Exploring the Hidden Gannan Stone City: Complete Guide to Zhagana

Hidden in the off-the-beaten-path Gannan, the "Stone Box Secret Realm" Zhagana
Certified by American explorer Rock as the "Eden on Earth" 💎

🏔️ Scenic Features:
- 360° snow-capped mountains surrounding ⛰️
- Original Tibetan villages with curling smoke 🏡
- Highland pastures with herds of cattle and sheep 🐄
- Quiet and profound canyon secret realm 🌿
A pilgrimage site for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers! 📸

🌈 Best Seasons:
🌸 June to August: 20°C summer paradise / wildflowers blooming on the grasslands
🍁 September to October: colorful forests / golden photography season
❄️ November to April: snow-covered tranquility / serene snowy world

🔥 Must-Visit Spots:
1️⃣ Dari Viewing Platform (Yiwa Township, Diebu County, Gannan Prefecture)
Sunrise sea of clouds + Tibetan village + snow mountains in one frame, stunning✨
Recommended to arrive by 5:30 to secure a good spot!

2️⃣ Fairy Beach (inside Zhagana Scenic Area)
Summer alpine flower sea 💐
Experience Tibetan-style horseback riding 🐎

3️⃣ Rock Viewing Platform (highest point in Zhagana Scenic Area)
God’s eye view overlooking the entire stone city 🏰

4️⃣ Lasa Monastery (inside Zhagana Village)
Listen to morning chanting 🔔
Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture

🚶‍♂️ Hiking Routes:
👟 Beginner: Zhagana → Fairy Beach → Fairy Lake (3 hours)
🌿 Advanced: Zhagana → Stone Forest → Guangai Mountain (8 hours, guide required)

🚗 Nearby Activities:
▪️ Langmu Temple Town (1.5-hour drive)
"Little Switzerland of the East" ⛪️
Sky burial platform cultural experience

▪️ Ruoergai Flower Lake (3-hour drive)
July wetland flower sea 🌼
Habitat for black-necked cranes and other birds

▪️ Ganjia Secret Realm (4-hour drive)
Octagonal ancient city + White Stone Cliff
A less crowded, beautiful off-the-beaten-path choice

💡 Tips:
1. Altitude over 3000m, pay attention to sun protection and altitude sickness
2. Tibetan village guesthouses cost about 200-500 RMB per night
3. Village entry requires a ticket (80 RMB per person)

Come check in at this place rated by National Geographic as the "Most Beautiful Tibetan Village"! Every snapshot is a masterpiece 📷