Exploring the Soul-Healing Land of Gansu
Gannan, this secret realm praised by 'National Geographic' as a 'must-visit in a lifetime', what charm does it hold? It's not Tibet, yet it has a similar Tibetan culture, stunning natural scenery, and few tourists.
📍 Location: Southwest Gansu Province
🚗 Travel Guide: First arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, then transfer to various places in Gannan.
🔍 Tour Route:
1. Lanzhou → Gannan Secret Realm → Labrang Monastery → Xiahe
2. Labrang Monastery → Sangke Grassland → Zhagana
3. Zhagana → Ruoergai Flower Lake → Nine-Bend Yellow River → Tangke
4. Tangke → Wache Tower Forest → Hongyuan, Moon Bay → Jiuzhi
5. Jiuzhi → Lianbaoyuze → Aba
6. Jiuzhi → Awan Warehouse Wetland → Gahai Lake → Langmu Temple
7. Langmu Temple → Milarepa Buddha Pavilion → Linxia → Lanzhou
🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions:
1. Gannan Secret Realm: The greenery here can heal the soul, with Bajiao City, Baishi Cliff, and Baishi Cliff Temple, each spot is breathtakingly beautiful.
2. Labrang Monastery: One of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, known as the 'World's Tibetan Academy'. Remember to rent a set of Tibetan clothes and experience this sanctity.
3. Sangke Grassland: A plateau at an altitude of 4000 meters, step on the grassland and look up at the sky.
4. Self-drive Rock's Road: Follow Joseph Rock, cross the Guanggai Mountain, and explore Diebu Zhagana.
5. Zhagana: Pure, primitive, and tranquil, the beauty here is unforgettable.
🍜 Food Recommendations: Milk tea, fried dough sticks, Zanba, yogurt, meat dumplings, meat buns, noodles, and hand-grabbed mutton, etc.
📝 Travel Tips:
1. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, bring a jacket, and cold protection in the morning and evening is essential.
2. Equipment: Thermos, power bank, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, rain gear, etc.
3. Medicines: Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, band-aids, etc.
Are you ready? Let's embark on the secret journey of Gannan together and feel the magic and beauty of this land! 🧳🌄
Zha Ga Na is very popular!
Entering the Zha Ga Na scenic area, there are several 'checkpoints' in the mountain valley.
At the first checkpoint, someone asked the driver where he was going, and then let him go.
The second checkpoint is the tourist service center for buying scenic area tickets.
The third checkpoint is for ticket checking, and the fourth entrance has no checks. After parking, you switch to the scenic area's sightseeing car to enter the park. The fee is 40 yuan per person, with no discounts. This is the round-trip ticket price to the 'One Line Sky' inside the scenic area.
The scenery along this road is very primitive and natural, with Tibetan-style wooden houses, golden temples, Tibetan people's harvested wheat stalks hung up to dry, and bean stalks piled up in the field. It used to be a territory of Tubo, and it is said that the indigenous people here are descendants of the 32nd generation of the original Tubo leader Songtsen Gampo.
When our car arrived at the parking lot, I saw large characters on the ground of the small bridge, which read:
0 km Rock's Road Zha Ga Na Na Hei Ka Ni Ba Tibetan Village.
Looking around, it's all gray stone mountains! They are quite high, no wonder they are called 'Stone Boxes'! The geological park has its special features. These gray mountain tops and sharp peaks, like they have been cut, have no trees on top, and there are gentle slopes and forests in the lower places. The gray peaks look very ancient. This is the 'ancient original geomorphological peak, which condenses the essence of the ancient glacial geomorphology of the global mid-latitude limestone mountainous area'. I don't understand some geological terms, I think it's the remains of ancient glaciers.
The mountain here is called Niganda Wa Sacred Mountain.
Zha Ga Na is a national 4A level tourist attraction. It has been rated as 'one of the 50 outdoor paradises in the world' by authoritative American travel magazines. It is the 'Eden of God' in the mouth of the Austrian explorer Rock of American nationality; in 2009, 'Zha Ga Na Mountain' was selected as 'one of the top ten non-famous mountains in China' by China National Geographic.
The fifth season of 'Where Are We Going, Dad?' was filmed in Zha Ga Na, which exposed Zha Ga Na to mainstream media and entered the public's view, and has since been well known.
The parking lot is a service area, including catering shops and stalls selling souvenirs and other facilities; the prayer flags in the grass here are very beautiful, with words expressing love: 'Secret Land Tibetan Township'.
The cliff wraps around the space where tourists gather here.
I have looked up some information about the Zha Ga Na itinerary before, which can be divided into regular tours and deep tours.
