Complete Guide to Summer Hiking in Guange Valley (2025 Latest Edition)

I. Basic Information

• 📍Address: Located in the suburbs of Tanchang County, Longnan City, Gansu Province, composed of two core scenic areas: Guanzhu Valley and E'man Valley.

• ⏰Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00 (peak season: April-November), adjusted slightly during off-season.

• 🎫Ticket:
◦ Peak season (April-November): 130 RMB (includes sightseeing bus).
◦ Off-season (December-March): 80 RMB (includes sightseeing bus).

• 📅Best Seasons:
◦ June-August (summer retreat, waterfalls at their fullest).
◦ September-October (stunning autumn foliage, colorful forests).

II. Transportation Guide

• 🚗Self-drive: From Lanzhou → G75 Lanhai Expressway → Tanchang (approx. 5-6 hours).

• 🚌Public Transport:
◦ Lanzhou South Bus Station → Tanchang (6-7 hours), then taxi to the scenic area (approx. 20 minutes).
◦ Train to Hadapu Station → transfer to tourist bus to Tanchang (35 km).

III. Recommended Core Attractions

1. Guanzhu Valley (Beginner-friendly)
• Guange Sky Waterfall: 50-meter-high waterfall, most spectacular in summer.
• Luren Tibetan Village: Experience Tibetan culture, try butter tea and tsampa.
• Tongtian Gorge: Narrow, deep canyon with towering cliffs.

2. E'man Valley (Adventure Hiking)
• E'man Lake: Emerald waters reflecting snow-capped mountains, most beautiful at dawn with mist.
• Elephant Bathing Waterfall: A whimsical waterfall resembling an elephant drinking.
• Leigu Mountain: 4,153m elevation with year-round snow; cable car available to the summit.

IV. Recommended Itineraries

1-Day Highlights Tour
• Morning: Guanzhu Valley (Guange Sky Waterfall → Luren Tibetan Village → Tongtian Gorge).
• Afternoon: E'man Valley (E'man Lake → Elephant Bathing Waterfall).

2-Day In-Depth Tour
• Day 1: Hiking in Guanzhu Valley + Tibetan village experience → Overnight in Tanchang town or local homestays.
• Day 2: E'man Valley adventure → Leigu Mountain cable car → Highland lake Zedangcuo.

V. Accommodation & Food

• 🏠Accommodation:
◦ Tanchang town (budget-friendly, recommended "Tanchang Hotel").
◦ Scenic area homestays (e.g., "Guange Valley Tibetan Homestay" for tranquil mountain stays).

• 🍜Food:
◦ Potato dough balls, Longnan cured ribs, jar wine.
◦ Tibetan cuisine (butter tea and tsampa at Luren Tibetan Village).

VI. Practical Tips

1. Hiking gear: Non-slip shoes, rain gear (waterfall mist is heavy).
2. High-altitude sun protection: Strong UV rays—bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
3. Eco-friendly travel: Pack out trash to protect the environment.
4. Mobile signal: No service in parts of E'man Valley—download offline maps in advance.

VII. Nearby Attractions

• Hadapu Red Army Long March Memorial Hall (30-minute drive).
• Lazikou Battle Site (1.5-hour drive).

Guange Valley combines canyons, waterfalls, lakes, and snow-capped mountains—an ideal choice for summer retreats and hiking! 🌿