Gannan Mairen Grassland | Known as the "Emerald Velvet Carpet on the Plateau"

Gannan Mairen Grassland Travel Guide

1. Introduction
Gannan Mairen Grassland is located in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. It is a natural grassland on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, renowned for its vast grassland scenery, unique Tibetan culture, and rich ecological resources. It is an excellent destination for photography, hiking, and experiencing Tibetan customs.

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2. Best Time to Visit
- **Summer (June-August)**: The grassland is lush and green, and the climate is cool, making it suitable for escaping the heat and enjoying outdoor activities.
- **Autumn (September-October)**: The grassland turns golden, and the sky is azure blue, making it the best season for photography.
- **Winter (November-February)**: The snow scenery is magnificent, suitable for tourists who enjoy snowy landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere.

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3. Transportation
- **Self-driving**:
- From Lanzhou, drive along the G75 Lanhai Expressway and G213 National Highway for about 5-6 hours.
- From Hezuo City (the capital of Gannan Prefecture), it's about a 1.5-hour drive.
- **Public Transportation**:
- Take a bus from Lanzhou South Bus Station to Hezuo City, then transfer to a local vehicle to Mairen Grassland.
- There are also buses from Xiahe County or Luqu County to the areas surrounding the grassland.

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4. Main Attractions
- **Mairen Grassland**:
- Vast grassland scenery with herds of cattle and sheep, suitable for horseback riding, hiking, and photography.
- Wildflowers bloom in summer, while autumn brings a golden landscape, offering magnificent views.
- **Tibetan Villages**:
- Experience Tibetan folk culture, visit traditional houses, and savor Tibetan cuisine.
- Participate in Tibetan festivals, such as horse racing and Guozhuang dance.
- **Lake Gahai**:
- The largest freshwater lake in Gannan, with clear water and abundant bird resources, ideal for birdwatching and photography.
- **Sangke Grassland**:
- Not far from Mairen Grassland, it is another famous grassland in Gannan with beautiful scenery.
- **Labrang Monastery**:
- One of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, with a long history and rich cultural heritage.

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5. Accommodation Recommendations
- **Grassland Tents**:
- Experience grassland life, watch the starry sky at night, and feel the tranquility of nature.
- **Tibetan Homestays**:
- Stay with a Tibetan family, experience local life, and enjoy authentic Tibetan cuisine.
- **Hezuo City Hotels**:
- Hezuo City has many hotels and guesthouses with complete facilities, suitable for tourists seeking comfort.

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6. Food Recommendations
- **Hand-Grabbed Mutton**: A Gannan specialty, the meat is tender and flavorful.
- **Tsampa**: A traditional Tibetan staple food made from roasted barley flour, often eaten with butter tea.
- **Yak Meat**: Firm and nutritious, it can be made into hot pot or stir-fries.
- **Yogurt**: Locally made yogurt with a rich, sweet, and sour taste.
- **Butter Tea**: A traditional Tibetan drink that warms the body and relieves fatigue, suitable for the plateau climate.

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7. Precautions
- **Altitude Sickness**:
- Mairen Grassland has a high altitude (about 3,000 meters), and newcomers may experience mild altitude sickness. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise.
- **Sun Protection and Warm Clothing**:
- The plateau has strong ultraviolet rays, so sun protection is necessary. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so bring warm clothing.
- **Environmental Awareness**:
- The grassland ecosystem is fragile. Please do not litter and protect the natural environment.
- **Respect Local Customs**:
- The Tibetan area has a unique culture. Please respect local customs and traditions, and ask for permission before taking photos.

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8. Itinerary Suggestions
- **2 Days and 1 Night**:
- Day 1: Arrive at Mairen Grassland, go horseback riding, hiking, experience Tibetan culture, and stay overnight in a grassland tent or homestay.
- Day 2: Visit Lake Gahai or Labrang Monastery, and return to Lanzhou or Hezuo City.
- **3 Days and 2 Nights**:
- Day 1: Arrive at Mairen Grassland, go horseback riding, hiking, and enjoy the grassland scenery.
- Day 2: Visit Tibetan villages, participate in folk activities, and stay overnight on the grassland.
- Day 3: Visit Lake Gahai or Labrang Monastery, and return to Lanzhou or Hezuo City.

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9. Travel Tips
- **Language**: Tibetan is the main language, and some residents speak Mandarin. It is recommended to learn some basic Tibetan phrases or bring a translation tool.
- **Internet**: The signal is weak in some areas of the grassland. It is recommended to download offline maps in advance.
- **Safety**: The grassland terrain is open. It is recommended to travel with companions and avoid going alone.

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I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Gannan Mairen Grassland. Have a pleasant journey! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!