2025 Maqu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

It is said that Western Sichuan is the favorite destination for self-driving enthusiasts. Having traveled countless times to Western Sichuan, we chose to travel in the opposite direction this winter and went to Northern Sichuan. It turns out that this Gannan loop, which runs through Sichuan and Gansu, is so beautiful❗ Gannan in winter is like a hidden paradise, mysterious and breathtaking... ⭐Treasured spots on the Gannan loop—— 1️⃣ Awancang Wetland: China · Gansu · Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture 📌 Located in Awancang Town, Maqu County, Gannan (Maqu: Tibetan for "Yellow River," is the only county in China named after the Yellow River), it was rated as the first of the "Five Most Beautiful Grassland Wetlands in China" by *China National Geographic*. Altitude: 3,400m, Ticket 💰: 30 yuan, free in winter, you can walk directly in. Awancang Wetland was a spot we discovered on our way back. The weather was great when we passed by, and the blue sky and white clouds ☁️ added to the scenery. Here, the river loops, thousands of mountains compete in shape, and the Nine Bends of the Yellow River looks magnificent and has obvious curves. It is said that the best viewing period here is from May to September, but I think winter adds a sense of tranquility and harmony, as if you are in a fairyland. Walking along the boardwalk, surrounded by vast grasslands and free cattle and sheep 🐏, you may also encounter rare wild animals such as Tibetan wild donkeys and Tibetan gazelles, feeling the vitality of nature 🍃, and the beauty is endless. In the morning 🌞 and evening, the soft sunlight is perfect for capturing the beauty of the lake, snow-capped mountains 🏔️, and wetlands. -- 2️⃣ Zhagana: Diebu County, Gannan, Gansu Province Altitude: around 3,000m (Zhagana · Tibetan means "stone box"), rated by *National Geographic* as a must-visit place in one's lifetime. 🕰️ Best travel time: June-September, the grasslands are green in summer, and the scenery is super beautiful. In winter, Zhagana is also free of charge, and you can enjoy the various viewing platforms exclusively. Zhagana in winter is more profound and mysterious. 📌 Zhagana includes four villages, from bottom to top: Dongwa Village, Yeri Village, Dari Village, and Daiba Village. There are 4 viewing platforms: "Dari Viewing Platform, Locke Viewing Platform, Shimen Viewing Platform, and Xiannvtan Viewing Platform." Among them, the Dari Viewing Platform is the highest viewing platform and a must-visit spot for watching the sunrise 📷. We had limited time and only went to two viewing platforms. If time permits, you can also embark on a Locke's journey self-driving tour from Zhagana❗ -- Spending a day driving on this loop, the comfortable feeling of being away from the city's high-rise buildings lingers for a long time. This kind of trip is really awesome ❤️

