The beautiful highland scenery of Gannan with its blue sky, white clouds, and fresh air

💖Gannan, located in southern Gansu province, is a place full of mystery and charm. Here you'll find vast grasslands, azure skies, pristine white clouds, and Tibetan Buddhist temples filled with devotion - each sight more captivating than the last. 👍️Why we recommend it: In Gannan, you can feel the power of faith in the long prayer wheel corridors of Labrang Monastery; gallop across Sangke Grassland and embrace the free-spirited wind; seek inner peace in the fairyland-like landscape of Zhagana; and listen to the echoes of time in the morning and evening bells of Langmusi Temple. Gannan offers a feast for both eyes and soul. Detailed address: Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, located on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, bordering Qinghai and Sichuan provinces. Admission fees: - Labrang Monastery: Around 40 yuan, includes visits to monastery buildings, Buddhist colleges, etc. - Sangke Grassland: Free admission, additional fees for activities like horseback riding. - Zhagana: Around 80 yuan, including shuttle bus within the scenic area. - Langmusi Temple: Around 30 yuan for the Gansu section, around 30 yuan for the Sichuan section. - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion: Around 20 yuan. 📅Travel tips by season: - March to May: Spring arrives late in Gannan, with winter scenery dominating and grass gradually turning green by May. Fewer tourists make this a good time for off-peak travel. - June to August: Peak season in Gannan, with lush green grass, wildflowers everywhere, and cool weather perfect for summer escapes and family trips. However, there are more tourists, so book accommodations in advance. - September to November: In autumn, Gannan's mountains are covered with colorful leaves, and grasslands transform into golden oceans - a paradise for photography enthusiasts. - December to February: After snowfall, Gannan is wrapped in silver, with few people and beautiful scenery, though temperatures are low, so dress warmly. A Gannan trip typically requires 3-7 days. Here's a recommended classic 5-day itinerary: - Day 1: Arrival in Lanzhou from your departure city. Visit Zhengning Road Food Street to taste local delicacies like beef noodles and gray peas. - Day 2: Lanzhou - Ganjia Secret Realm - Labrang Monastery - Xiahe. Admire the unique Danxia landforms and grassland scenery in Ganjia, then visit Labrang Monastery to turn prayer wheels and experience Tibetan Buddhist culture. - Day 3: Xiahe - Sangke Grassland - Langmusi. Ride horses across Sangke Grassland, then head to Langmusi to enjoy the small town scenery. - Day 4: Langmusi - Flower Lake in Zoige - First Bend of the Yellow River - Zoige. Enjoy the clear waters of Flower Lake and beautiful surrounding grasslands; in the evening, admire the magnificent sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River. - Day 5: Zoige - Zhagana - Lanzhou. Zhagana is like a paradise on earth where you can hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery before returning to Lanzhou to conclude your pleasant journey. 🍜Food guide: - Fern Rice: Sweet, soft, and nutritious. - Yak Yogurt: Rich flavor, delicious when paired with white sugar or honey. - Butter Tea: Traditional Tibetan beverage that warms and energizes. - Hand-pulled Mutton: Tender meat with authentic flavor. - Tibetan Dumplings: Thin skin with generous filling, delicious taste. 🏨Accommodation guide: - Lanzhou: Many hotels and guesthouses available. Recommended areas include Xiguan, Tianshui Road, or Donggang for convenient transportation. - Xiahe: Options include Jiusheng International Hotel, Tianzhu International Hotel, and unique accommodations like Ganjia Eco Camp. - Langmusi: Choices include Luqu International Hotel and Langmusi Zhongyuan Holiday Inn. - Zhagana: Many guesthouses available; choose rooms at higher elevations for better views. 💗Additional tips: - Gannan's average elevation is around 3,000 meters, which may cause mild altitude sickness. Avoid strenuous activities and prepare altitude sickness medication in advance. - UV radiation is strong in plateau regions. Take sun protection measures like wearing hats, sunglasses, and applying sunscreen. - Temperature differences between day and night are significant. Bring warm clothing, and even in summer, it's advisable to bring long-sleeved jackets. - When visiting temples, follow local regulations, don't take photos without permission, and respect religious beliefs and customs. - Distances between attractions in Gannan are considerable, and public transportation is inconvenient. Consider joining small group tours or hiring a private car. Always prepare well for your trip and prioritize safety.