Hidden World of Gannan | Vacation

Day 1 All over the country → Lanzhou ★ Gathering day

All day

Itinerary presentation

First visit to Lanzhou / 24-hour worry-free airport pick-up

[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Free airport transfer service, worry-free arrival

Today, tourists from all over the country will travel to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport according to their own transportation methods. Upon arrival, a 24-hour free pick-up service will be provided by a special car, and then they will be driven to the hotel for check-in.

As the capital of Gansu Province and a central city in Northwest China, Lanzhou enjoys a crucial transportation hub: reaching Dunhuang in the north, Gannan in the south, Xining in the west, and Yinchuan in the east, it's a must-visit destination for travelers to western China. The Yellow River flows endlessly from west to east through Lanzhou. Along the banks of the Yellow River, the "Hundred Miles of Yellow River Scenic Line," featuring Zhongshan Bridge, the Waterwheel Park, the Yellow River Mother Statue, and the stunning nightscape of Baita Mountain, are all must-see attractions in Lanzhou.

【Explore Lanzhou • City Walk】 <-Click the link to purchase and let the locals take you around Lanzhou


Accommodation presentation

Stay at a high-end hotel/Lanzhou Hyatt Hotel, rated 5 diamonds by Ctrip.com, altitude: 1500m

The hotel is like a shining pearl, redefining the height of luxury hotels in Lanzhou. Under the 217-meter-high Star City sky and in the clouds, it outlines a new vision of the Golden City Lanzhou with a magnificent and elegant posture. With its superior geographical location, comfortable accommodation environment and attentive and thoughtful service, everyone who comes to the hotel can enjoy the respectful courtesy offered by the hotel at all times and will be infected by our service and smile.

Driving time: about 70 kilometers, about 1.5 hours

Note: Note 1: Airport pick-up is a separate item and is not part of the itinerary. It only provides transportation from the airport/station to the hotel on the meeting day.

Day 2 Lanzhou → Labrang Monastery → Bajiao Ancient City → Gangga Ecological Camp

All day

Itinerary presentation

World Tibetan Studies Institute/Prayer wheel at Labrang Monastery

After breakfast, we'll depart for Xiahe, the heart of Gannan. Along the way, we'll visit the Liujiaxia Bridge Observation Deck to admire the magnificent bridge and the azure waters of the Yellow River. Upon arrival in Xiahe, we'll enjoy a traditional Tibetan meal at Wuzelinka Tibetan Restaurant, a top-rated local restaurant. After lunch, we'll visit Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This magnificent complex boasts countless colossal Buddha statues, exquisite sculptures, and murals, rich in rich cultural heritage. Labrang Monastery also boasts a unique circumambulation corridor, where visitors can circumambulate and pray.

Searching for Shambhala / The Hermit-like Secret Realm of Ganga

We'll then continue to the Gangjia Secret Realm, where unique geological formations create a rich tapestry of plateau landscapes, including cliffs, caves, canyons, and stone forests. Several ancient temples, steeped in tradition, add a touch of mystery. We'll ascend to the Sunset Observation Deck, offering panoramic views of the Bajiao Ancient City, once a major transportation hub and military fortress built during the Han Dynasty. The setting sun bathes the White Stone Cliffs and Gangjia Grassland in a golden glow, creating a breathtaking spectacle that captivates the senses.


Accommodation presentation

Stay in a luxurious tent at Xiahe Gangjia Ecological Campground (mountain view, private bathroom, bathtub, terrace), Altitude: 2850m

The Gangjia Ecological Campground is located in the heart of the Gangjia Grassland, offering panoramic views of the White Stone Cliff. The luxurious tents are constructed entirely of steel and made of non-toxic, environmentally friendly materials. They are insulated, flame-retardant, light-transmitting, and heat-retaining. They are equipped with a state-of-the-art sewage treatment system, hotel-quality bedding and amenities, and dedicated butler service. The camp also offers a variety of dining options, including Tibetan cuisine, Sichuan cuisine, and roasted whole lamb.

Driving time: about 175 kilometers, about 3.5 hours

Note: Note 2: Restaurant rankings are from Dianping.com. If a restaurant is closed or full, we will arrange other restaurants of the same type.

