Diebu

Introducing Diebu

Diebu County is a county under the jurisdiction of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. Located on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Diebu County is crossed by the Western Qinling Mountains, the Min Mountains, and the Die Mountains. Its terrain rises in the northwest and falls in the southeast, with an altitude ranging from 1,600 to 4,920 meters. The county covers a total area of ​​5,108.3 square kilometers, with terrain rising in the northwest and falling in the southeast. It stretches 110 kilometers from east to west and 75 kilometers from north to south. The average annual temperature is 6.7°C. In 2013, Diebu County's GDP reached 944 million yuan.

On September 25, 2018, it was awarded the honorary title of "2018 Comprehensive Demonstration County for E-commerce in Rural Areas" by the Ministry of Commerce. On December 29, 2018, it was named by the State Ethnic Affairs Commission as one of the sixth batch of national demonstration areas (units) for the creation of ethnic unity and progress.

Climate and best time to travel

Diebu County lies in the transition zone between continental and maritime climates, an atypical continental climate with distinct dry and wet seasons and prominent monsoonal characteristics. Precipitation is concentrated in the summer, with more wind and less rain in the spring and continuous rain in the autumn. Along the river valley, there are no severe winter cold and no extreme summer heat. The average sunshine hours are 2,242.2 hours. Solar radiation is highest in July and lowest in December. The average annual temperature ranges from 8°C to 11°C. There are 147 frost-free days, and precipitation is 634.6 mm, mostly from May to September. The maximum frozen ground depth in winter is 66 cm. The soil distribution is broadly brown soil and brown earth.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Lazikou

Seven kilometers north of the Lazikou Township Government in Diebu County lies the world-renowned Lazikou Battle Memorial, a revolutionary site. Lazikou is a strategically located gorge pass on the ancient Gansu-Sichuan Road and the modern-day Min-Dai Highway. Since ancient times, it has been the throat of the Gansu-Sichuan Pass and is known as the "Gateway to Natural Danger." The canyon faces two steep cliffs. The Lazi River flows through the narrow passage, only eight meters wide, with only a one-meter-wide bridge for pedestrians and animals. The passage is as dangerous as "one man guarding the pass, ten thousand men unable to break through." On September 16, 1935, the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army entered the Lazikou area during the Long March. The forces of the warlord Lu Dachang, exploiting the natural fortress of Lazikou, blocked the Red Army's advance northward. Since then, Lazikou has become a world-renowned revolutionary site in the history of the Chinese revolution. To protect the Lazikou Battle Memorial, the provincial government built the "Lazikou Battle Monument" on the south side of Lazikou in 1980.

Jiulong Gorge

The Bailong River, flowing from west to east through Diebu County, is lined with towering peaks and deep valleys, creating long and dangerous gorges. The most perilous of these is Jiulong Gorge, located in Wangzang Township, known as the "Golden Lock of Nine Dragons." Formed by tectonic movements and the Bailong River over the years, Jiulong Gorge has become a majestic and spectacular canyon. The cliffs on both sides rise over 800 meters, with the gap between them only tens of meters wide, separated by a river. The northern bank belongs to the Dieshan Mountains, while the southern bank is part of the Minshan Mountains.

Ancient Diezhou City Ruins

The ruins of the ancient Diezhou City are located in Rannao Village, Dianga Township, east of Diebu County. It is located on the terrace on the north bank of the Bailong River and is backed by the peak of Zhagadu Mountain. During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the territory of Diebu County was Hechuan County. In the second year of Wude of Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty, Diezhou was established. Before the establishment of the state, it was called Jiaoshu City, and later it was called Diezhou City. The city is about 1,000 meters long from east to west and 450 meters wide from north to south. The city wall was built according to the terrain. The city wall is an irregular pentagon. The inner city is built in the northeast of the city. To this day, the ruins of the ancient city still exist, and the holes for clamping sticks and the rammed earth layer on the ruins are clearly visible. [4]

