Strolling in the Cloudy Wonderland

**7-Day In-Depth Travel Guide to Zhagana** Zhagana, meaning "Stone Box" in Tibetan, is located in Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. This hidden Tibetan village nestled among snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands is hailed as "the last Shangri-La on Earth." With its breathtaking natural scenery, pristine Tibetan culture, and simple folk customs, it’s an ideal destination for hiking, photography, and summer retreats. Below is a **7-day in-depth travel guide** tailored for you, covering Zhagana’s core scenic spots, surrounding grasslands, and Tibetan village experiences, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this hidden paradise. --- **Itinerary Overview** - **Day 1**: Arrive in Lanzhou/Chengdu, transfer to Diebu County - **Day 2**: Diebu County → Zhagana (acclimatize to high altitude, light hiking) - **Day 3**: Dongwa Village → Fairy Meadow → One-Line Sky (core scenic area hike) - **Day 4**: Zhagana → Stone City → Dari Viewing Platform (panoramic photography) - **Day 5**: Zhagana → Ruoergai Flower Lake → First Bend of the Yellow River - **Day 6**: Langmusi Town → Bailong River Gorge → Gerdi Monastery - **Day 7**: Return trip, stop by Milarepa Buddhist Pavilion in Hezuo City --- **Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou/Chengdu, Transfer to Diebu County** - **Transportation**: - From **Lanzhou**: Take a bus to Hezuo City (~3 hours), then transfer to Diebu County (~4 hours). - From **Chengdu**: Take a bus to Ruoergai County (~8 hours), then transfer to Diebu County (~2 hours). - **Accommodation**: Hotels in Diebu County (advance booking recommended due to limited availability in peak season). - **Tips**: - Avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival at high altitude; stay hydrated and keep warm. - Prepare Rhodiola or oxygen cans in advance to prevent altitude sickness. --- **Day 2: Diebu County → Zhagana (Acclimatize to High Altitude, Light Hiking)** - **Transportation**: Charter a car or shared ride to Zhagana (~1.5 hours, 30 km). - **Entrance Fee**: Zhagana Scenic Area: ¥80/person (includes eco-shuttle). - **Recommended Activities**: - Stay in a Tibetan-style homestay in **Dongwa Village** or **Yeri Village** to experience local culture. - Light hike to **Lhasang Monastery** (3,000m altitude) for a panoramic view of Zhagana. - Capture the **Golden Mountain Sunset** at Dari or Yeri Viewing Platform in the evening. - **Dinner**: Try Tibetan cuisine (tsampa, butter tea, yak meat stew with potatoes). --- **Day 3: Core Scenic Area Hike (Fairy Meadow → One-Line Sky)** - **Hiking Route**: Dongwa Village → Fairy Meadow → One-Line Sky → Shenwang Temple (~5-6 hours round trip). - **Fairy Meadow**: Alpine grassland blooming with wildflowers in summer, perfect for photos. - **One-Line Sky**: A narrow canyon with clear streams, ideal for cooling off. - **Shenwang Temple**: A small Tibetan Buddhist temple for blessings. - **Tips**: - Wear anti-slip hiking shoes and bring sufficient water and snacks. - Pack a windbreaker and rain gear due to unpredictable weather. --- **Day 4: Zhagana → Stone City → Dari Viewing Platform (Panoramic Photography)** - **Morning**: Hike or horseback ride to **Stone City** (highest point in Zhagana, 4,000m altitude) for views of stone forests and sea of clouds. - **Afternoon**: Return to the village and head to **Dari Viewing Platform** for a classic panoramic shot of Zhagana (four villages and one monastery). - **Evening**: Join a Tibetan bonfire party (if organized by homestay) and dance the Guozhuang. --- **Day 5: Zhagana → Ruoergai Flower Lake → First Bend of the Yellow River** - **Transportation**: Charter a car to Ruoergai (~3 hours). - **Highlights**: - **Flower Lake** (¥75): In summer, the lake mirrors the sky and hosts waterbirds. - **First Bend of the Yellow River** (¥60): Stunning light and shadow at sunset. - **Accommodation**: Ruoergai County or Tangke Town. --- **Day 6: Langmusi Town → Bailong River Gorge → Gerdi Monastery** - **Transportation**: Ruoergai to Langmusi Town (~2 hours). - **Recommended Activities**: - **Gerdi Monastery** (¥30): A Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist temple where sky burials may be observed (respect local customs). - **Bailong River Gorge**: Hike along the gorge with red cliffs and clear streams. - **Dinner**: Local specialties like yogurt and yak meat pies in Langmusi Town. --- **Day 7: Return Trip, Stop by Milarepa Buddhist Pavilion in Hezuo City** - **Transportation**: Langmusi Town → Hezuo City (~3 hours), visit **Milarepa Buddhist Pavilion** (the only high-rise Buddhist pavilion in Tibetan areas). - **Return**: Take a bus from Hezuo City back to Lanzhou or Chengdu. --- **Travel Tips** 1. **Best Season**: July-August for green grasslands and wildflowers, but prepare for rain. 2. **Altitude Sickness**: Zhagana’s elevation is 3,000-4,000m; avoid overexertion and carry oxygen. 3. **Transport Advice**: Limited public transport in Gannan; charter a car (~¥600-800/day) or join a tour. 4. **Cultural Respect**: No photography inside temples; walk prayer wheels clockwise. Zhagana’s snow-capped peaks, Tibetan villages, and morning mist paint a picture of untouched beauty. May this guide help you deeply explore this hidden gem! 🌄🏞️