Live Your Best Lives
If you feel that the religion of Tibet is too far away, the vastness of Xinjiang is too tiring, and the grasslands of Inner Mongolia are too monotonous, then I recommend you to come here.
Gannan - this secret place called "Pure Land on Earth" by National Geographic, with its gentle altitude of 3,000 meters, cool summer temperature of 25℃, and ultimate scenery of nine colors, weaves a Tibetan dream within reach for you!
Gannan, whose full name is "Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture", is located in the southwest of Gansu Province. It is the transition zone between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau. It is also a hidden place at the junction of Gansu, Sichuan and Qinghai provinces.
As an important water source in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, Gannan has rich and diverse natural landscapes such as vast grasslands, tranquil lakes, mysterious and majestic snow-capped mountains. It is an independent geographical and cultural unit - "a bright window to Tibet, a pure land of Buddhism."
This summer, I want to invite you to come to Gannan, bring a touch of green and a pool of clear water, and paint a cool dream in this hot world.
Low-altitude friendly: With an average elevation of only 3,000 meters, over 90% vegetation coverage, and abundant oxygen, altitude sickness is minimal! Elderly people, children, and first-time plateau travelers can all enjoy a worry-free trip.
Concentrated ultimate scenery: grasslands, snow-capped mountains, canyons, wetlands, sea of flowers, ancient temples, rivers...Except for the ocean, here gathers all the natural wonders you can imagine.
A living fossil of Tibetan culture: the sound of chanting in the prayer corridor, the butter lamps in the thousand-year-old temple, the smoke from the herdsmen's tents, faith and fireworks are interwoven into poetry here.
A summer paradise: From June to August, the average temperature is 20-25℃, with green grass and wild flowers everywhere, and the Milky Way is within reach at night.
Small and uncommercialized: There are few tourists, and the original villages and secret grasslands still retain the purest Tibetan style.
Here, you can witness the golden-domed temples of Tibetan Buddhism gleaming on the grasslands, hear Tibetan compatriots reciting ancient scriptures with devout voices, and savor distinctive ethnic delicacies like tsampa and butter tea. These unique cultural elements, like layers of mysterious veils, imbue Gannan with endless charm and allure.
35° North Latitude, a magical line of latitude, brings together almost all the world's most stunning scenery. Near this line, Gannan is like a lost pearl. In the scorching heat of midsummer, while other places are sweltering, Gannan, with an average temperature of 25°C, becomes a natural haven for cooling off.
This land is home to many unparalleled scenic spots, including Zhagana Fairy Beach, Huahu Lake, the First Bend of the Nine-Bend Yellow River, and Awancang Wetland, each of which is overflowing with the pure charm of pristine ecology.
Fairy Beach is one of the core attractions in Zhagana Scenic Area. It can be reached by walking or riding a horse along the wooden plank road from the entrance of the scenic area.
This alpine meadow is surrounded by mountains and lush forests, where cattle and sheep graze and stroll leisurely. The panoramic view from here is also perfect for overlooking the entire Zhagana Scenic Area and watching the sunset. As the afterglow of the setting sun casts a golden veil over the mountains, meadows, and cattle and sheep, perfect for taking photos.
Huahu Lake, a natural lake within the Zoige Wetland, was selected by National Geographic as "China's Most Beautiful Wetland." Its pristine surface reflects the blue sky and white clouds, while its edges are dotted with a sea of flowers. In summer, a variety of wildflowers bloom, creating a striking contrast against the emerald green waters, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The Yellow River flows through here, merging with the Bai River, forming a series of beautiful S-shaped bends. From a high vantage point, the river looks like a ribbon flowing down the landscape. At sunset, the nine bends reflect the sun, casting a golden glow across the Ruoergai grasslands.
Every year at the turn of spring and summer, the wetlands are blanketed in greenery and bursting with wildflowers, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding landscape. The vast swamps, dotted with numerous lakes and crisscrossed by winding rivers, are home to a variety of rare bird species, including black-necked cranes and white swans.
In this mysterious and charming land of Gannan, there are several breathtaking natural wonders.
From the perfect blend of primeval forests and rock formations in Zhagana, to the historical treasures of Bajiao Ancient City and Baishiya Temple in the secret realm of Gangjia; from the magnificent scenery of unique peaks and rocks and glacial lakes in Lianbaoyezhe, to the adventurous thrill and picturesque scenery of Rock Road, every step of the way is a visual feast and unforgettable.
This fairyland hidden among the mountains of Gannan consists of four Tibetan villages and a Tibetan Buddhist temple, Lasang Monastery. It is surrounded by rocky mountains and carpet-like meadows. The misty Tibetan villages and the stacked terraces are interwoven into an oil painting.
