Gannan - The Beautiful Faraway (Gannan Travel Guide)

‼️Travel Tips 1. Although Gannan isn't extremely high in altitude, the Luoke Road reaches nearly 4,000 meters. Be sure NOT to take a shower!!!! I took one and got altitude sickness, then felt dizzy and lost my beloved bracelet. For those who care about looks and worry about unwashed hair in photos, consider wearing a wig—it also doubles as a hat in the windy weather here. 2. Always carry a windbreaker and umbrella. Gannan's weather is unpredictable—rain and wind can start suddenly, followed by a sharp temperature drop, sometimes to around 10°C! Regular autumn clothes won’t cut it! 3. Don’t overpack! Buy cute clothes at Lanzhou’s night market (p14). Near Zhongshan Bridge, take the subway to Xiguan, head toward Eurasia Plaza, and you’ll find many clothing stalls—three items for around ¥100 (I didn’t check exact prices, but it’s affordable). Get some disposable outfits to wear and discard, saving space and money. 4. I brought a whole suitcase of clothes but only wore half. Pack thermal leggings and thicker pants. My Wuhan autumn outfits felt too light there. At Langmusi during breakfast, the shop owner was even wearing a turtleneck and told me it was below zero in late June… **Day 1**: Depart from Lanzhou → Liujiaxia Sanyuan Viewing Platform → Linxia Bafang Shisan Alley (try local food) → Milarepa Buddha Pavilion → Stay in Hezuo (3rd) **Day 2**: Hezuo → Zhagulu Town → Luoke Road → Dari Viewing Platform → Fairy Beach → Stay in Zhagana (4th) **Day 3**: Zhagana → Cross Xiaoduku Highway → Ruoergai Grassland → Stay in Langmusi (5th) **Day 4**: Langmusi → Namo Grand Canyon → Guomang Wetland & Sangke Grassland → Stay in Xiahe (6th) **Day 5**: Xiahe → Labrang Monastery → Da’erzong Lake → Return to Lanzhou 🚫 **Attraction Reviews** ❤️ Luoke Road and Xiaoduku offer the most stunning scenery—the beauty is all along the drive! Each route takes about 4+ hours by car, but it’s relatively relaxing. ❤️ Photography is allowed at Labrang Monastery (even professional shoots), but I got a headache from altitude sickness and went for oxygen after the tour… The ¥40 ticket includes a monk’s brief explanation—not super detailed, but still great. The spiritual energy there is powerful.