Comprehensive Travel Guide to Gannan

Comprehensive Travel Guide to Gannan｜Travel in mid-to-late August to avoid crowds and enjoy stunning scenery!
⛰️ Summer in Gannan offers the most healing landscapes, with grasslands, lakes, and temples at their peak beauty in August. If you want to avoid the crowds without missing out on breathtaking views, traveling after August 15th is the best choice! Last year, I personally experienced an 80% drop in tourists during this time, while the scenery remained just as stunning, making the experience truly unforgettable.
🚗 Recommended 6-Day, 5-Night Classic Itinerary
Day 1: Lanzhou - Ganjia Secret Land - Labrang Monastery - Xiahe
Day 2: Xiahe - Sangke Grassland - Gahai Lake - Namo Grand Canyon - Langmusi Town
Day 3: Langmusi - Awancang Wetland - Nyingma Monastery - Jiuzhi
Day 4: Jiuzhi - Lianbaoyeze - Gemo Monastery - First Bend of the Yellow River - Tangke
Day 5: Tangke - Ruoergai Flower Lake - Zhagana
Day 6: Zhagana - Rock’s Trail - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou
✅ Must-Visit Attractions & Hidden Photography Spots
🌟 Ganjia Secret Land (🎫 80 RMB)
Key Activities: Overlook the ancient city from Bajiao City Viewing Platform; capture the stunning terrain of Baishiya.
Hidden Spot: The hillside near Baishiya Temple offers a perfect view; the Yishi Secret Viewing Platform provides a panoramic view of Baishiya.
🌟 Labrang Monastery (🎫 40 RMB, includes official guided tour)
Tour Route: Enter through the East Gate (world’s longest prayer wheel + tour starting point) → Prayer Wheel → Medical College → Lion’s Roar Buddha Hall → Manjushri Hall → Butter Sculpture Exhibition Hall → Museum → Maitreya Buddha Hall → Institute of Buddhist Logic → Kalachakra Institute → Exit through the West Gate.
Panoramic Spot: The viewing platform opposite the West Gate parking lot offers a full view of the monastery complex.
Food Recommendation: Wuzelin Tibetan Restaurant, known for its Tibetan specialties, but arrive early to avoid long queues!
🌟 Langmusi (30 RMB per monastery)
Tips: The town is divided into Gansu’s Saichisi (on the hillside, with a sky burial platform) and Sichuan’s Gerdisi (at the foot of the hill, includes Namo Grand Canyon).
Avoid Pitfalls: Namo Grand Canyon takes 4 hours to explore, with poor roads and horse manure; consider a brief visit.
Panoramic Spot: The hillside to the left of Gerdisi Scenic Area’s entrance offers a view of both the monastery and canyon.
🌟 Lianbaoyeze (🎫 120 RMB)
Must-Visit Spots:
4520 Viewing Platform (park at Panyangping, take an electric car for 15 RMB, high altitude—don’t push yourself).
Zhagaer Lake (park at Heyuan Service Station, take an electric car for 15 RMB to the lakeside; the water is incredibly blue).
Tips: Head to the main scenic area first! Late arrivals may face crowd limits; don’t linger too long along the way.
🌟 Zhagana (🎫 80 RMB)
Key Highlights: Fairy Beach Viewing Point, accessible via a boardwalk or shuttle bus (40 RMB) for convenience.
Hidden Experience: The village shrouded in morning mist offers a painterly vibe for casual photography.
🌟 Rock’s Trail
Road Condition Alert: The 100km route has no signal and includes 20km of gravel road; off-road vehicles are recommended.
Scenic Highlights: Grasslands, forests, and streams abound along the way, offering wallpaper-worthy views at every stop.
📌 Optional Attractions
Gahai Lake (🎫 70 RMB): The distant view offers similar scenery; decide based on personal interest.
Awancang Wetland (🎫 30 RMB): No need to buy tickets! Stunning wetland views can be seen from the roadside.
First Bend of the Yellow River (🎫 110 RMB, includes escalator): Purchase escalator tickets to save energy; sunsets are stunning in good weather but can be skipped on cloudy days.
Flower Lake (🎫 110 RMB): Similar to Gahai Lake, with longer walking distances inside; choose based on preference.
🚎 Practical Travel Tips
Horse Riding Recommendation: Ruoergai Grassland offers great value at 30-50 RMB.
Altitude Sickness Prevention: Lianbaoyeze has the highest altitude on the route; buy oxygen in advance the night before.
Signal Issues: Gannan’s signal is unstable; Rock’s Trail has no signal throughout—download offline maps in advance.
Budget Tips: Some roadside views are similar to those inside scenic areas; decide whether to buy tickets based on your budget.
Final Thoughts: The most beautiful scenery in Gannan is often found along the journey itself. Don’t rush to check off attractions; slow down, take in the views, and truly experience the healing and vastness of this land. 🌿