Day 3 Gangga Secret Realm → White Rock Canyon Hike → Milarepa Temple → Cooperation

All day

Itinerary presentation

The first rays of morning sun awaken your grassland dreams. The white stone cliffs in the distance stretch as far as the sky and earth, a long, uninterrupted ridge. The boundless grassland is abruptly separated by steep cliffs. A sense of mystery washes over you beneath the shroud of mist. This is where the second day of your journey to the Gangga Secret Realm begins.

White Rock Canyon / Hiking Pilgrimage to the Eastern Dolomites

We will then enter the Baishiya Grand Canyon for a hiking tour. (Note 3) The winding valley path offers a glimpse of Ganga sheep roaming the mountains, circling Alpine vultures, lush shrubs, and the ubiquitous Hequ horses, yaks, and marmots. The Baishiya Grand Canyon exudes a pristine, wild atmosphere.

One Pavilion, One Buddhist Kingdom / The Magnificent Tibetan Studies Museum

[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Special arrangements for the Buddha Pavilion to explain the precious cultural relics for you

After visiting the secrets of Gangga, we departed for Hezuo, the capital of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Here, you'll find the nine-story Milarepa Pavilion, the only nine-story pavilion in the entire Tibetan region dedicated to the founders of various Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Each floor features a different theme, representing a different sect or era of Tibetan Buddhism. Every day, devout believers gather around the pavilion's outer walls in prayer, praying for a happy and peaceful afterlife. We'll arrange a professional tour to explore this magnificent Tibetan Studies Museum.


Accommodation experience

Stay at Comfort Inn/Cooperation Hotel InterContinental Noisant, rated 4 diamonds by Ctrip, Altitude: 2895m

The hotel boasts a beautiful setting, convenient transportation, and stylish facilities, making it a luxurious retreat combining resort and dining. The hotel also features a natural oxygen bar, making your journey, even on the plateau, feel like walking through a forest or by a stream, instantly relaxing your tired body and mind. The hotel also offers professional and distinguished butler service, making it a perfect destination for travel and leisure.

Driving distance: about 100 kilometers, about 2 hours

Note: Note 3: The guide will choose the distance of the hike based on the guests' physical strength and needs, suitable for all ages;

Day 4 Hezuo → Hongshankou Viewing Platform → Zhuoni Zhagulu → Niba Village → Zhagana

All day

Itinerary presentation

After breakfast, we will set off south to travel through the clouds and mist, looking for an earthly paradise among the mountains;

Retracing the Rock Road / A scenic route with stunning views

In the early 20th century, American explorer Joseph Rocker arrived in China and trekked from the small town of Zhagulu in Gannan to Zhagana. His photographs captured the beautiful scenery along the way, sparking curiosity about the "Rocker Trail." Today, we'll retrace our steps, passing through the century-old Tibetan village of Niba and crossing the Guanggai Mountain Pass, the highest point on the Rocker Trail. We'll then take in some stunning photos and admire the iconic U-shaped valley. (Note 4)

The Garden of Eden on Earth/The legendary private land of the gods

Entering Zhagana, the bustle fades away. Within the area, you'll find vast forests and grasslands, intertwined mountain valleys, and flowing streams and springs. Tibetan villages coexist with temples, and ancient glacial ruins are uniquely beautiful. Trickling streams and herds of cattle and sheep create a natural landscape painting—a true paradise. Today, you can explore Zhagana, circumambulate the Lhasang Monastery, admire the sacred White Pagoda, or visit the observation deck in Dari Village for panoramic views of Zhagana.


Accommodation experience

Stay at the beautiful Diebu Tiancheng Ganameiduo B&B, rated 3 diamonds on Ctrip.com, altitude: 2950m (Note 5)

Meisu is located on the cliff of Zhaganadar Village, which is the core of Zhagana. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery in 360 degrees. You can see the whole picture of Zhagana and watch the stars at night. The architectural style fully retains the unique and beautiful Tibetan architectural form, allowing you to fully experience Zhagana.

