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Located in Xiahe, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, the Sangke Grassland is a meadow grassland with an average altitude of over 3,000 meters. Covering 70 square kilometers, it is surrounded by mountains, with the Daxia River flowing gently from south to north. The grassland is lush with grass and water, and boasts healthy cattle and sheep. It is a typical plateau grassland and an ideal natural pasture. Entering the Sangke Grassland, you'll see lush grass and water, herds of cattle and sheep, and experience a quintessential Tibetan paradise.
From July to September each year, Tibetan yurts are set up to serve tourists with fresh milk tea, tsampa, Tibetan bao, hand-pulled mutton, and other Tibetan specialties. They also offer grassland tourism programs such as horse and yak rides, shooting, and bonfire parties. Here, visitors can fully experience the mysterious and simple Tibetan customs.
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Sangke Grassland is a famous Tibetan plateau located in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu. It holds cultural significance for Tibetan nomadic life, showcasing traditional practices of pastoralism and offering a unique glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Sangke Grassland is located about 20 kilometers north of Xiahe town in Gannan. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car from Xiahe, though local buses are also available. Walking is possible if you're nearby, but it may be a long distance.
The grassland is open year-round. The best times to visit are during the summer (June to August) when the grass is lush and green, and the weather is pleasant. Winter months can be very cold, and some areas might be inaccessible due to snow.
There is no specific entrance fee for the grassland itself, but certain areas such as temples or cultural sites may charge an entrance fee. You can purchase tickets at the local sites on arrival.
Booking tickets in advance is not typically required for the grassland. However, for guided tours or specific cultural sites, it is advisable to book at least 1-2 days in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
A visit to Sangke Grassland can take between half a day to a full day, depending on your interests. A shorter visit may involve hiking and photography, while a longer visit could include interaction with locals and exploring nearby temples.
Guided tours are available, often provided by local operators. They are typically conducted in Mandarin, but some tours may offer English-speaking guides for international tourists.
There are no specific night visits or light shows in Sangke Grassland. However, special tours may be available during Tibetan festivals such as Losar (Tibetan New Year) when traditional performances and ceremonies are held.
Sangke Grassland is generally not crowded, especially during the off-season (autumn and winter). The summer months, especially July and August, are the busiest, so visiting in the spring or early autumn will provide a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available. Food and water can be purchased at local shops or restaurants near the main attraction areas. It is advisable to carry extra supplies if exploring more remote parts of the grassland.
The area is relatively accessible for elderly and children, especially around the main attractions. However, the terrain can be challenging, and some of the hiking routes or more remote areas might not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Cash is preferred in most places around Sangke Grassland. Some tourist sites may accept mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay or Alipay), but it’s advisable to carry cash for purchases in more remote areas.
There are several local Tibetan restaurants near the grassland offering traditional food such as yak meat and butter tea. Xiahe, the nearest town, has a variety of restaurants and cafes for tourists.
Vegetarian options are available, especially in Tibetan cuisine where dairy products and vegetables are commonly used. Vegan and halal options may be more limited, but can be found in larger towns like Xiahe.
There are several guesthouses and small hotels in Xiahe, including Tibetan-style accommodations. The Labrang Monastery area has some local guesthouses for visitors. For more comfortable stays, the town offers larger hotels.
There are souvenir shops in Xiahe where visitors can purchase Tibetan handicrafts, jewelry, prayer beads, and textiles such as scarves and rugs.
The best transportation options after visiting Sangke Grassland are buses or taxis to nearby towns such as Xiahe. From Xiahe, you can take buses or private vehicles to other parts of Gansu or Chengdu. The closest major airport is in Lanzhou, which is about 3-4 hours by car.
