"Blessed Gannan" Six-Day Sacred Tour

🧭 Itinerary
🏛️ Day 1: Tianshui Cultural Exploration
Morning: Upon arrival in Tianshui, first visit the Maijishan Grottoes. This is one of China's four major grottoes, carved into steep cliffs, requiring a walk along plank paths. It is recommended to allow enough time to slowly appreciate these clay sculpture masterpieces spanning more than a dozen dynasties.
Afternoon: Visit the Fuxi Temple, the ancestral temple of the Chinese nation, where you can learn about Fuxi culture.
Evening: Stroll around Tianshui Ancient City and taste local specialties such as guagua, ranran, and milk fermented rice.
Accommodation: Tianshui Baiyulan Hotel.
🌲 Day 2: Head to Guanyegou, the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Longshan"
Morning to afternoon: Depart from Tianshui and drive to Guanyegou National Forest Park in Dangchang County. Known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Longshan," it features forests, lakes, waterfalls, and meadows, with very beautiful scenery.
Accommodation: Near Guanyegou Scenic Area or Dangchang County town.
🏔️ Day 3: Explore the Stone City Zhagana, Arrive at Langmusi
Morning: Visit Zhagana, known as the "Stone City." This village built from natural rock walls looks like a fairyland in the morning mist and is an excellent photography spot.
Afternoon: Pass by Lazikou, where you can make a short stop to visit the Lazikou Battle Memorial.
Evening: Arrive at Langmusi Town, known as the "Little Switzerland of the East." After check-in, you can explore the town.
Accommodation: Langmusi Town.
🦌 Day 4: Langmusi and Grassland Scenery
Morning: Tour Langmusi. This small town has Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and beautiful scenery.
Afternoon: Pass through Guomang Wetland and Sangke Grassland. Guomang Wetland is a habitat for black-necked cranes, with a viewing platform for distant observation; at Sangke Grassland, you can experience the vast grassland landscape.
Evening: Head to Xiahe County for accommodation.
Accommodation: Xiahe County.
🛕 Day 5: Labrang Monastery, the World Tibetan Academy, and Ganjia Secret Realm
Morning: Visit Labrang Monastery. This is one of the six major Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, known as the "World Tibetan Academy." Be sure to walk the 3.5-kilometer-long prayer corridor to feel the power of faith.
Afternoon: Explore the Ganjia Secret Realm, which includes various landforms of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. You can visit the Octagonal Ancient City and view the White Stone Cliff from afar.
Accommodation: Xiahe County or Linxia City.
🚗 Day 6: Return Trip
Return from Xiahe/Linxia to Tianshui, concluding a pleasant journey.
💡 Travel Tips
Transportation: The attractions on this route are scattered; self-driving or chartering a car is the most flexible and convenient option. If the group is small, consider joining a local pure-play tour group.
Preparation:
Clothing: Gannan has a high altitude (e.g., Labrang Monastery is about 3000 meters), with large temperature differences between day and night. Even in autumn, prepare warm clothing such as a thin down jacket or a windbreaker.
Sun Protection: The plateau has strong UV rays; hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
Health: Avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival at the plateau. Bring some cold medicine and gastrointestinal medicine. Some visitors to Labrang Monastery may experience altitude sickness; it is recommended to move slowly and avoid washing hair or bathing on the first night.
Cultural Respect: When visiting monasteries, please follow the rules. Photography is usually not allowed inside halls (such as most halls in Labrang Monastery). Do not touch Buddha statues or ritual objects. When spinning prayer wheels, please do so clockwise.