A Village in the Clouds: Discover the Tranquility and Beauty of Zhagana

On the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau lies a land forgotten by time—Zhagana in Diebu County, Gansu. Here, mountains and sky intertwine to form a stunning landscape, a masterpiece of nature and a testament to the long history of Tibetan culture. When the first rays of morning light pierce the clouds and illuminate this ancient and mysterious land, the whole world seems to stand still, just to listen to the stories of this pure land. Nature's Creation, Majestic Peaks and Rocks As you enter Zhagana, the first thing that catches your eye is the rolling mountains. The mountains here are different from elsewhere; some are as tall as swords pointing to the sky, while others are winding like dragons. The rocks, shaped by billions of years of wind and rain, take on various forms. Some resemble giant gates guarding the entrance to the valley, while others look like elders with open arms welcoming guests from afar. With the changing seasons, each mountain has its own color transformation. In spring, tender green dots the landscape as everything comes back to life. In summer, the lush greenery is vibrant under the shade. In autumn, yellow leaves cover the branches as the cool breeze blows. In winter, the snow-covered mountains are enchanting in their silver attire. Immersed in this scenery, one cannot help but marvel at the magical charm of nature. Mysterious Villages, a Paradise on Earth Continuing along the mountain road, you will soon see four small villages hidden in the embrace of the mountains: Dongwa Village, Yeri Village, Dari Village, and Daiba Village. These villages are built along the mountains and rivers, with houses made of local stone scattered on the slopes. The villagers have lived here for generations, leading a peaceful life. In the morning, smoke rises from the chimneys and spreads in the air, accompanied by the sound of bells from distant temples, creating a serene and harmonious picture. When night falls, the sky is filled with stars, and the Milky Way stretches overhead, making you feel as if you have traveled back to a time without light pollution, where you can more clearly appreciate the vast beauty of the universe. Rich Heritage, Cultural Treasures In addition to the breathtaking natural scenery, Zhagana also carries a rich historical and cultural heritage. According to historical records, as early as the 8th century during the Tubo Dynasty, monks practiced and spread Buddhism here. Today, this land still preserves many precious cultural relics, including well-preserved ancient buildings, exquisite murals, and various traditional handicrafts. Among them, the most notable is a Tibetan Buddhist temple called "Labrang Monastery" located in the center of Dongwa Village. It is not only an important place for believers to worship but also a rare living fossil for studying Tibetan religious art. The annual Buddha Unveiling Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month attracts countless believers and tourists to participate, creating a spectacular scene. Ecological Paradise, Harmonious Coexistence In recent years, as people's awareness of ecological protection has increased, Zhagana has gradually become a well-known ecological tourism destination both domestically and internationally. The local government has taken a series of measures to strengthen the protection of natural resources and actively guide local residents to participate in green sustainable development. Nowadays, more and more people realize that only by living in harmony with nature can we achieve long-term development. Here, you can see children playing by the clear streams, and the elderly leisurely sitting at their doorsteps, basking in the sun and chatting. Everything seems so peaceful and beautiful. From majestic peaks to tranquil villages, and from rich historical and cultural heritage, Zhagana showcases a charming yet simple and authentic face to the world in its unique way. Perhaps it is this purity that purifies and elevates the soul of everyone who comes here.