The earthly paradise Zhagana, a nanny-level travel guide is here

Dear friends, Zhagana, praised by National Geographic as a "must-visit in this lifetime," are you really not going to see it? It is hidden in Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. In Tibetan, it means "stone box" and is a natural "stone city" composed of four natural villages and Lasang Monastery. Please keep this guide below~

🎫【Ticket Information】
Full price 80 RMB/person (including scenic area accident insurance), special groups enjoy discounts or free admission according to national policies (excluding sightseeing bus tickets); half price 40 RMB/person (including scenic area accident insurance).

⏰【Opening Hours】
Open all day, play however you want~

🌤️【Seasonal Climate】
High altitude, large temperature difference between morning and evening, even in summer bring a jacket. Strong UV rays, make sure to apply sunscreen thoroughly! June to October is the best season to visit, with lush trees and blooming flowers in June; charming autumn colors in October; and snow viewing from December to February.

🚗【Transportation】
✈️ Airplane: Fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, you can rent a car for self-driving (5 hours direct), or take the airport shuttle bus to the South Bus Station and transfer to the Diebu bus (3 trips daily, buy tickets in advance).

🚞 Train: After arriving at Lanzhou Station/Lanzhou West Station, rent a car for convenient stops to enjoy the beautiful scenery along Gannan.

🚘 Self-driving: From Lanzhou, take the Lanhai Expressway + National Highway 345, the road conditions are good, no pressure for sedans.

📸【Must-Play Routes】
1. Fairy Beach Light Hiking Route (2 hours round trip): The corner of the wooden plank road offers a super beautiful panoramic view of the village, and you can picnic on the Fairy Beach meadow. Fairy Lake is average, but the snow mountains and Tibetan village scenery along the way are amazing! The light is soft from 4 to 7 pm, perfect for portrait photography.

2. Stone Forest Challenge Route (6 hours hiking / 3 hours horseback riding): The horse team in Dari Village is professional, round trip to the Stone Forest costs 300 RMB. Wear anti-slip hiking shoes and a windbreaker for hiking. In June, there is a wild rhododendron sea at the end of the Stone Forest.

3. Runwu Valley Adventure Route (exclusive and less crowded): Enter from the small road opposite the viewing platform in Yeri Village (remember to tie prayer flags and make wishes). After the third waterfall, there is a natural "heart-shaped lake," a local proposal spot!

4. Viewing Platform Self-driving Route (for sunrise lovers): Arrive at Dari Viewing Platform by 5:30 am to secure a spot (tripod spots are competitive). Off-peak tips: morning at Runwu Valley → noon at Locke Viewing Platform → evening at Shimen Viewing Platform for backlit shots.

📷【Photography Tips】
- Outfit: Bright scarves + denim hats for a full western blockbuster feel; Tibetan costume rental in Yeri Village for 20 RMB/hour, with gorgeous headwear; white dress + straw bag for fairy-like photos at Fairy Beach.

- Must-shoot scenes: 6:30 am morning mist and cooking smoke behind Dari Village; prayer flag tunnel at Runwu Valley entrance; starry sky secret spot beside the white tower in Daiba Village (bring a tripod); 7 pm herds returning scene at Fairy Beach.

⚠️【Pitfall Avoidance Guide】
Don’t forget the three-piece sun protection set (sunglasses + face scarf + arm sleeves), UV rays are very strong; don’t wash your hair on the first day to prevent altitude sickness, bring glucose oral solution; buy prayer flags and horseback riding with cash, village ATMs often run out of money; don’t worry if it rains, there will be double rainbows and sea of clouds after rain; spin prayer wheels clockwise, smile first when photographing Tibetans.

Dear friends, pack your bags and set off to Zhagana for a breathtaking journey~