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The world-renowned "Kangding Love Song," a long-standing ode, is set in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, a prefecture-level administrative region with Tibetans as the majority ethnic group. "Ganzi" is a Tibetan word meaning "white" and "beautiful." It was originally the name of a temple, also known as "Dogansi" in ancient times.
Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is one of the birthplaces of Tibetan culture. Derge, along with Lhasa in Tibet and Xiahe in southern Gannan, is known as one of the three ancient cultural centers of Tibetan culture. Tibetan Buddhism is widely spread and has a profound influence within the prefecture, boasting a long history.
With its vast territory and unique natural resources, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture possesses enormous development potential. Ganzi boasts a distinctive landscape that blends danger, ruggedness, uniqueness, grandeur, and beauty, and cultural relics and historical sites are scattered throughout the prefecture.
Ganzi Prefecture is located in the high mountain plateau area of northwest Sichuan. The winter is long and cold, and the summer is prone to rain, fog and other disastrous weather. Therefore, traveling to Ganzi should be done in spring and autumn.
From January to February, many places in Ganzi Prefecture will be closed due to heavy snow, making travel extremely inconvenient and not recommended.
The climate in Ganzi Prefecture changes greatly. No matter what season you travel to Ganzi Prefecture, you should bring enough clothes.
Daocheng Yading
Its scenery maintains a purity that is almost extinct on Earth. Due to its unique landform and pristine natural scenery, it is known as the "Soul of Shangri-La" and "The Last Shangri-La". It is praised by international friends as "the last pure land on the blue planet" and is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Hailuogou
It is the most accessible and well-equipped scenic spot in China. Among them, Hailuogou No. 1 Glacier is the largest and lowest of the five glaciers in the Gongga Mountain area .
In just a few short years, it rose rapidly from a valley deep in Tibet to become the world's largest Tibetan Buddhist academy. Surrounded by mountains, the monasteries in the valley, centered around the academy's main scripture hall, are densely packed on the surrounding hillsides. Countless crimson wooden houses stretch as far as the eye can see. These red cabins house over 10,000 monks.
Danba Tibetan Village
It refers to the Tibetan villages formed by the residents living in Danba County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in western Sichuan. The mountain strongholds in Danba were formerly known as Diaolou and Zhaifang.
The entire village is situated on a flat, open area midway up a hillside on the east bank of the Xiaojin River. Sheltered at the foot of the renowned Merduo Mountain in the Jiarong Tibetan area, the tranquil countryside and the beautiful Tibetan watchtowers complement each other, earning it the reputation of "the most beautiful ancient Tibetan village."
Recommended travel time: 5-10 days
Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is a culturally rich Tibetan region in western Sichuan, known for its monasteries, traditional Tibetan lifestyle, and pristine natural landscapes. It serves as a hub for Tibetan culture, religion, and high-altitude ecosystems.
Ganzi Prefecture is in western Sichuan Province. Visitors typically reach it via Chengdu by bus, private car, or domestic flights to Kangding or Daocheng Yading airports, followed by local buses, taxis, or organized tours for sightseeing.
Most attractions are open daily, typically 8 AM–6 PM. The best time to visit is from May to October for milder weather, clear skies, and accessible mountain routes.
For popular sites like Yading Nature Reserve, booking a few days in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. Other local attractions usually allow same-day tickets.
Plan at least 5–7 days to explore the main natural and cultural sites, including grasslands, monasteries, and Yading Reserve.
Guided tours are available in English and Chinese. Local Tibetan guides offer cultural explanations and trekking support. Audio guides are rare.
Start from Kangding, visit Tagong Grassland and Litang Monastery, continue to Daocheng Yading Reserve, explore Milk Lake and surrounding peaks, then return via local towns or scenic routes.
Night visits are limited; most attractions close in the evening. Some monasteries host evening prayers or festivals, which can be attended with local guidance.
Peak season is July–August and during Tibetan festivals. May–June and September–October are less crowded, offering better weather and quieter experiences.
Basic facilities are available in towns and major tourist spots; high-altitude areas have limited amenities. Carry water, snacks, and cash for remote areas.
Some areas, like town monasteries and grasslands, are accessible. High-altitude trekking areas may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is widely needed, especially in remote areas. Mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay are accepted in towns but less so in villages.
Vegetarian options are available in monasteries and some guesthouses; halal food is rare but can be found in local Tibetan restaurants.
Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, thangkas, yak wool products, and local jewelry are common souvenirs.
Private cars, buses, and organized tours are the main ways to travel between towns. Domestic flights from Daocheng Yading Airport connect to Chengdu and other major cities.