The so-called regular tour includes: Tiger's Mouth - One Line Sky, you can take a sightseeing car to go,
Fairy Beach - Fairy Lake Line,
La Sang Temple Line, you can drive or walk,
Da Ri Village Viewing Platform Line, you can see the sunrise, panoramic view, very beautiful, it is also a must-pass place on Rock's Road.
Deep tour requires courage and physical strength, it can be one or two days, or four or five days, or even more than half a month, wandering in the village, or crossing from Diebu to Zhuoni County along the Tao Die Ancient Road.
People who like to travel are very longing for Zha Ga Na, especially this year. The driver said that during the summer vacation, cars were queuing for half a day and couldn't enter the scenic area, and the accommodation also reached 1000 yuan per night, and this also couldn't book a room. The super popular famous scenic spot in Gannan has to be Zha Ga Na.
I think, the popularity here this year is due to its special plateau geological environment, as well as the characteristics of the Tibetan area. This area maintains a natural and primitive style, which is the style of modern people who like to travel to 'open up virgin land'.
We chose to take the sightseeing car to 'One Line Sky' first to save energy.
The road is very narrow, the car is going up and turning along the slope, some sections of the road are steep gray mountains on both sides, different heights, stacked up and down, the bald peaks look like they have no life, some look like an independent 'triangle board'; while on the low slopes in front of the mountains, there are vegetation and trees growing, representing the green of life.
There are plank roads connecting different scenic spots in the scenic area, and tourists can walk and enjoy the scenery. If you walk, it's quite tiring, because it's always uphill.
The car passed through the big crack in the stone mountain from 'One Line Sky', the big crack is natural, this is very special, I observed from the side, it looks like two gorillas sitting there ready to kiss.
After passing the big crack of 'One Line Sky', the other side suddenly opened up, with a small stream flowing from the edge of the mountain, the water flow is not big, tourists are taking pictures here.
'One Line Sky' is the turning point of the sightseeing car. If you continue to go inside the mountain, you have to walk. There are several scenic spots - God King Temple, Small Waterfall, Stone Forest, Grand Canyon, Tongtian Cave, etc., all are natural scenery.
There are several scenic spots called 'One Line Sky' in many scenic spots across the country. Now that I see it, I don't think it's so novel.
It's OK to check in here, we're going to Fairy Beach next!
Gannan Secret Realm Travel Guide!!!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Gather in Lanzhou - Xiahe (Stay overnight)
Day 2: Ganjia Secret Realm - Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland - Gahai Lake - Luqu (Stay overnight)
Day 3: Langmu Temple - Awan Cang Wetland - Niangma Temple - Jiuzhi (Stay overnight)
Day 4: Gemu Temple - Lianbaoyeze - Hongyuan (Stay overnight)
Day 5: First Bend of the Yellow River - Ruoergai Grassland - Zhagana (Stay overnight)
Day 6: The Road of Rock - Hezuo (Stay overnight)
Day 7: Meiren Grassland - Liujiaxia Reservoir - Jingtai (Stay overnight)
Day 8: Yellow River Stone Forest - Lanzhou (end)
Low cost of living:
Beef noodles: 8-12 yuan
Sichuan cuisine: about 45 yuan per person
Watermelon: 1.5 yuan/kg Cherries: 8-12 yuan/kg
Hand-grabbed mutton: 56-68 yuan/kg
Horse riding: 15 yuan per round
Accommodation: 150-200 yuan for a comfortable and clean stay
Tickets: Few, Lianbaoyeze 120, Zhagana 80
Road expenses: Only tolls when entering and exiting Lanzhou via the expressway, most of the rest are on national roads
Our journey passes through Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, and Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai.
Precautions⚠️:
1. Staying in the Tibetan area for a long time, the altitude is high, please search for precautions against altitude sickness on your own
2. The Road of Rock will be completely closed in July, and it is expected to be under construction until September
3. The weather in the Tibetan plateau grassland is very uncontrollable, check the weather forecast in advance, bring warm clothes, sometimes if the weather is bad you can wait a bit and it might clear up
4. You can drive up to Langmu Temple, climbing up is too tiring, and recently there is a high probability of sky burials being held in the morning
5. Respect Tibetan customs
Gannan has a kind of wild beauty and the scenery along the way is excellent
Grassland is green, the scenery along the way is not bad, slow down to enjoy, the herdsmen have let the cattle and sheep out, the scenery is really pleasing to the eye.