It is a treasure land hidden in the mountains, rarely visited by people. It has cliffs, stone forests, grasslands, caves... It brings together all your longings for the mysterious plateau.
Many ancient Tibetan Buddhist temples, such as Zuohai Temple and Baishiya Temple, and the Bajiao Ancient City, have added to Gangga's rich historical and cultural heritage. It has nurtured many great scholars and eminent monks, such as Tsongkhapa and the 10th Panchen Lama.
Lianbaoye means "noble jade peak." The mountains are majestic and unique, with rugged peaks, numerous glaciers, lakes, and grasslands. Known as the "Lord of the Rings of the East," the area boasts a myriad of stone peaks and forests, and lakes like jade embedded in the mountaintops.
Named after American explorer Joseph Rocker, who traveled this route to explore places like Zhagana, Rocker's Road traverses a diverse range of terrain, including mountains, canyons, and meadows, offering breathtaking scenery along the way.
This is a track for the brave, full of challenges and excitement. On the Rock Road, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains, meadows, and smoke from Tibetan villages.
This ancient and mysterious land carries a profound cultural heritage and rich historical heritage.
Labrang Monastery is located in Xiahe County, Gannan. It is magnificent and is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It has the world's longest prayer corridor (3.5 kilometers).
Follow in the footsteps of the film "A World Without Thieves," touch the gilded pagoda, and listen to the resonance of wind chimes and chanting. Early morning is the best time to visit Labrang Monastery, where you can witness monks performing morning prayers and the smoke from incense burning blends with the morning light, creating a feeling of traveling back a thousand years.
Langmusi, located on the border of Gansu and Sichuan, is surrounded by grasslands, woods, hills, and red cliffs, creating a mysterious and beautiful scene. The town is home to two historic Tibetan Buddhist monasteries: Ganden Saichi Monastery and Gelug Monastery.
In the early morning, when the first ray of sunlight shines on the golden roof of the temple, the whole town is shrouded in a peaceful atmosphere, as if it is a paradise on earth.
A treasure of Buddhist art on the banks of the Yellow River, it currently has 183 caves, 776 statues, and more than 900 square meters of murals. The grottoes are built against the mountain and are staggered in an orderly manner, with the Buddha statues and murals complementing each other.
The Bingling Temple Grottoes, a fusion of Han, Tibetan, and other ethnic cultural elements, bear witness to the blending of diverse cultures. Today, it has become a World Cultural Heritage.
Entering the grottoes is like traveling through time, conversing with the ancients and feeling the vicissitudes of time. Every Buddha statue and every mural bears the mark of time, telling of the glory of history, allowing you to appreciate the wisdom of ancient craftsmen and the profoundness of Chinese culture.
When you don’t have much time to travel, but really want to enjoy the scenery of Gannan, this route is the right one for you!
Our 7-day itinerary includes Lianbaoyezhe. If you want to avoid the high altitude Lianbaoyezhe, you can choose the 6-day itinerary.
This itinerary will allow you to not only see the scenery of Gannan but also experience life on the grasslands. You'll meet people closely involved in grassland ecological protection. They are not only dedicated to grassland protection, but also keen to share their childhood experiences and joys on this vast grassland.
Under the hands-on instruction of the tour leader and locals, you will make wool felt by yourself and take it home as a figurine!
We also arranged a trip to Rock Road during the trip, passing through the surging fog like waves, driving on the green grassland, crossing the deep cliffs, and experiencing the same Zhagana Mountain Road that Joseph Rock walked.
Due to the road conditions on the Rock Road, only vehicles with less than 7 seats are currently allowed to pass. Our bus group will transfer to a small car in Zhagana to take you to the best section of the Rock Road.
This dark horse route is famous for its Gangga Secret Realm! With towering cliffs surrounded by flat clouds and an octagonal fortress towering above the grasslands, the scenery along the way is epic and magnificent.
During the trip, you will also revisit the highlights of the entire Zhaganalock Road!
The route is upgraded based on the essence of Gannan, and the beautiful scenery of Gannan is captured from a photographic angle.
You must visit Gannan once in your life!
Feel the warmth of faith in the prayer corridor of Labrang Monastery;
In the morning mist of Zhagana, waiting for the sun to shine on the golden mountain;
Count the nine suns at sunset over the winding Yellow River;
Under the starry sky of Ganga Secret Realm, I hear the call of the ancient times...
The beauty here is not a fleeting glimpse, but an eternity engraved into the soul.