Gannan-Tianshui-Tangchang, 8-day tour guide is here! Enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience the unique Northwest style. Don't miss it! -------- 🚩Itinerary: D1: Shanghai👉Longnan, stay overnight in Chengxian County Depart from Shanghai and arrive in Longnan after a long journey. Rest in Chengxian County tonight to prepare for the exciting journey ahead! D2: Maijishan Grottoes👉Fuxi Temple Visit the spectacular Maijishan Grottoes and appreciate the charm of ancient stone carving art. Then, head to the historic Fuxi Temple and feel the profound cultural heritage. D3: Labrang Monastery👉Sangke Grassland Feel the mystery and solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism at Labrang Monastery, then stroll on Sangke Grassland and enjoy the tranquility and vastness of nature. D4: Awancang Wetland👉Nyingma Monastery Visit the beautiful Awancang Wetland and feel the vitality of nature. Then, visit Nyingma Monastery and experience the unique charm of Tibetan Buddhism. D5: Lianbaoyeze Scenic Area👉Waqie Pagoda Forest Visit the picturesque Lianbaoyeze Scenic Area and enjoy the magnificent natural scenery. Then, head to Waqie Pagoda Forest and feel the mysterious atmosphere of religious culture. D6: Ruoergai Flower Lake Ecotourism Area👉Gerd Temple Feel the beauty and harmony of nature at Ruoergai Flower Lake Ecotourism Area, then visit Gerd Temple and appreciate the unique style of Tibetan Buddhist architecture. D7: Zhagana👉Lazikou Battle Site Visit the beautiful Zhagana, then head to Lazikou Battle Site to commemorate the revolutionary martyrs and remember history. D8: Guan'e Valley On the last day, end the journey in the beautiful Guan'e Valley, appreciate the wonders of nature, and leave unforgettable memories.🌳 -------- Tips: - Specialty prices: Tangchang red astragalus is very famous. Remember to compare prices from different merchants before buying.💰 - Airport transportation: After arriving at Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to the city, which is convenient and fast.🚖 - Customs: In Gannan, experience Tibetan culture and respect local customs.🙏 - Dressing suggestions: The climate in Tianshui is changeable. It is recommended to bring a windproof and rainproof jacket and comfortable shoes.👟 - Food: Don't miss Longnan's special jiaotuan and miancha, they taste great!😋 -------- Want to unlock more travel tips for Gannan-Tianshui-Tangchang? Don't forget to follow me and I'll take you to every scenic spot!

In March, we traveled to western Sichuan, starting from Gannan, and visited scenic spots along the way in Gannan area. The vast scenery along the way made me relax a lot after working hard in the big city. The Milarepa Buddha Pavilion of the Anduo Hezuo Temple is located in the Anduo Tibetan area of ​​Hezuo City, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. Its full name is "Amuo Hezuo Milarepa Nine-story Buddha Pavilion". It was built in 1777 (during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty), and was later destroyed in a historical event and rebuilt in 1988. The pavilion is magnificent, with solemn and serene red walls. You can see pilgrims and Tibetans "circumambulating the temple", which means walking devoutly around the pavilion in a clockwise circle. This is a Tibetan Buddhist way of praying for blessings and paying respect to the Buddha. Raise. This has become an important part of Tibetans' daily life. Maqu Yellow River First Bend Tourist Scenic Area passes through Maqu, Gannan, with an altitude of 3000+ to 4500+. The natural scenery is unique, with "the sky is vast and the wilderness is boundless, the wind blows the grass low and you can see cattle and sheep". The Yellow River flows through Maqu County for 433 kilometers. The wetland resources are vast and rich in wetland ecological resources. The winding river water nurtures everything here. The yaks and sheep grazing gracefully on the banks, the birds flying in the sky, the beautiful and magnificent The natural scenery is like an ink painting. Nyingma Temple is located next to the Awancang Wetland in Gannan. It is also called "Niangma Temple". The temple has the world's largest prayer wheel certified by the Guinness World Records. It is 42.38 meters high and weighs 320 tons. The outer wall is made of copper and gilded with relief. The workmanship is very exquisite, with seven-star Sanskrit Lanza script and seven-star Tibetan six-syllable mantra carved on it. It looks very easy for Tibetans to turn it. It is said that four or five people can turn it easily, but it is actually very difficult. It was hard to turn it even if I used all my strength, and the weather was cold, and my hands felt cold when they touched the metal. I was freezing.

Deep in Awancang Town stands the magnificent Niangma Monastery. It is not only a place of worship, but also a treasure trove of art. From afar, a prayer wheel stands tall, reaching an impressive height of 42.38 meters. This prayer wheel is not only massive, but also carries deep religious and cultural significance. It is not simply made of wood and stone, but is the result of countless artisans' dedication and faith. Inside, it holds about 110,000 volumes of the Tripitaka, weighing 86 tons, like a heavy mountain of culture, telling the story of a thousand years of history and faith. Even more impressive are the reliefs on the prayer wheel. These reliefs were handcrafted by Nepalese artisans using 60 kilograms of gold. They shine in the sunlight, like the will of the Buddha, illuminating the path of faith. Every detail showcases the artisans' superb skills and religious devotion, a perfect combination of faith and art, a meeting of time and space. Every turn of the prayer wheel seems to tell an ancient story, a story of faith, art, and life. Around it, people pray devoutly, feeling the power that rises from the depths of their hearts, a hope for the future, a love for life, a steadfastness in faith. The prayer wheel of Niangma Monastery is a symbol of the Tibetan people's steadfastness in faith, love for life, and pursuit of art. It is not just a building, but a spiritual sustenance, a cultural heritage. Here, you can feel the power of devotion, the steadfastness in faith, the love for life.

