2024 Zhagana Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
Gannan is a land full of spirituality, as beautiful as a poem or painting.
It was rated by National Geographic as a must-see secret place in your lifetime. The scenery is as good as Tibet, but without the high altitude sickness. This is a very niche place.
Endless grasslands and rugged cliffs
In the transition zone between the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau
There is a secret place known as "Little Tibet"
Especially after October, when autumn is in full swing
[Transportation]
🚄 Take a high-speed train or ✈️ fly to Lanzhou, then rent a car or drive yourself, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
[4-day, 3-night itinerary]
Day 1: Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Ganga Secret Place
Day 2: Ganga Secret Place - Sangke Grassland - Langmu Monastery
Day 3: Langmu Monastery - Zhagana
Day 4: Zhagana - Rock Road - Lanzhou
✅ Ganga Secret Place
The grasslands and houses under the white stone cliffs are a very special sight, especially in the early morning when the mountains are shrouded in mist, like a fairyland. Deep in the secret place is an ancient city that is a thousand years old, a mysterious place of Buddhist relics - Bajiao Ancient City, also known as the "Eternal City".
✅ Labrang Monastery
The second largest Tibetan temple complex in China after the Potala Palace. It retains the best Tibetan Buddhist teaching system in the country and is known as the "World Tibetan Academy".
✅ Sangke Grassland
A colorful grassland with both hilly terrain and pastoral scenery, a treasure of Gannan, where you can experience the original pastoral life and customs of Tibetan herdsmen. It is just by the national highway, 0.5 hours drive from Xiahe County, and turns golden in autumn.
✅ Zhagana
A hidden fairyland recommended by National Geographic, a fairy village hidden in the mountains. At first glance, it is a typical mountain valley and peaks in the Tibetan mountain area. Follow the scenic boardwalk up to the One Line Sky, and be amazed by the continuous scenery, Nie Gandawa Glacier Geological Park, Shenwang Temple, Marisongduo, Zhagana Stone Forest...
✅ Rock Road
It feels like you have entered the world of the Lord of the Rings, with steep mountains and beautiful scenery everywhere, but the road conditions are a bit poor.
The Rock Road is worth a visit.
The Rock Road⛰️ is a famous self-driving route in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, named after the expedition route of American botanist Joseph Rock in the early 20th century. The route is known for its challenging road conditions and stunning natural beauty, and is considered one of the "most beautiful 100 kilometers in China."
About tickets🚪: If you go through Zaga Na, you need a ticket for the Zaga Na Scenic Area. If you go through Hezuo, you don't need a ticket.
The Rock Road starts at Zagulu Town in Zhuoni County and ends at Zaga Na Scenic Area in Diebu County, with a total length of about 110 kilometers. The route can be divided into two sections: Cheba Valley and Guangai Mountain. The Cheba Valley section is about 35 kilometers from Zagulu Town to Jiangche Village, with scenic spots including Zhuoni rapeseed fields, Gongba Temple, and Niba Tibetan Village. The Guangai Mountain section is about 65 kilometers from Jiangche Village to Zaga Na, crossing Guangai Mountain and passing through two passes over 4,000 meters above sea level, which is the essence of the route.
The road conditions of the Rock Road are complex, with unpaved roads, rugged mountain roads, and some sections with dense shallow pits. It is recommended to use a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle or an SUV with a high chassis. Most of the route has no communication signal, so it is necessary to prepare in advance, including spare tires, enough drinking water and food, and make sure the vehicle is full of oil.
The natural scenery along the way is spectacular, from low-altitude dense forests to high-altitude alpine meadows, to wilderness and glaciers, visitors can feel the unique charm of the secret Gannan. In addition, the Rock Road also witnessed the scientific expedition footprints of botanist Joseph Rock, with rich historical and cultural value.
For visitors planning to drive the Rock Road, it is recommended to plan the itinerary in advance and pay attention to safety, especially during the rainy season and winter, as the road conditions may be more complex at these times. Also, since some sections have no cell phone signal, it is recommended to download offline maps and inform friends and family of the itinerary plan to ensure safety.
Gannan Roaming for 5 Days
Gannan Roaming for 5 Days | Take your family to roam around Gannan~ ||
⭕ Itinerary Overview
D1: Lanzhou—Labrang Monastery—Xiahe (260km/3.5h)
D2: Xiahe—Sangke Grassland—Gerdeng Monastery (Namo Grand Canyon)—Langmu Monastery (220km/3.5h)
D3: Langmu Monastery—Ruoergai Flower Lake—Xiaoduku—Zhagana (170km/3h)
D4: Zhagana—Rock Road—Hezuo (200km/5h)
D5: Hezuo—Milarepa Buddha Pavilion—Meiren Grassland—Lanzhou (260km/4h)
⭕ Itinerary Highlights
✔️ Zhagana—A secluded paradise in the deep mountains of Gannan
✔️ Ruoergai Flower Lake—A stunning wetland, perfect for photography on a clear day
✔️ Labrang Monastery—Known as the Tsinghua and Peking University of Tibetan studies, featuring an extensive prayer wheel corridor
✔️ Langmu Monastery Town—Witness the golden dome sunrise at Saichisi in Gansu and explore Namo Grand Canyon at Gerdeng Monastery in Sichuan
✔️ Rock Road—A completely undeveloped, beautiful travel route
✔️ Gannan Xiaoduku—A niche canyon crossing route with untouched natural scenery
✔️ Milarepa Buddha Pavilion—Each floor houses different offerings, solemn and respectful
⭕ Notes
✔️ Avoid bathing/washing hair on the first two nights to prevent catching a cold or altitude sickness
✔️ Rest well, drink plenty of water, relax, and stay happy
✔️ Northern air is generally dry, remember to bring moisturizing products
✔️ Hotels in Tibetan areas do not provide hairdryers or disposable slippers, bring your own
✔️ Weather in highlands can change rapidly, prepare rain gear
✔️ First-time visitors to highlands may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, bring a thermos and drink warm water during the trip
✔️ Bring your ID and any documents that might offer discounts
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Gannan