Gannan 6-day trip
D1. Lanzhou - Gannan Secret Land - Labrang Monastery - Xiahe
D2. Xiahe - Sangke Grassland - Awan Warehouse Wetland - Ningma Temple - Jiuzhi
D3. Jiuzhi - Lianbao Yeze - Nine Bends Yellow River First Bay - Tangke
D4. Tangke - Flower Lake - Namo Gorge - Langmu Temple
D5. Langmu Temple - Zhagana Hiking - Zhagana
D6. Zhagana - Niba Village - Mila Ribba Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou
It's much more beautiful than I imagined.
Five must-visit places for Spring Festival travel with fewer people, beautiful scenery, and low consumption
For Spring Festival travel, stop crowding into popular tourist cities like Nanjing, Chengdu, Changsha, Sanya, etc. Here are five niche tourist spots with fewer people, beautiful scenery, plenty of food, and low prices. The fifth place, perhaps ninety-nine percent of people have never heard of.
First is Mangshi, Yunnan. You can play for three days with an average of 500 yuan per person. There are authentic hundred-flavor delicacies and various Southeast Asian snacks here, which are cheap. A few dozen yuan can make you eat until you can't walk. The price of renting a set of ethnic costumes is only half of that in Xishuangbanna, and then you can take photos at the Big Golden Pagoda.
Second is Boao, a coastal town with scenery no less than Sanya. Here are the blue sea, white beaches, smoke column corridors, seaside wooden houses, colorful cloud ships, and other seaside elements. You can enjoy the entire beach, and adventurous people can also go parachuting. The prices here are very low, the seafood is super cheap, and you can stay in a super large room for less than a hundred.
Third is Xiapu, a small fishing village in Fujian. In the morning, you can go to Huazhu Village to watch the sunrise, and after the tide, you can pick up small crabs and shells. In the evening, you can encounter the sunset in Xiaohao Village. There is also a black beach in Iceland on the Gospel Island.
Fourth is Gannan, Gansu. This place is known as a secret place in the world, and you can play all over it with an average of 1,000 yuan for five days. You can go to Labrang Monastery to walk the longest prayer corridor in the world, go to the Noergai Prairie to ride a horse, and feel the same romance as Inner Mongolia. Go to the Eastern Eden, Zha Ga Na, to see where the gods fall into the world.
Fifth is Chenzhou, Hunan. Here the morning mist is lingering, like a fairyland, as if people are traveling in a painting. You can also go to the Yangtian Lake Prairie to have fun and feel the unique experience of being in Hayao Miyazaki's animation. There is also the unique high chair ridge Danxia landform, two days and one night, an average of 800 yuan per person.
Where are you planning to go this Spring Festival?
Cloud-viewing Tibetan-style Homestay/Heaven on Earth!!!
Daiba Village is located in the highest terrain of Zhagana, so finding a homestay with a view in Daiba not only allows you to take in the misty clouds in the early morning, but also to feel the vastness of the valley.
There are many homestays in Zhagana that are transformed and operated by Tibetans themselves. The family-style business model retains the classic Tibetan style. Although they are located in the collapsed mud walls, they are already modern residences.
At six o'clock in the early morning, set the alarm clock, lift the curtain, and you can quietly wait for the sunrise; the drizzle is slightly cool, sit and drink tea, watch the distant mountains and eagles circling, feel the quiet fun of the mountains; at night, look at the bonfire and feel a different kind of excitement.
Picture: Interior view of the homestay
Picture 5: The spruce at the entrance of the homestay
Picture: The morning view of the viewing room
Picture 7: The view of the village from the viewing room
: The homestay has its own parking lot; the stone roads in the village are not easy to drive, it is best to call and let the homestay pick you up; the bed is on the kang, if needed, you can contact the shop to heat the kang.
Diebu, the most beautiful winter scenery, a fairyland on earth
The winter in Zhagana presents an unprecedented spectacle of snowfields, with the azure sky, eagles soaring and crows circling in the valley, the endless snow, set against the blue sky and towering mountains, sketching a picture that is pleasing to the mind.
Most people only see the stunning beauty of Zhagana in spring and summer, but they don't know that winter in Zhagana has a different charm. It's a kind of pure, utopian beauty, with the blue sky reflecting the white snow, the magnificent mountains stretching, the sparse crowd, it turns out that winter in Zhagana is so holy.
The holy mountains decorated with clouds and fog are a kind of gaze, a comforting auspiciousness, the foggy snow mountains, creating beautiful fairy tales, in such light and shadow, there is no desire, just want to stay in this moment of tranquility.
The winter in Diebu, in the world of snow, forgot to change clothes, just quietly embellishing the world, telling the charm of the snow-covered plateau, the snowy mountains, the rime with ice crystals, from east to west, from south to north, walking between heaven and earth, only hear the crunching sound of stepping on snow.
