Gannan, a soulful journey where faith and beautiful scenery intertwine

If you yearn for the mysterious Tibetan culture but fear the discomfort caused by high altitudes, then Gannan, with an average elevation of only 3,000 meters, is undoubtedly your perfect choice. It is called the "Land of Pure Beauty" by National Geographic and serves as the transition zone between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau. It gathers natural and cultural landscapes such as grasslands, canyons, wetlands, and ancient temples, like a dazzling pearl radiating unique charm. Best Travel Time - June to August: Summer in Gannan, with average temperatures of 20-25°C, is the ideal place to escape the heat. At this time, the grasslands are lush green, wildflowers bloom all over the mountains, and the flower sea of Flower Lake contrasts beautifully with the clear lake water, creating a breathtaking view. - September to October: Autumn in Gannan is a season of colorful forests. The barley waves in Zhagana appear faintly in the morning mist, presenting a charming golden gradient scene full of poetry and romance. Transportation Guide - Airplane: You can first arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, then transfer by car to various places in Gannan; Xiahe Airport also has some routes, so choose flights according to your departure location. - Train: Lanzhou is an important transportation hub. You can take a train to Lanzhou, then transfer to a long-distance bus or charter a car to Gannan. - Bus: There are frequent buses from Lanzhou, Linxia, and other places to various cities and counties in Gannan, making travel quite convenient. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Labrang Monastery: One of the six main monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, it has the world's longest prayer corridor, stretching 3.5 kilometers. Here, you can follow the locals in circumambulating the monastery and feel the power of faith; at dawn, you can witness the sacred scene of monks' morning prayers, incense smoke blending with the morning light, as if traveling through a thousand years. 2. Zhagana: This "Stone City" hidden among the mountains is shrouded in mist, like a fairyland. It is recommended to stay here for a night and get up early the next day to watch the sunrise. When sunlight shines on the stone mountains, the entire village is dyed golden, breathtakingly beautiful. Hiking along the wooden plank road to the Fairy Beach viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the village, with high mountain Tibetan villages and forest meadows forming a stunning pastoral landscape. 3. Langmu Temple: A town spanning two provinces, Gansu's Saichi Temple and Sichuan's Gerdy Temple face each other across the river, full of mysterious and unique atmosphere. Be sure to visit the sky burial platform (maintain silence) to learn about this unique Tibetan funeral culture; in the afternoon, you can hike the Namo Canyon and explore the source of the Bailong River. 4. Sangke Grassland: Vast and boundless grassland where blue sky, white clouds, and green grass blend harmoniously. In summer, wildflowers bloom everywhere. You can ride a horse (about 50 yuan per round) to experience a sense of freedom; deep in the grassland, you can visit herders' homes, make tsampa by hand, and taste authentic Tibetan cuisine. 5. Ganja Secret Realm: A hidden treasure deep in the mountains, featuring cliffs, stone forests, grasslands, and caves, fulfilling all your fantasies about the mysterious plateau. Ancient temples like Zuohai Monastery and Baishi Cliff Monastery, as well as the octagonal ancient city, add rich historical and cultural heritage, nurturing many great monks such as Master Tsongkhapa and the 10th Panchen Lama. 6. Gahai Lake: A pearl on the plateau with crystal-clear water and vast surrounding wetlands. June is the best bird-watching season, where black-necked cranes, gray geese, and various waterfowl gather in large numbers, creating a spectacular scene. 7. The First Bend of the Yellow River: The Yellow River and the White River converge here, forming multiple beautiful S-shaped bends. Viewed from above, it looks like a ribbon winding across the land. At sunset, sunlight shines on the river surface, the nine bends reflect the nine suns, shining brilliantly like a dream. Special Local Foods 1. Tibetan Set Meal: Tsampa paired with butter tea can relieve altitude sickness and offer a unique Tibetan flavor; hand-pulled lamb is tender and free of gamey taste, with firm meat texture, a classic dish on Tibetan dining tables. 