Gannan｜A Summer Adventure Chased by Rain

Gannan｜A Summer Adventure Chased by Rain Mid-July in Gannan is like a mischievous child—one moment splashing sunlight everywhere, the next moment dragging rain curtains to drench you. Our journey hopped forward to the rhythm of alternating sun and rain: just as we raised our cameras on the boardwalk of the Yellow River's Nine Bends, pea-sized raindrops came crashing down, sending us laughing and shouting toward the viewing platform, mud splattering our pants without a care. At Nianbaoyuze, we encountered pouring rain before the clouds could fully disperse; as we tightened our windbreakers and hurried downhill, the deep indigo of the mountain peaks became even clearer. The most magical moment was at Flower Lake, where wind-whipped rain lashed horizontally—with nowhere to hide, we stood on the boardwalk watching whitecaps roll across the lake, as if we'd stumbled into a living ink painting. 👔 Outfit Guide: Weather-Proof Essentials A windbreaker with a liner is a must—zip up to block the rain, bundle tight to withstand mountain winds at sunrise, practically Gannan's exclusive "skin." Long pants are non-negotiable, especially at Nianbaoyuze, where gusts could turn a short skirt into a flag—long pants are your safety net. Pack some summer T-shirts and light tops; if you're cold-sensitive, toss in a spring/fall jacket—more than enough for the day-night temperature swings. 🎈 Sweet Moments: More Vivid Than the Scenery Looking back, the "since we're here" sights might blur, but moments like pressing against the car window with friends, yelling "Look at the sheep!" or curling up in a homestay gossiping are clearer than any landscape. Of course, Nianbaoyuze's jagged peaks and Zhagana's morning fog are exceptions—the former like ink jade split by gods, the latter like crushed clouds drifting over villages, leaving you standing there dumbstruck. 📸 Photo Notes: The Truth About Grasslands Grasslands are classic "better from afar"—from a distance, they're glowing green carpets, up close they're riddled with tiny bugs and cow pats. Want to lie or sit for a photo? Either tough it out in long pants or bring a mat as your "savior," unless you're fine with jumping up immediately to brush off your pants. 💊 Travel Tips: Don’t Panic, but Be Prepared Gannan's altitude isn’t extreme, so most won’t get altitude sickness—don’t psych yourself out. If you feel fine, enjoy; if unwell, seek help. But do pack motion sickness meds! The winding roads here might leave you "wilted" without them. This rain-chased journey was messy, but the joy was real. Just like Gannan’s weather—never predictable, yet always hiding surprises in the unexpected.