|Nyingma Monastery, Beyond Imagination! 😜 Today, I want to share a niche attraction on the Gannan loop with you all—Nyingma Monastery! 👀 🎈 The architecture here is so unique, especially the pyramid-shaped Nyingma Monastery, it's just so cool! 😎 There is also the Six-Word Mantra Tower, full of mystery. 🤩 The huge prayer wheel is even more shocking. When I went there, I happened to see local yaks passing by, and the scene was amazing! 👍 📍 Navigate to Nyingma Monastery (Nyingma Monastery) Prayer Wheel to find it!

Gannan-Longnan-Tianshui 8-day tour, experience the charm of the Northwest, feel the charm of history and nature, come and start your journey of exploration! -------- 🏃Itinerary: Day 1: Depart from Shanghai, fly to Longnan, and then go to Chengxian County to settle down. Day 2: Visit the natural beauty of Guan'e Valley, and then go to Eman Valley to feel the tranquility and harmony of nature. Day 3: Spend the whole day in Zhagana and enjoy the unique scenery here. Day 4: Depart from Langmusi Town, go to Gahai Zecha Nature Reserve in Gansu, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Gahai Lake, and then continue to Ruoergai Flower Lake Ecotourism Area to experience the ecological tour. Day 5: Go deep into the Lianbaoyeze Scenic Area and explore the magnificence and legend of this mysterious land. Day 6: Visit Nyingma Monastery, Awancang Wetland, and Labrang Monastery in turn, and finally feel the vastness and freedom of nature on the Sangke Grassland. Day 7: First explore the wonders of the Ganga Secret Realm, then go to the ancient site of Bajiao City to feel the weight of history, then visit Zuohai Temple, and finally end the day at Baishiya. Day 8: Visit Maijishan Scenic Area, feel the magic of nature, and then go to Fuxi Temple to learn about the profound cultural heritage. -------- Tips: - Customs: Tibetans are hospitable, you can experience butter tea and zanba, Tibetan architecture and temples are worth exploring🏯. - Photo spots: Maijishan Grottoes, Guan'e Valley, leave beautiful travel memories📸. - November climate: The temperature difference between day and night is large, remember to bring warm coats and thick clothes🧣. -------- The mystery of Gannan, the beauty of Longnan, and the ancient charm of Tianshui are waiting for you to explore! Click on the homepage to discover more Northwest customs and start your exciting journey!

Two must-visit plateau wetlands in Gannan: 1. Awan Cang Wetland is known as the "world's most beautiful, largest, most primitive, and highest-quality plateau wetland grassland". It was also awarded the title of "China's Most Beautiful Grassland Wetland" by China National Geographic in 2008. This wetland is located at the intersection of Provincial Highway 313 and Aqun Section in Awan Cang Town, Maqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. The altitude of the scenic area is about 3,400 meters. The Gongqu, Saierqu, and Daojiqu rivers converge in the center of the wetland, giving birth to this vast plateau wetland grassland. The scenic area attracts countless explorers with its unique basin-shaped grassland landform and rich animal and plant resources. 2. Guomang Wetland is known as the "Emerald City". Guomang Wetland has its unique charm, with its vast grasslands, winding rivers, and rich ecological resources, forming a picturesque scene that is refreshing. It is a paradise for various wild animals and also an important area for ecological protection. This wetland is located next to National Highway 213 in Gaohai Township, Luqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. It is in the Gaohai Lake Gaohai Ze Cha Nature Reserve, with an altitude of 3,562 meters. It is the source and water conservation area of the Taohe River, the largest tributary of the Yellow River, and plays an important role in the ecological conservation and water source protection of the Yellow River Basin.