Optional upgrade: Zhagana Yunjing Yeshe Tent Hotel, rated 4 diamonds ♦♦♦♦ (rooms are limited, upgrades are at your own expense)

Located in Zhaganadaiba Village, Gansu Province, at an altitude of 3,000-3,300 meters, the hotel boasts lush primeval forests and an excellent ecological environment. The hotel boasts comprehensive functional zoning, encompassing accommodation, dining, leisure, family activities, entertainment, and scenic viewing experiences, all within a nationally standardized, environmentally friendly tent-style building. The hotel's existence is fundamentally based on the protection and respect for the ecological environment. Based on the diverse terrain, landforms, and ecological systems, the hotel considers energy and water conservation, convenience, aesthetics, and appropriateness, employing environmentally friendly technologies to provide a pleasant living environment.

Driving time: about 165 kilometers, about 6 hours

Notes: Note 4: "Locke Road" generally refers to the 150-kilometer route from Zhagulu Village in the north to Zhagana Village in the south. However, due to geographical restrictions, the road conditions on this section are poor. If the weather, road repairs, or other reasons prevent you from traveling together, your vehicle will detour to Langmusi before heading to Zhagana. Please be aware of this. The drive will be long that day, so we will arrange lunch along the way.
Note 5: Zhagana B&Bs are limited in rooms. If they are fully booked during peak season, we will replace you with a hotel/B&B of the same level. Alternative options include: Mountain Yabu, Zhagana Yunju B&B, Yunshang Meiju, etc.

Day 5 Zhagana → Fairy Beach → Langmusi → Amigonghong Ranch

All day

Itinerary presentation

In the morning, we went to the Dari Viewing Platform near the hotel to admire the mist in the valley, the ancient and simple pedal houses, and experience the simple folk customs here;

Fairy Beach Hiking/A Peach Blossom Wonderland Shrouded in Clouds and Mist

Fairy Beach is a plateau meadow, a vast green carpet spread across the plateau ridges. Through the morning mist, gazing at the distant villages and the surrounding terraced fields, it feels like a giant movie screen unfolding before your eyes. The scene is both surreal and deeply moving, like a paradise after a drunken stupor. We will arrange a hiking experience to Fairy Beach, where you can enjoy a peaceful escape from the city amidst the lush green mountains. This place was also the filming location for "Where Are We Going, Dad Season 5."

Gannan Utopia/A Utopia Far Away from the World

Afterwards, we departed from Zhagana and returned to Gannan today. We first arrived at Langmusi Town, at the border of Gansu and Sichuan. This is a world away from the mundane world. The crystal-clear Bailong River flows through the center of the town, dividing Langmusi into two parts. On the south bank of the river lies Gelug Monastery, also known as "Sichuan Monastery," in Ruoergai County, Sichuan; on the north bank, lies Saichi Monastery in Luqu County, Gansu. Both magnificent temples are Tibetan Buddhist, and we recommend visiting Gelug Monastery. Despite its location across two provinces and its diverse population of Tibetan, Hui, and Han peoples, Langmusi boasts a harmonious community, evoking a Zen-like atmosphere reminiscent of a pure land.

Slow life on the grassland/Natural pasture surrounded by sacred mountains

Located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, the Amigunghong Pasture retains its pristine ecology and culture. Nomadism is the primary way of life for the local residents, and the breathtaking beauty of the highland pastures is beyond description, with poetic and romantic descriptions. If interested, you can also choose to experience the joys of nomadic life on the grasslands through activities such as horseback riding and archery.


Accommodation experience

Stay in a luxurious tent at Xiahe Amigohong Ranch Hotel (private bathroom, shower), altitude: 3250m

The Ranch Hotel is located in the Amigonghong Scenic Area. It is built according to five-star standards and has unique Tibetan decoration and services. The facilities are integrated with the ranch ecology. You can see cattle and sheep freely shuttling between tents, which can better integrate into the natural environment. When making a pilgrimage at the foot of the sacred mountain, the sound of birds singing in the morning and the Zen-like mulberry smoke are the rewards of natural peace of mind. The surrounding supporting facilities include horse riding trails, archery ranges, large campfire stages, etc.

