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The Gangga Secret Realm is located on the west side of Bajiao Village, Gangga Grassland, Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in the southwest of Gansu Province. It is bordered by the thousand-year-old Zuohai Temple to the south, Gangga Creek to the east, and towers over the Dariga Mountain in the north. It covers a total area of 131.23 square kilometers.
The altitude difference between the north and the south is 1,300 meters. The unique geological structure makes it contain all the scenic features of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, including cliffs, grasslands, plateau lakes, stone forests, canyons, prehistoric caves, rivers and other geological resources.
The ancient city of Bajiao, Zuohai Temple, Baishiya Temple and many other thousand-year-old Tibetan Buddhist temples have formed the historical and cultural heritage of Gangga, and have produced academic masters and eminent monks such as Master Tsongkhapa, Gongri Cangnu Living Buddha, Gendun Gumpel, and the 10th Panchen Lama.
The Gangjia Secret Realm is located in Gangjia Township, Xiahe County, Gannan Prefecture. The best time to visit is July and August in the midsummer season.
The climate is cold and humid, with obvious plateau continental climate characteristics, and the average annual temperature is 2.6℃.
Bajiao Ancient City
It is said to be a castle built by the Western Xia Dynasty between 1038 and 1227 AD.
Zukaiji Temple
Zuohai Monastery, also known as Zexiu Monastery, with its full name being Zexiu Yongdrung Bondan Pujiling, is located near Yongdrung Kar in Gangjia Township, Xiahe County, Gansu Province. It is the only fertile site in Xiahe County that preserves the ancient Zhangzhung civilization and is the largest and most influential of the seven Bon monasteries approved for opening in Gannan Prefecture.
Baishiya
The White Stone Cliff averages 3.5 meters high, 4 meters wide, and is approximately 15 kilometers long. At its base, slightly west of the cliff, lies a naturally formed cave, large enough for three or four people. The cave is filled with gurgling water and winding paths. Natural Tibetan vowels and consonants are etched on the cliffs, along with stone sculptures such as wish-fulfilling cows, wish-fulfilling trees, and natural rice. It's a great place for adventure seekers and thrill seekers.
Baishiya Cave
Located at the foot of Baishiya Mountain, the Baishiya Prehistoric Cave is the highest cave in my country's recorded altitude and the largest in the entire Tibetan region. The cave's entrance, 30 meters above sea level, is quietly embedded in the cliffs on the west side of the river valley. At the entrance, a Buddha's handprint, left by Master Gongtang many years ago, remains a source of profound admiration. Exploring deeper into the cave, a naturally occurring Buddha statue appears 400 meters below the entrance.
Baishiya Temple
Baishiya Temple, known in Tibetan as Gangazhiger Gongsang'emenjilang, is a Gelugpa monastery. Its abbot is Gongri Cang, one of the three reincarnated female Living Buddhas in Tibet. The lineage has reached six generations. Nestled against the towering White Stone Cliff behind the temple, Baishiya Temple is often considered the palace of Chakravartin. In fact, the temple also houses various deities and contains numerous Buddhist scriptures.
Conch top
One of the countless oddly shaped rocks scattered across the grasslands atop Baishiya Cliff bears a striking resemblance to the Buddhist conch shell, earning the area its name "Dhamma Conch Peak." Legend has it that before ascending the altar to preach, the Buddha would often use the deep, resonant sound of the conch shell to alert his disciples to return to their seats and listen quietly.
80 yuan
08:30-20:30
Ganga Secret Realm is a hidden gem in Gansu, China, known for its pristine Tibetan culture and breathtaking natural beauty. It has long been a site of spiritual significance, with its monasteries offering insight into Tibetan Buddhism.
Located in Gannan, Gansu Province, the Ganga Secret Realm can be accessed by bus or taxi from the nearby town of Xiahe. There are no direct metro connections, so private transport or organized tours are recommended.
The site is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between May and October, when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities.
The entrance fee is typically around ¥80-¥120 depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through local travel agencies.
While booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (June to August). Booking 1-2 weeks ahead is ideal.
To fully explore the Ganga Secret Realm, you should plan for a full day, especially if you want to enjoy hiking and visiting monasteries.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English, with options to book in advance through local tour agencies.
A recommended route is to start at the main entrance, hike up to the monasteries, and then follow the trails along the river for the best natural views.
Night visits are not typically available due to the remote location, but some organized tours offer night-time cultural performances in nearby towns.
The area can get crowded during the summer months (June to August). The least crowded times are early spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October).
There are basic facilities such as toilets and small local eateries near the main entrance. However, it's advisable to carry water and snacks if venturing far into the trails.
The terrain is rugged, so it may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy the easier trails near the entrance.
Cash is commonly used, although mobile payments (like Alipay or WeChat Pay) are also accepted at most spots.
There are a few local Tibetan-style restaurants serving hearty meals, but options are limited. You may want to bring snacks or meals for the day.
Vegetarian food is available, especially Tibetan dishes like tsampa and vegetable stews. Vegan and halal options may be limited in more remote areas.
Nearby accommodations include local guesthouses and Tibetan-style hotels in Xiahe, which is about an hour's drive away from the Ganga Secret Realm.
Souvenir shops sell Tibetan handicrafts, prayer wheels, and local textiles like scarves and blankets.
The best transportation options are buses or taxis to nearby towns like Xiahe. From there, you can access other attractions or continue your journey to Lanzhou.
