Gannan Travel Guide | A Soul-Cleansing Journey to the Plateau

| A soul-cleansing journey to the plateau. If you yearn for the mystical Tibetan culture and are captivated by breathtaking natural scenery, then Gannan is undoubtedly your perfect destination! This sacred land in southern Gansu combines grasslands, lakes, temples, and Tibetan customs, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience. Follow this guide and set off now!

⏰ Best Travel Time

✅ June - September: Peak season! Wildflowers bloom across the grasslands, with temperatures between 15 - 28°C, making it ideal for escaping the summer heat.
✅ October: Forests turn vibrant with autumn colors, perfect for photography enthusiasts.

🚗 Transportation Guide

🚙 Self-Driving

• Rent a car in Lanzhou—an SUV is recommended for rugged terrain.

• Classic 5-day loop: Lanzhou ➡️ Labrang Monastery ➡️ Sangke Grassland ➡️ Langmusi Town ➡️ Zhagana ➡️ Gahai Lake ➡️ Lanzhou

• Stunning scenery along the way, with plenty of photo stops!

🚐 Chartered Car

• Around ¥2,500 - 3,000 per car (5 days, including driver).

• Book through platforms like Trip.com for reliable services—local stories from drivers are fascinating!

🚌 Public Transport

Buses from Lanzhou to Xiahe are available, but transfers to scattered attractions are inconvenient—not recommended!

🌟 Must-Visit Attractions

[One] Labrang Monastery 📿

• "The World's Tibetan Studies Center," featuring a 3.5 km prayer wheel corridor.

• Spin 2,000+ bronze prayer wheels to feel the power of faith.

• Climb Gongtang Pagoda for a panoramic view—red walls and golden roofs are awe-inspiring!

[Two] Sangke Grassland 🌿

• 10 km from Xiahe County, elevation over 3,000 meters.

• Wildflowers blanket the land from June to August—horseback riding (¥50/hour) is exhilarating!

• Wear Tibetan attire for photos—the vibe is unmatched!

[Three] Zhagana 🏔

• A "hidden paradise" surrounded by 4,000-meter stone peaks.

• Recommended hiking route: Dongwa Village → Fairy Beach → Fairy Lake (2 hours round trip).

• Watch morning mist and smoke from Yeri Village viewpoint—breathtaking!

[Four] Langmusi Town ⛩

• A town straddling Gansu and Sichuan provinces.

• Visit the Sky Burial Site at Gansu’s Sertri Monastery (photography strictly prohibited!).

• Hike to the source of Bailong River at Sichuan’s Kirti Monastery.

[Five] Gahai Lake 🌊

• Gannan’s largest freshwater lake, with blooming irises in summer.

• The wooden boardwalk’s end on the west side offers the best photo spot.

• Migratory birds resting in morning mist—utterly soothing!

🍲 Food Recommendations

✅ Tibetan Dumplings: Juicy beef filling, best dipped in chili vinegar!
✅ Butter Tea: Salty and warming, great for altitude adjustment.
✅ Sweet Rice with Ginseng Fruit: Tibetan-style sweet rice with buttery fragrance.
✅ Yogurt Tsampa: Thick yogurt + roasted barley flour—sweet and tangy!

🏨 Accommodation Tips

• Xiahe County: Nobu Yangka Hotel, steps away from Labrang Monastery.

• Langmusi Town:

• Gansu side: Langmusi Hotel, with stunning views.

• Sichuan side: International Youth Hostel, great for socializing.

• Zhagana:

• Zangbala Homestay: Authentic Tibetan breakfast.

• Cloudscape Tent Hotel: Stargazing from your bed!

🎒 Packing Essentials

• ID: Mandatory—student IDs get discounts!
• Clothing: Summer wear + windproof jacket, scarf/outerwear (15°C temperature swings!).
• Medicine: Stomach meds, mosquito repellent, cold/altitude pills, motion sickness tablets.
• Extras: Thermos, power bank, high-SPF sunscreen (UV rays are intense!).

⚠️ Travel Tips

🔸 Remove hats in temples, avoid photographing monks, spin prayer wheels clockwise!
🔸 No photos or crowds at Sky Burial sites—respect local customs!
🔸 Choose licensed ranches for horseback riding (e.g., near Sangke Wetland Park) to avoid scams.
🔸 Confirm prices before buying souvenirs—beware of overcharging!

Gannan—this mysterious and enchanting land—awaits you to uncover its secrets! Pack your bags and embark on a journey to witness the plateau’s grandeur and tranquility.