Niangma Temple, also known as Nurma Temple, is located in Awancang Town, Maqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, on National Highway G345. It is a Tibetan Buddhist temple with a long history. The temple was built in 1834 and belongs to the Nyingma sect (Red Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism, although some say it belongs to the Gelug sect. The prayer wheel of Niangma Temple is a landmark building, visible from afar. It is 35.8 meters high, with a lower diameter of 12.43 meters and an upper diameter of 17.6 meters. Inside, it houses about 110,000 scriptures, with a total weight of 400 tons, making it the largest prayer wheel in the world. The body of the prayer wheel is made of alloy, covered with scriptures and relief Buddha statues, and the exterior is adorned with pure gold leaf, covering an area of over 1,000 square meters and using 60 kilograms of gold. Next to the prayer wheel is a glittering four-sided building, which is the largest Six-Syllable Mantra Tower in China. Niangma Temple is not only an important religious site locally but also attracts many tourists for visits and pilgrimages. Ticket: Free Opening hours: Open all day Address: Awancang Wetland, Awancang Town, Maqu County, beside G345 Transportation: Self-driving or with a tour group

Awan Cang Wetland is located in Awan Cang Town, Maqu County, Gannan Prefecture, Gansu Province, about 55 kilometers from Maqu County. In the 2008 'Beauty of China' event organized by 'Chinese National Geography,' the Maqu Wetland Group, with Awan Cang Gongsaier Kamudao Wetland as its core, was rated as the first among 'China's Five Most Beautiful Grassland Wetlands.' Awan Cang is the core area of China's famous wetlands: Ruoergai, Gahai, and Manzatang Wetlands. Due to poor drainage, many distributaries and swamps have formed here, making this vast grassland lush with water and grass, and the cattle and sheep are well-fed. The naturally formed high-quality grassland is a piece of pristine, desolate, and magnificent grassland. The tributaries of the Yellow River draw countless curves on the earth, creating a lush pasture. The shadows of clouds flow over the endless green, with herds of yaks and sheep scattered among them. Tibetan people ride motorcycles to the top of the mountain, light up Sang incense, raise wind horses, and let them drift towards the vast land.

I was really lucky to encounter an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage. The elderly man had two treasures: a bone flute made from an eagle's wing bone, with a desolate and plaintive tone, and a morin khuur, with a deep and distant sound. Playing and singing by the lakeside, it seemed like a bard from ancient times was telling the story of King Gesar. Hequ Horse Farm is one of the most beautiful sceneries in Gannan, with water merging with the sky and verdant pastures, making one want to sing, 'I wish she would gently whip me with a fine leather whip.' There is a big difference between hand-drawn and camera photos. Two of the pictures in this set are from '遥遥领先' (Yao Yao Ling Xian), can you recognize them?

Scenic Introduction: Nyingma Monastery, also known as Nyangma Monastery and Nurma Monastery, is a Gelug sect Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The monastery was founded in 1834 and was initially located on the banks of the Yellow River. It was relocated to its current site 100 years later. Nyangma Monastery is famous for having the world's largest prayer wheel. The prayer wheel has a total height of 42.38 meters, with the rotating part being 35.81 meters high and a diameter of 12.43 meters. It houses 1,080 volumes of the Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, totaling 110,000 books, and has been included in the Guinness World Records as the largest Tibetan Buddhist scripture prayer wheel. The prayer wheel at Nyingma Monastery is not only the most prominent structure of the monastery but also an important place for religious activities for Tibetan believers. The rotation of the prayer wheel is believed to accumulate merit. Nyingma Monastery is also favored by tourists for its unique architectural style and geographical location. The monastery is situated on the expansive Zashigongse grassland, surrounded by rivers, making it an excellent place for quiet contemplation. The monastery complex includes centers of faith, religious education buildings, and administrative institutions, showcasing the typical characteristics of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Geographical Location: Located in Nyingma Monastery, Awan Cang Township, Maqu County, Gansu Province.

