A Lifetime Must-Visit Fairyland on Earth: A 5-Day Soul-Healing Journey in Gannan

If you're weary of bustling city life and long for a trip that purifies your soul, then Gannan is undoubtedly your ideal destination. Here, there's no overwhelming commercial development—only vast grasslands, mysterious temples, hospitable Tibetan locals, and skies so clear you feel you could touch the clouds.

📅 Itinerary (5-Day Tour)

- Day 1: Lanzhou - Ganjia Secret Land - Labrang Monastery - Xiahe
Explore the Octagonal Ancient City and White Stone Cliff in Ganjia Secret Land. In the afternoon, visit the prayer wheel corridor at Labrang Monastery, and stay overnight in Xiahe.

- Day 2: Xiahe - Sangke Grassland - Guomang Wetland - Langmusi
Gallop freely on horseback across Sangke Grassland 🐎, watch birds glide over Guomang Wetland, and experience the tranquil charm of Langmusi in the evening.

- Day 3: Langmusi - Ruoergai Flower Lake - Zhagana
Stroll through Langmusi in the morning, admire the "Mirror of the Sky" at Flower Lake at noon, and stay in a Tibetan-style homestay in Zhagana by evening.

- Day 4: Zhagana - First Bend of the Yellow River - Tangke
Capture the morning mist over Zhagana at dawn 🌫️, then head to the First Bend of the Yellow River for a breathtaking sunset in the afternoon.

- Day 5: Tangke - Hezuo - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou
Visit the nine-story Buddha Pavilion to admire thangka paintings before returning to conclude the journey.

🌟 Must-Visit Attractions

- Labrang Monastery: Home to the world's longest prayer wheel corridor, its Tibetan architecture is awe-inspiring.
- Zhagana: A "stone treasure box" embraced by snow-capped mountains, its villages resemble a paradise on earth.
- Ruoergai Flower Lake: Lush with water plants, the lakeside is covered in wildflowers in summer, offering a healing sight.
- First Bend of the Yellow River: The river glitters golden at sunset, making every shot a masterpiece.
- Langmusi: A town straddling Gansu and Sichuan, where temples and grassland scenery blend perfectly.

🚗 Transportation Guide

- Major Transport: First reach Lanzhou (easily accessible by plane/high-speed rail), then depart for Gannan from there.
- Self-Driving: Enjoy the freedom to stop for scenic views, but note some mountain roads require experienced drivers 🚗.
- Private Car Hire: Hassle-free and safe, with drivers doubling as guides—ideal for group travel.
- Bus: Buses from Lanzhou South Bus Station go to Xiahe, Hezuo, etc., but schedules are limited—check times in advance.

🍱 Food Recommendations

- Hand-Grabbed Lamb: Freshly boiled and eaten with salt and pepper—so delicious you'll lick your fingers.
- Yak Yogurt: Perfect with sugar—tart, sweet, and refreshing.
- Tibetan Dumplings: Juicy yak meat filling makes them irresistible.
- Butter Tea: Savory and warming—once you acquire the taste, you'll be hooked 😋.

🎒 Travel Prep

- Clothing: Pack a windbreaker + light jacket (large day-night temperature swings), plus sun hats and sunglasses.
- Medicine: Bring altitude sickness meds, stomach remedies, and sunscreen if sun-sensitive.
- Essentials: ID, camera, power bank.