Gannan, Gansu Travel Guide: Explore the Tibetan Secret Land with a 5,000 RMB Budget

Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, known as the "Living Fossil of Chinese Tibetan Culture," boasts magnificent natural scenery, rich Tibetan culture, and a long historical heritage. This itinerary targets a budget of 5,000 RMB, covering major attractions to experience the mystery of the Tibetan area and local customs.

1. Itinerary Overview (7 days 6 nights)
Day Main Content Transportation Accommodation Suggestions
Day 1 Depart Lanzhou, arrive Hezuo, visit Hezuo Ancient Town High-speed train/bus (about 150 RMB) Economy hotel in Hezuo city
Day 2 Hezuo—Xiahe (Labrang Monastery, Sangke Grassland) Chartered car or carpool (about 200 RMB) Economy hotel in Xiahe town
Day 3 Xiahe—Zhuoni (Zhuoni Grand Canyon, Tibetan villages) Chartered car or carpool (about 200 RMB) Economy hotel in Zhuoni county
Day 4 Zhuoni—Maerkang (Ruoergai Grassland, Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns) Carpool or chartered car (about 250 RMB) Economy hotel in Maerkang
Day 5 Maerkang—Ruoergai (Grassland, Wetlands) Local carpool (about 150 RMB) Economy hotel in Ruoergai county
Day 6 Ruoergai—Xiahe—Return to Lanzhou Bus (about 200 RMB) Economy accommodation in Lanzhou
Day 7 Lanzhou city tour (Mother River of the Yellow River, White Pagoda Hill) City bus or walking Return or free activities

2. Transportation Guide
Lanzhou to Hezuo: High-speed train or bus, about 150 RMB, fast and convenient.
Hezuo to Xiahe: Chartered car or carpool, about 200 RMB, flexible and convenient.
Xiahe to Zhuoni: Carpool or chartered car, about 200 RMB.
Zhuoni to Maerkang: Carpool or chartered car, about 250 RMB.
Maerkang to Ruoergai: Local carpool, about 150 RMB.
Return to Lanzhou: Bus or train, about 200 RMB.
It is recommended to book vehicles in advance on local carpool platforms or travel groups to save money and ensure safety.

3. Accommodation Recommendations (Budget about 150-200 RMB/night)
Hezuo, Xiahe, Zhuoni, Maerkang, Ruoergai: Mostly economy hotels or Tibetan-style inns, priced at 150-200 RMB/night, clean and comfortable.
Lanzhou: Economy chain hotels or youth hostels in the city, around 150 RMB.
Book in advance to save time and budget.

4. Food Recommendations
Tibetan restaurants: Butter tea, yak meat, tsampa, barley wine.
Local specialties: Tibetan noodles, beef jerky, Tibetan fragrant pork in Xiahe.
Affordable snacks: Street stalls, night markets, affordable prices, authentic taste.
Daily meal budget controlled at 50-80 RMB, totaling about 350-500 RMB.

5. Main Attractions and Tickets (Some free)
Attraction Fee Features Description
Hezuo Ancient Town Free Learn about Tibetan culture, admire ancient architecture
Labrang Monastery 70 RMB Important Tibetan Buddhist monastery, experience religious atmosphere
Sangke Grassland Free Nomadic life, grassland scenery, horseback riding experience
Zhuoni Grand Canyon 40 RMB Magnificent canyon views, great for photography
Tibetan Villages Free Experience Tibetan folk customs, buy handicrafts
Ruoergai Grassland Free Experience Tibetan nomadic life, horseback riding, herding
Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns (Ruoergai) Free Scenic mountain road views, excellent for photography
Total ticket budget: about 200 RMB, the remainder can be used for other attractions or special experiences.

6. Special Experience Suggestions
Tibetan Culture: Participate in Tibetan monastery prayer wheels and blessings, feel the religious atmosphere.
Tibetan Cuisine: Try Tibetan hot pot, butter tea, barley wine.
Grassland Horse Riding: Enjoy horseback riding fun at Sangke Grassland or Ruoergai, reasonably priced.
Handicrafts: Buy Tibetan handicrafts as souvenirs and support the local economy.

7. Budget Overview (Example for 7 days)
Item Budget (RMB)
Transportation (including bus, carpool) about 1,250 RMB
Accommodation (6 nights) about 900 RMB
Tickets and attraction fees about 200 RMB
Food about 500 RMB
Others (shopping, emergencies) about 150 RMB
Total about 3,000 RMB
Remaining about 2,000 RMB, which can be used to upgrade accommodation, buy special souvenirs, or add experience activities.