Gannan Secret Realm! Why is Zhagana called 'The Stone City Forgotten by God'?

2025 Complete Zhagana Travel Guide | Exploring the "Garden of Eden on Earth" 📍 Location Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, deep in the Min Mountains, average altitude 3,000+ meters ⏰ Best Time to Visit ✅ May-October (June-August for grassland flowers, September-October for stunning autumn colors) ⚠️ Winter (November-April) has snow on some roads, but spectacular snow scenes (warm clothing needed) 🚗 Transportation Guide 1️⃣ Self-driving (Recommended!) 6-8 hours from Lanzhou/Chengdu, along "Joseph Rock's Route" (SUVs preferred) 2025 Update: The road from Diebu County to Zhagana has been widened, but mountain roads still have many curves 2️⃣ Public Transportation - Take a bus from Lanzhou/Hezuo City to Diebu County, then hire a car to Zhagana (about 1.5 hours) 🎫 Tickets and Costs Entrance fee: 80 yuan/person (includes scenic area shuttle) Accommodation: Tibetan homestays 150-500 yuan/night, luxury hotels 800 yuan 📸 Must-Visit Spots 1️⃣ Fairy Beach Alpine meadow + panoramic view of Tibetan village, best spot for sunrise and sea of clouds 2️⃣ Joseph Rock Viewing Platform Same vantage point used by American explorer Joseph Rock, overlooking the entire "Stone City" 3️⃣ Lasang Temple 400-year-old Tibetan Buddhist temple, morning and evening bells are incredibly soothing 4️⃣ Hiking Routes Beginner: Fairy Beach to Tiger's Mouth (2 hours) Advanced: Zhagana to Dayugou (guide required, 1-2 days) 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations Value for money: Yeri Village/Dongwa Village Tibetan homestays (snow-capped mountains visible from your window) Premium experience: Yunjing Wild Tent Hotel (stargazing rooms + Tibetan herbal baths) New in 2025: Zhagana International Youth Hostel (backpackers' first choice) 🍜 Food Recommendations 🔥 Must-try Tibetan cuisine: Tsampa, yak meat hotpot, butter tea 🌿 Special wild vegetables: Bracken fern pork, highland mushrooms ⚠️ Note: Some restaurants only accept cash! ⚠️ Important Notes 1️⃣ Altitude sickness prevention: Avoid strenuous activity on the first day, bring oxygen bottles 2️⃣ Clothing guide: Summer: Windbreaker + sun hat (20°C temperature difference between day and night!) Fall: Down jacket + non-slip shoes 3️⃣ Cultural taboos: No photography inside temples, prayer wheels must be turned clockwise 💡 Hidden Experiences Tibetan costume experience: 30 yuan/hour, take a set of "Tibetan-style photos" Stargazing: Extremely low light pollution, Milky Way visible to the naked eye in summer Visit pastures: Milk yaks with herdsmen (reservation required) ✨ Summary: In 2025, Zhagana remains a hidden paradise that you "must visit in your lifetime"!