Winter in Diebu, no need to rush, just slow down, winter in Diebu is less impetuous, more quiet, the winter here is not crowded, everywhere is leisurely, winter in Diebu, not only has beautiful natural scenery, but also has a concentrated display of rich cultural panorama, the charm of Diebu mountain after snow, waiting for you to uncover.
East of Qinghai-Tibet, south of Gannan, winter in Diebu, is a place to press the thumb, there is a poetic beauty dedicated to nature, waiting for you.
Zha Ga Na, the fascinating 'Shangri-La'
Zha Ga Na is a natural stone city, located in a ancient city of Yiwa Township, more than 30 kilometers northwest of Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, which means 'stone box' in Tibetan. The terrain is like a large-scale giant palace, and it is also like a natural rock wall.
Zha Ga Na has a steep mountain, surrounded by clouds and mist, like a fairyland. In the Tibetan village, various production activities such as nomadic, farming, hunting, and logging are reasonably matched and complement each other, becoming a model of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
It has been rated as 'one of the 50 outdoor paradises in the world' by authoritative American travel magazines; rated by China National Geographic as: 'The fourth of the top ten non-famous mountains in China'; explorer Rock said she is 'God's Eden'.
Ten years ago, there were few tourists, no commercial service facilities, no tickets, you can quietly walk around in Tibet or stay for a few days to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Ticket: 80 yuan/person (half price discount in off-season)
Rated by National Geographic as the must-visit scenery in Gannan in this life | Gannan 4-day travel guide
🌟Gannan, known as the 'Little Tibet of Gansu', its beauty and mystery are not to be missed by any traveler. This 4-day Gannan travel guide will make your journey unforgettable✨It must be an immersive experience🌄
🌟Zha Ga Na, in Tibetan means 'stone box', the natural landscape here is poetic and picturesque, like a fairyland on earth.
🌟Gan Jia Secret Realm, a hidden paradise in Gannan, under the blue sky and white clouds, grasslands, lakes, snow-capped mountains, temples, each place is filled with mysterious and beautiful colors.
🌟Labrang Monastery, a World Cultural Heritage site, one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the grand scale of the temple allows you to appreciate the profound Tibetan religious culture.
🌟Huanghe Jiuqu DIYI Bay, at the junction of Gansu and Sichuan, is the first bend of the Yellow River, located in the Zoige Grassland, the scenery is very beautiful
🌟Sangke Grassland: Although it is a free scenic spot, the scenery is very beautiful, taking National Highway 316 back to Xiahe will pass through the entire Sangke Grassland.
✅Gannan 4 days and 3 nights
🚘Day1 Lanzhou—Hezuo (Milariba Buddha Pavilion)—Zha Ga Na
⭕Today's itinerary: 420KM, about 6.5h by car
📍Milariba Buddha Pavilion, Milariba Buddha Pavilion is a nine-story pagoda known as the Tibetan Studies Museum.
❗❗Tip: You need to take off your shoes to enter the Buddha Pavilion, the scenery on the hill behind the temple is more beautiful, you can stay in Zha Ga Na today to walk around the village and watch the starry sky✨
🚘Day2 Zha Ga Na—Xiao Duku—Flower Lake—Gerd Temple (Canyon)—Langmu Temple
⭕Today's itinerary: 320 kilometers, about 5h by car
📍 : The morning mist makes you feel like you are in heaven, you can see the whole view of Zha Ga Na village, the grassland here is undulating, and the shrubs are dense
📍 The shores of Zoige Lake are full of colorful unknown flowers, like clouds falling from the sky🥳
📍 The temple enshrines the flesh of the living Buddha who did not decay hundreds of years after his death, you can hike into the Namo Grand Canyon to enjoy the natural beauty here🍁
🚘Day3 Langmu Temple—Ga Sea—Sangke Grassland—Labrang Monastery—Xiahe
⭕Today's itinerary: 280 kilometers, about 5h by car
📍 A natural lake on the Gannan grassland, this is a habitat for NIAO species, with a very superior ecological environment.
📍 The water and grass here are rich and the cattle and sheep are fat, the autumn is golden and has a unique flavor💯
📍 The most complete Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Tibetan Studies system
🚘Day4 Xiahe County—Gan Jia Secret Realm—Lanzhou
⭕Today's itinerary: 300 kilometers, about 5h by car
📍 It is a small popular grassland that integrates grassland, white stone cliff, octagonal ancient city, karst cave, and temple💚
❗❗Today's itinerary ends early, arriving in Lanzhou at about 17:00, partners can choose a suitable flight to return✈
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