2. Yak Yogurt: With a golden milk skin on top, it tastes sweet and sour and rich. You can add some sugar according to your taste. It melts in your mouth and leaves a lasting aftertaste. 3. Tibetan Steamed Buns: Filled with yak meat, the dough is chewy, and biting into it releases juicy, delicious flavors. 4. Jue Ma Rice: The sweetness of Jue Ma perfectly blends with the aroma of rice, offering a soft and sticky texture and rich nutrition. 5. Butter Tea: Salty and rich butter tea is an indispensable drink in Tibetan life, helping to resist cold and relieve discomfort caused by altitude sickness. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Xiahe: Close to Labrang Monastery, convenient for travel, allowing you to feel the solemnity and tranquility of the temple anytime. You can choose unique homestays like Xiahe Yinian Mountain Residence to experience Tibetan wabi-sabi style. 2. Zhagana: It is recommended to stay in Dongwa Village for easy sunrise viewing and sightseeing. The Zhagana Marmot Viewing Homestay offers attentive service, and opening the window reveals stunning mountain and wild scenery. 3. Langmu Temple Town: Hotels on the Gansu side are recommended, such as Longda Holiday Hotel, equipped with floor heating and oxygen supply devices, very friendly for those new to the plateau. 4. Tangke Town: Close to the First Bend of the Yellow River, you can choose the Cloud Pasture Homestay, where you can lie in a starry Mongolian yurt at night and enjoy the dazzling Milky Way. Travel Itinerary Planning Classic 5-Day Tour - Day 1: Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Xiahe Depart from Lanzhou to Xiahe, visit the Tibetan Buddhist holy site Labrang Monastery, feel the strong religious atmosphere, and stay overnight in Xiahe. - Day 2: Xiahe - Sangke Grassland - Ganja Secret Realm - Langmu Temple In the morning, ride horses and stroll in Sangke Grassland, enjoying the grassland scenery; in the afternoon, head to Ganja Secret Realm to explore the mysterious plateau landscape; arrive in Langmu Temple town by evening to appreciate its unique charm. - Day 3: Langmu Temple - Flower Lake - Ruoergai Grassland - Zhagana Get up early to watch the sunrise at Langmu Temple, then visit Flower Lake to admire the wetland flower sea; next, gallop across Ruoergai Grassland, and arrive at Zhagana in the evening to stay in a homestay. - Day 4: Zhagana - Rock Road (highlight section) - The First Bend of the Yellow River Explore Zhagana deeply, experiencing its morning tranquility and grandeur; then embark on the Rock Road, crossing high mountain canyons and enjoying the scenery along the way; watch the sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River in the evening. - Day 5: The First Bend of the Yellow River - Lanzhou Get up early to watch the sunrise at the First Bend of the Yellow River, then return to Lanzhou, concluding a pleasant Gannan trip. Travel Tips 1. Altitude Sickness Prevention: Prepare anti-altitude sickness medicine such as Rhodiola in advance. Avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival in Gannan, drink plenty of water, and let your body gradually adapt to the altitude; carry glucose oral liquid to replenish energy promptly if you feel unwell. 2. Clothing Preparation: Gannan has a large temperature difference between day and night. Even in summer, bring warm clothes like windbreakers and thin down jackets; during the day, strong sunlight requires sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 3. Respect Local Customs: Dress appropriately when entering temples, do not wear hats or step on door thresholds; turn prayer wheels clockwise; show respect for special cultures like sky burials, and avoid taking photos or making comments casually. 4. Other Precautions: Some areas have poor signal, so download offline maps in advance; pay attention to road conditions and drive cautiously if self-driving; negotiate prices and duration in advance for horse riding and other entertainment to avoid disputes. Gannan, this mysterious and charming land, boasts magnificent natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. Step onto this land to feel the power of faith, appreciate the wonders of nature, and embark on an unforgettable soulful journey!