The beauty of Awancang lies in the green of the grassland, like the 'Windows desktop' (computer Windows desktop), the beauty lies in the clouds ☁️ on the grassland, like big cotton and fluffy cotton candy 🍬, the beauty lies in the richness of the wetlands, the wetlands nurture the rivers 🏞️ and grasslands. Awancang Wetland Park is located in Maqu County, Gannan Prefecture. Maqu is the source of the Yellow River. Maqu and its Awancang are like a mother, and the wetland water source is like rice soup mixed with milk, being sucked by the Yellow River to grow strong. 'Maqu' means big river or river in the local language. May everyone who reads this article have money 💰, leisure, opportunities, and fate to visit the place mentioned in this article, to see 👀, walk, and tour. Finally, I still wish those who read this article: happiness and joy! Prosperity! Tashi Delek!

🚗🚗🚗Travel Itinerary: Day1: Labrang Monastery→Sangke Grassland→Ganjia Secret Land Day2: Baishiya→Red Sect Temple→Daxia River Day3: The First Bend of the Yellow River→Awan Cang Wetland→Maqu The First Bend of the Yellow River Scenic Area Day4: Niangma Temple→Ximeiduo He Tang→Maqu Grassland Day5: Langmusi→Bailong River Grand Canyon→Aba Prefecture Namo Grand Canyon Day6: Zhagana→Dari Viewing Platform→Lazikou Day7: Milarepa Buddha Pavilion→Meiren Grassland→Hezuo Monastery

| Awancang Wetland in Autumn | The largest wetland grassland in the world. Awancang National Wetland Park in autumn, Located in Awancang Township, Maqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. It is the place where three rivers and the Yellow River converge. Snow mountains and the Yellow River, grasslands and rivers coexist here. It forms a magnificent land covering an area of ​​about 200 square kilometers! 🏞 Because the river returns and its banks are extremely low, As a result, a unique landscape with nine twists and turns is formed. The landscape of Bayinbulak Grassland Wetland resembles that of Xinjiang~ 🏞 This area has been a strategic location since ancient times. It is the choke point for nomads to Longnan, western Sichuan and Qinghai. It has been a battleground for military strategists since ancient times. There is a saying that "if you want to capture the meander of the river, you must first seize the Gongsai" Opening hours: Open all day Tickets: None

| Sailing to the secret land of Gannan. 👀Dear friends, today I will give you a beautiful self-driving route - the "Locke Road" located in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is known as one of the "China's Landscape Avenues" and is a paradise for photography lovers and self-driving travel. The home of your dreams! 🌟 🚗Stepping on the Locke Road feels like traveling through a magnificent plateau epic. The scenery along the way ranges from open grassland pastures to majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, to deep mysterious canyons and tranquil lakes. Every frame is as breathtaking as wallpaper. Landscape Awe! 🏞️First of all, we came to Langmusi Town, the starting point of the Rock Road. There are sacred temples and splendid prayer wheels here, and the culture is rich Tibetan Culture✨. As the wheels roll forward, what comes into view is the rolling Awancang Wetland, full of greenery and lush water plants. Wetland Paradise🌱. Immediately afterwards, the road meandered straight up to the clouds, and the altitude gradually increased until we arrived at the steep and magnificent Village in Stonecastlewalls💪. The sky mirror here contrasts with the alpine pastures, just like Heaven on Earth🌈. The real protagonist, the core section of "Rock Road", is a winding mountain road that connects Diebu and Luqu. It travels between lofty mountains and passes through alpine meadows, primeval forests and the Snowy Pass peak showdown! When you stand at the pass and overlook the cattle and sheep strolling leisurely in the mist-shrouded valley, the vastness and tranquility will make you feel in awe at the Mountain Majesty Palace! Safety Tips: Although the scenery of Locke Road is intoxicating, you must pay attention to safety when driving, check your vehicle in advance, abide by traffic rules, and pay special attention to possible climate changes in high-altitude areas Weather Alert⚠️. "Rock Road" is not only a treasure route in the hearts of niche travel enthusiasts, but also a life journey worth collecting for every friend who yearns for nature and pursues unique experiences. It awakens people's desire to explore the unknown world and tells the charm of Tibetan customs in the purest language of nature. Come, let us find the soul's destination in this untouched pure land. Seek the Soul's Haven within Nature's Canvas! Note: Please pay attention to local weather conditions and road conditions before traveling, plan your itinerary reasonably, and respect local customs. I wish you a pleasant journey and come back full of wonderful memories! suitcase&Polaroid_Camera