Ruins of the Russian Border Conference

The Ejie Conference Site is located in Gaoji Village, 3 kilometers northwest of the Dala Township government. The flat terrain, nestled between mountains and rivers, makes it a typical Tibetan village with beautiful scenery. The Red Army meeting site and its wooden building are well-preserved. On September 10, 1981, it was designated a provincial-level cultural relic protection site by the Gansu Provincial People's Government. The Ejie Conference was the first important meeting of the Party Central Committee in Gansu during the Red Army's Long March. At the meeting, Mao Zedong delivered a report entitled "On the Dispute with the Leaders of the Fourth Front Army and the Future Strategic Policy." The meeting discussed the mission of the northward march and the policy after arriving in southern Gansu. The "Decision on Comrade Zhang Guotao's Mistakes" was adopted, and the Central Committee issued the "Letter to Comrades on Carrying out the Northward Anti-Japanese Campaign." The Ejie Conference was of particular significance in defeating Zhang Guotao's divisive and destructive policies and successfully completing the 25,000-mile Long March that shocked the world.

Mao Zedong's Former Residence in Cizhina

Mao Zedong's former residence in Cizhina Village is located southeast of the Wangzang Township government seat. From September 13 to 15, 1935, during the Long March of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, Mao Zedong resided in a wooden building in the village. It was here that he issued the order to the Fourth Red Army Regiment to "capture Lazikou within three days." To protect revolutionary relics, the county government has designated it a county-level cultural relic protection site.

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Most Popular FAQs for Diebu

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Diebu, located in Gannan, Gansu Province, is a significant Tibetan cultural region. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and for being a peaceful retreat for Tibetan Buddhists. The area is rich in cultural heritage and offers visitors insight into Tibetan life and religion.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Diebu is located in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. To get there, you can travel by bus or taxi from the nearest city, Lanzhou (about 6-7 hours by bus). There are no metro services, and walking is only advisable within the village itself.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Diebu can be visited year-round, though the best time is during the summer months (May to September) when the weather is more temperate. Winter can be quite cold, and accessibility may be more challenging due to snow.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no fixed entrance fee for the region of Diebu. However, specific monasteries or local attractions may charge a small fee for entry, typically paid on-site. Tickets can be purchased directly at the attractions.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not usually necessary for Diebu. However, if visiting specific monasteries or attractions during peak tourist seasons, it is advisable to confirm details in advance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore Diebu and enjoy its natural beauty, cultural sites, and hiking trails, 2-3 days should be sufficient.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The surrounding grasslands and Tibetan monasteries.
• The local Tibetan culture and interactions with the indigenous people.
• The picturesque lakes and rivers that surround the region.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available, usually in Mandarin, and are organized through local operators. Some guides may speak English, but it is advisable to book in advance for English-speaking guides.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The high-altitude mountains offer stunning views of the vast Tibetan plateau.
• The picturesque lakes and rivers are great spots for photography, particularly during sunrise and sunset.
• The expansive grasslands provide sweeping vistas, especially when the wildflowers bloom in the summer.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with a visit to the monasteries, then hike the scenic mountain trails in the morning. Spend the afternoon exploring the lakes and rivers, and end the day with a peaceful walk through the grasslands.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no special light shows or night visits in Diebu. However, the clear night skies offer excellent stargazing opportunities due to the area's remote location.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Diebu is not typically crowded. The least crowded times to visit are during the winter months (November to March) when tourism is slower.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities are available in the local town, including public toilets, small restaurants, and food stalls. It is advisable to carry your own water and snacks for longer hikes.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Due to the high altitude and rugged terrain, Diebu is not very accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. However, the town and nearby monasteries may be manageable for children or those with limited mobility.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is the most common method of payment in Diebu. Some places may accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay, but it's safer to carry cash, especially in more remote areas.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Local Tibetan restaurants offer traditional dishes such as yak meat and barley bread. Small cafes in the area serve tea and snacks, but options are limited compared to larger cities.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian dishes, mainly based on barley and vegetables, are available. Halal options may be harder to find due to the predominantly Tibetan Buddhist culture.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are basic guesthouses and local hotels in Diebu. For more upscale options, you'll need to travel to larger cities like Lanzhou or Xiahe.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet.
• The scenic Gannan Tibetan Plateau and surrounding natural beauty, ideal for hiking and photography.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops in Diebu sell Tibetan crafts, including yak wool items, Tibetan jewelry, and prayer beads.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Diebu, the best transportation options are buses or taxis to nearby cities like Lanzhou or Xiahe. Renting a car for more flexibility is also an option.