Langmu Temple Super Detailed Travel Guide, One Article Is Enough

Langmu Temple is not a temple but a small town located at the border of Gansu and Sichuan, surrounded by grasslands, forests, and hills, known as the "Little Switzerland of the East." The town has two temples facing each other across the river, as well as magnificent red stone cliffs, a mysterious sky burial platform, and deep canyons, full of strong religious atmosphere and Tibetan cultural style, making it worth a visit. Itinerary Planning • One-day tour: Arrive in the morning and first visit Gerdie Monastery in Sichuan to see the mummified Buddha relics, then hike the Namo Grand Canyon; in the afternoon, head to Saichi Monastery in Gansu to visit the main scripture hall and other buildings, then watch the sunset at the red stone cliff. • Two-day tour: The first day follows the one-day itinerary above; on the second day, get up early to visit the sky burial platform (observe from a distance to respect customs), then stroll along the main street of Langmu Temple, taste local food, and buy Tibetan souvenirs before returning in the afternoon. Attractions Introduction • Saichi Monastery, Gansu: Admission 30 RMB/person, self-driving vehicle ticket 5 RMB/car. The golden roof shines brightly; the gilded roof of the main scripture hall and the thousand-Buddha murals in the Tsongkhapa Hall are stunning. The hillside behind the temple is an excellent photo spot, with beautiful light and shadow at 7 a.m., perfect for capturing the golden roof and red cliffs in one frame. The back hill also has the sky burial platform (view from afar, no close photos, respect customs), offering a panoramic view of the town. You can also see debate activities (time not fixed, roughly 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.). • Gerdie Monastery, Sichuan: Admission 30 RMB/person (includes Namo Grand Canyon). It houses the mummified relics of the Fifth Dalai Lama (visit requires permission). A must-do is hiking the Namo Grand Canyon, a light 1.5 km trek where you can see grassland streams and explore Fairy Cave and Tiger Hole Spring. • Red Stone Cliff: Located on the hillside behind Langmu Temple International Hotel, it is a great spot to watch the sunset and capture the warm light and cooking smoke of the town. • Source of Bailong River: The water is clear; standing on the stone piles in the stream and leaning down to photograph the palm spring eye with a wide-angle lens is very impressive. Photo Spots • Saichi Monastery Golden Roof at Dawn: At sunrise, the golden roof glows; use a telephoto lens to capture monks’ backs during morning prayers with incense smoke for a strong atmosphere. • Gerdie Monastery Red Wall Light and Shadow: The red wall contrasts sharply with yellow scarves; wear a plain long dress and walk sideways, capturing with mobile portrait mode. • Bailong River Source Reflection: In winter mornings, shoot against the light on the small wooden bridge, capturing silhouettes of Tibetan people drawing water and the ice crystals refracting light on the river surface. • Sky Burial Platform Prayer Flag Array: Use a wide-angle lens to shoot the colorful prayer flags dancing with eagles, but photographing the sky burial process is prohibited. • Langmu Temple Canyon Secret Spot: From the lawn opposite the parking lot, use the rule of thirds to compose the temple, forest, and snow-capped mountains in one frame, applying a "vivid" filter. Transportation Guide • Shuttle Bus: Direct buses run from Xiahe, Linxia, Hezuo, Maqu, etc. The ticket from Xiahe to Langmu Temple is 71.5 RMB/person, with departures at 6:40 and 7:40 daily; times may vary in the off-season. There is no direct bus from Lanzhou to Langmu Temple; usually, you transfer at Hezuo. The ticket to Hezuo is 42 RMB/person, and from Hezuo bus station, you can transfer to Langmu Temple for 50 RMB/person, with departures at 6:30, 7:20, and 12:00 daily. Alternatively, take a bus from Lanzhou South Station to Diebu, get off at Langmu Temple Bridge, then walk about 3 km to the town. • Self-driving: From Chengdu, take National Highway G213 for about 7 hours; from Lanzhou, about 5 hours. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and you can stop anytime to take photos. Food Recommendations • Lisa Café: A popular restaurant; the yak meat Tibetan buns are authentic, and the apple pie paired with freshly ground coffee is also very good. The second-floor windowsill offers a panoramic view of the town. • Aka Tibetan Restaurant: Must-try yak meat casserole, spicy and tender; ginseng fruit yogurt is sweet and sour, helping to cleanse the palate. • Dalao Restaurant: Roasted lamb chops are a specialty, served with Tibetan spicy sauce, crispy and delicious. • Zhaqiong Yiba Tibetan Restaurant: Offers authentic Tibetan cuisine, with butter tea and tsampa, providing a traditional Tibetan breakfast experience. Accommodation Suggestions • Langmu Temple International Youth Hostel: Terrace faces the snow mountains directly, beds at 60 RMB/night, cost-effective with a good atmosphere, suitable for young people. • Zhaqiong Cang Ecological Homestay: Converted from a herder’s home, you can experience Tibetan style and learn to make butter tea. • Luqu Langmu Temple Hotel: Located next to the Gansu temple, with a window view of the golden roof, an excellent location. Notes • Temple tickets are purchased separately; student ID holders enjoy half-price discounts. • July to August is the rainy season; bring waterproof shoe covers. After October, temperatures drop, so wear down jackets for warmth. • Remove hats when entering temple halls, keep quiet, and avoid loud noises; do not touch Buddha statues with your hands or step on prayer flags; photography of the sky burial ceremony is strictly prohibited. • Horse riding tours are available near Langmu Temple, priced between 150 and 400 RMB, visiting places like the source of Bailong River, Red Stone Cliff, and flower seas. Negotiate prices and routes in advance.