The 5-day self-driving tour in western Sichuan is over. It was so beautiful that it completely blew up my camera memory (16g is not enough ( Self-driving route: Dujiangyan - Wenchuan - Aba - Lianbaoyeze - The First Bay of the Yellow River - Ruoergai Grassland - Jiuzhaigou - Chengdu. The route in Chengdu is just for background. If you really want to experience self-driving, you have to go to National Highway 217 and Jiuhong Grassland Scenic Road, and marvel at the snow-capped mountains and grasslands along the way, and the goats, cattle and Tibetan mastiffs along the way. At first I was very afraid of hitting these, but later I found that there was no problem. The main problem was that I was driving on a snowy road without anti-skid chains. It was a difficult episode. This Cantonese guy was wearing two large outer coats and two pairs of trousers and he almost died due to lack of oxygen at Lianbaoye at an altitude of 4,500 meters. When I went to Jiuzhaigou again later, I found that there were no major problems. What I find most difficult about the self-driving experience is that other places besides Jiuzhaigou in Aba Prefecture. There are no toilets in 9 out of 10 service areas, and the only one is a dry toilet. If you want to wash your hands, you can only touch the snow on the roadside. It is much better when you arrive at Jiuzhaigou. After all, it is a 5a scenic spot and the supporting facilities are much better than the former. In addition, food and accommodation here are not as expensive as imagined. We spent less than 100 yuan a day on food. It cost only 100 for two people to stay there for one day.

🍁 The Yellow River is the mother river of the Chinese nation, known to the world for its magnificent and long history. The first bend of the Maqu Yellow River, also known as the Yellow River First Bend Nature Reserve, is located on this nearly 10,000 square kilometers of grassland with towering mountains, high snow peaks, vast pastures, and lush water grass. Here, there are famous river bend horses and many precious wild animals. 🍁 'Maqu' in Tibetan means the Yellow River, and Maqu is a city named after the Yellow River. Looking at the map, the Yellow River forms a huge U-shape in this area, and Maqu County is built on the upper right of the U. The Yellow River nourishes Maqu County, where there are high-quality natural pastures everywhere, and you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery everywhere. 🍁 In April 1976, the construction of the Maqu Yellow River Highway Bridge began, and it was completed and opened to traffic in three years. The first bridge across the Yellow River was extraordinary. The bridge connects Maqu County in the north and Awan County in the south, not only connecting the two banks of the local Yellow River, but also opening a door to the outside world for Maqu.

The Horgeri Viewing Platform in Maqu County is 3550 meters above sea level, and the wetland park is at the foot of the mountain, where the wetland water system all flows into the Yellow River. Here, the legend of Gesar is passed down. The mother and son of Gesar who were exiled here, after hard and unyielding efforts, finally overcame the harsh ecological environment and established their own tribe.

Awancang Wetland is the core area of the famous Zoige, Bohai and Manzatang wetlands in China. There are many fork rivers and swamps due to poor water and diarrhea, which makes this vast grassland rich in water and cattle and sheep. In 2008, in the Beauty of China event organized by China National Geographic, the Maqu Wetland Group centered on Awancang was named the China's Five Most Prairie Wetlands. Fortunately, the local Tibetans held a ritual of worshipping the mountain gods in the sang pond.