Immerse yourself in the starry night / Pass through billions of light-years of Milky Way stars

As the sun sets, the stars return to the night sky, creating a magnificent "starlight show" unseen in modern cities. The awe-inspiring and mystical intertwined experience is irresistible. Tents scattered throughout the pasture are the perfect place to view the stars, offering protection from the cold wind and relative privacy, a truly exceptional stargazing experience.

Driving distance: about 200 kilometers, about 4 hours

Hiking: It takes about 30 minutes to hike from Fairy Beach to the top of the mountain, and about 1.5 hours round trip.

Note: Note 6: Horseback riding and archery are optional activities. Please pay for the expenses yourself and consider the risks of the activities appropriately.

Day 6 Amigonghong Ranch → Xiahe Airport or Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport

All day

Itinerary presentation

Immersive vacation/ The sense of wild luxury hidden in the grassland

Today is the day to unwind. Sleep in naturally, enjoying a slow-paced vacation. Make a pilgrimage to the foot of the sacred mountain, listen to the morning birdsong, and the Zen-inspired smoky air of mulberry trees—these are the rewards of nature's peace of mind. Inside, enjoy the tent's oversized floor-to-ceiling windows, embracing the vast grassland.


Farewell on the disbanding day / Looking forward to seeing you again next time

We will depart at the appropriate time and transfer you to Xiahe Airport. Alternatively, you can drive back to Lanzhou. If you need to return to your home city from Lanzhou on the same day, we recommend booking a flight no earlier than 9:00 PM (Note 7). If you are staying in Lanzhou, we will transfer you to your hotel.

Amigunhong is about 7 kilometers from Xiahe Airport, about 15 minutes; Amigunhong is about 340 kilometers from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, about 4.5 hours

Driving time: Amigunhong to Xiahe Airport is about 7 kilometers, about 15 minutes; Amigunhong to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport is about 340 kilometers, about 4.5 hours

Note: Note 7: For a better experience, we recommend that you choose to return on a flight one day after the disbandment date.

The average altitude in Gannan is approximately 3,200 meters, and the oxygen content in the atmosphere is only about 70% of that on the plains. First-time hikers may experience mild or severe altitude sickness. However, these symptoms will quickly subside with plenty of water, rest, and supplements such as rhodiola rosea, spirulina, single crystal rock sugar, and glucose. There's no need to worry or be afraid. Avoid strenuous activity in the plateau, including running, holding your breath, catching colds, smoking, and drinking alcohol. To prevent colds, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and keep warm.

Tourists who suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, lung and respiratory diseases, severe diabetes, anemia, and those who are deemed by doctors to be unsuitable for traveling to Tibet or the plateau are not allowed to join the tour. If the tourist conceals his or her condition, all consequences will be borne by the tourist himself or herself, and the travel agency will not bear any joint liability.

The customs of the Gannan region are deeply influenced by Tibetan religion, and some phenomena and customs cannot be measured or viewed by urban standards. Please remember not to leave the group to watch the sky burial. If you are not careful, you may anger the locals and cause unnecessary trouble.

Tibetan temples have unique architectural styles, and during festivals, Tibetans dress in extravagant, colorful clothing, making them ideal subjects for photography. However, be aware that while you can generally photograph the surrounding buildings, it's strictly prohibited inside the temples. Some locations may indicate that photography requires payment, so please refrain from candid photography. Be careful when photographing people, as not all Tibetans appreciate being photographed. To avoid unnecessary hassle, be sure to greet them before framing.

Tibetans don't like spitting, being touched on the head or on the shoulder, or being loud. Pickpockets are common in places like train stations, so be careful with your belongings and don't give away gifts casually, as this can make it difficult to escape. Local security is generally good, but if you're in remote areas or at night, travel with a group. Don't go alone, and don't get left behind or leave the group. Political issues are extremely sensitive in Tibetan areas and should not be discussed in any setting.

If you hold special certificates such as a teacher's certificate, military officer's certificate, journalist's certificate, disability certificate, senior citizen's certificate, student certificate, etc., please show them to the tour leader before purchasing tickets. Relevant fees will be reduced or waived according to local policies. If there is a discount, the corresponding price difference will be refunded on site.