Things to do in Hezuo

This is a well-known Tibetan temple in Hezuo City, Gannan Prefecture. It's quite unique, with white stupas somewhat similar to those in Thai temples, and the red monastery exudes a solemn and dignified atmosphere. Taking photos against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds would definitely be a great experience. Since I have no religious affiliation, I didn't buy a ticket to go inside; I just wandered around the outside. However, I absolutely respect the beliefs of the Tibetan people.

This high-altitude grassland, characterized by frost-covered hills and small grassy mounds, sits at an altitude of 3600m. In June, wildflowers such as the alpine meconopsis bloom across the grassland, creating a stunningly beautiful scene. Highly recommended!

Because the grass on the grassland here grows well, it gives people a feeling of looking into the distance. This feeling of taking in endless scenery is so enjoyable. The world is so big that there are all kinds of wonders, and this is proven in this scenic spot.

The museum has stone tools, bone tools, pottery and bronze tools from the Neolithic Age and the Bronze Age; copper seals, bronze mirrors, inscriptions, bronze bells, bronze swords, and Persian silver coins from the Han and Tang dynasties; porcelain from the Wei and Jin dynasties; porcelain from the Song and Yuan dynasties; and porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Among the ethnic cultural relics are ethnic costumes, Buddhist statues, thangkas, ritual implements and other religious artworks.

I spent the whole day in Jiuzhaigou today, and the overall experience was truly wonderful. It's the kind of place you'd want to visit again and again; such scenic spots are rare. Entry is by time slot from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and the crowd control system is excellent. You can enter directly by scanning your ID card at the second-floor ticket gate. If you don't have your ID card, there's a dedicated lane for quick processing, so it's efficient and doesn't cause any delays. Each sightseeing bus has a guide who reminds passengers not to use backpacks to reserve seats, ensuring everyone has an equal seat. Safety reminders are given repeatedly throughout the journey, and before getting off, they remind passengers to check their phones, wallets, and other valuables. During the 20-odd minute ride, the guide tells stories about the attractions and local legends, and the short cultural and creative films about Jiuzhaigou played on the bus are also very well made. At Rilang Central Station, tour routes are randomly assigned; we were assigned to the left route to Changhai Lake, going directly to the top to see the lake. Each major attraction has two tour routes, allowing you to explore at your own pace or quickly take your time. Staff are available at the intersections to guide you. The restrooms in the scenic area were very clean, and the voice prompts were particularly thoughtful. Some restrooms were entirely equipped with toilets, and the disposable seat covers were changed after each use. If you're not used to that, the announcements will tell you where the squat toilets are. The area has significant elevation changes, and many trails have numerous steep steps; there were warning signs about the steps everywhere, demonstrating meticulous attention to safety. I also have two small concerns: could there be more power banks in the rest areas? And the queue for hot water for instant noodles at the Rilang Center was quite long; maintaining order would be even better. Overall, the park management, sightseeing bus service, and other facilities were all very well done, making it well worth a visit. I would definitely like to come back again.

Huanglong truly lives up to its reputation as a fairyland on earth; it's incredibly beautiful and ethereal, with exquisite details. The scenic area is well-managed, and both of my visits here have been excellent experiences 👍. Highly recommended.

Labrang Monastery is truly a dream destination when the weather is perfect! The golden roofs gleam under the blue sky and white clouds, and the entire monastery appears exceptionally solemn and magnificent in the high-altitude sunshine. As a world-renowned center of Tibetan studies, its prayer wheel corridor stretches for 3.5 kilometers with over 2,000 prayer wheels. Walking clockwise with the pilgrims, the sunlight filters through the eaves, casting warm glow on the prayer wheels and red walls, creating an incredibly atmospheric experience. Climbing the Gongtang Pagoda offers a panoramic view of the golden roofs, white stupas, and brown-red monks' quarters layered upon each other, with rolling mountains and grasslands in the distance – a truly expansive vista. If you're lucky, you might even witness monks debating, their gestures and clapping adding to the captivating atmosphere.

I never expected to spend two hours just looking at the Thangka paintings on the fourth floor 🥲 The beauty and awe are truly beyond what can be captured in photos. The costumes on the second floor were a dazzling array. I basically spent three hours in the South Hall, and I was too tired to walk around the North Hall, so I only managed an hour.

Kumbum Monastery is a must-see attraction in Xining, and many people who travel the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop make it their first stop. When I visited, one area of ​​the monastery was under renovation, but it didn't prevent me from seeing the key sights. A thorough visit might take several hours, as you can't walk too fast at high altitudes.