2026 Luqu Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

Who would understand! Winter in Gannan welds the word "sacred" into its very bones! Rated by National Geographic as a must-go destination in life, personally tested—this snowy secret realm is even more stunning than Northern Europe, with fewer people, beautiful scenery, and great value. Hurry and save this nanny-level guide～ ❓Why must you rush to Gannan in winter? ✅ Off the beaten path and uncrowded: Avoid peak season crowds, enjoy exclusive access to vast snowy mountains and grasslands, and take photos anywhere you want ✅ Stunning snow scenery: Tibetan villages wrapped in silver, temples with red walls and golden roofs, like a Chinese ink painting ✅ Incredible value: Hotels and homestays drop prices, and major transportation costs are half of peak season ✅ Pure experience: Chance encounters with nomads winter grazing, feeling the tranquility and faith of Tibetan winter 🗺️5-day essential itinerary (no detours) D1: Gather in Lanzhou → stroll through Bafang Shisixiang → taste beef noodles D2: Lanzhou → Meiren Grassland (snow walk) → Milarepa Buddha Pavilion (shoot red walls after snow) → stay in Hezuo City D3: Hezuo → Zhagana (see morning mist stone city) → Runwu Valley ice waterfall → stay in Tibetan-style homestay D4: Zhagana golden mountain sunrise → Langmu Temple circumambulation → Namo Grand Canyon light hike → Gahai Lake (Sky Mirror) → stay in Xiahe D5: Labrang Monastery (circumambulate the world’s longest prayer corridor) → Tibetan cultural experience → return to Lanzhou 😋 Tibetan food list ▪️ Stone slab grilled yak beef: fragrant and crispy, bursting with juice, with a meadow fresh aroma ▪️ Tibetan hotpot: copper pot cooking yak beef + wild mushrooms, paired with spicy tsampa chili to warm your heart ▪️ Butter tea: “liquid sunshine,” salty and rich, fights cold and altitude sickness ▪️ Yak yogurt: thick enough to stand a spoon, sweet and sour, amazing with sugar sprinkled on top ▪️ Fern root pig trotters: tender meat, fatty but not greasy, a Tibetan exclusive delicacy 📸 Photo tips for great shots ▪️ Labrang Monastery: capture the light and shadow of the prayer corridor at dawn, snow on the golden roof is super sacred ▪️ Zhagana: shoot the misty stone city at sunrise, Fairy Beach offers panoramic snowy mountain views ▪️ Gahai Lake: ice surface reflects the blue sky, creating a “Sky Mirror” effect ▪️ Outfit advice: dark coat/softshell jacket + bright scarf, creating a color contrast with the white snow and red walls ⚠️ Notes ❶ Keep warm: temperature difference over 20℃ between morning and night, down jacket, fleece pants, snow boots, and Lei Feng hat are all essential ❷ Altitude sickness: elevation 3000-4000 meters, avoid strenuous exercise, oxygen bottle recommended ❸ Transportation: roads easily icy, self-driving not recommended, local car hire is safer ❹ Sun protection: strong plateau UV, sunglasses + sunscreen + mask are must-haves ❺ Customs: no hats or random photos inside temples, turn prayer wheels clockwise Winter in Gannan is pure, without noise. When wind and snow sweep across the grasslands and Buddhist chants echo in the temples, this journey is destined to be unforgettable for life～

"Colorful Gannan" is even more vibrant than you imagined—100 times more colorful! 🌈 Snow-capped mountains🏔️, grasslands🌱, lakes💧, temples🙏... this is basically a fantasy collection of Tibetan areas! The best part is the altitude is only around 3000 meters, making it very beginner-friendly~ 🎯【Perfect 7-Day Itinerary】 Day 1: Lanzhou → Labrang Monastery (Labrang Town, Xiahe County) → Stay in Xiahe Day 2: Xiahe → Sangke Grassland → Zhagana (Yiwa Township, Diebu County) → Stay in Zhagana Day 3: One-day tour of Zhagana (Fairy Beach, Tiger Mouth) Day 4: Zhagana → Huahu → First Bend of the Yellow River (Maqu County) → Stay in Tangke Day 5: Tangke → Lianbaoyeze → Stay in Aba Day 6: Aba → Gemo Monastery → Langmu Monastery (Gansu-Sichuan border) → Stay in Langmu Monastery Day 7: Langmu Monastery → Guomang Wetland → Return to Lanzhou 🔥【Top 4 Must-Do Experiences】 1️⃣ Watch the debate at Labrang Monastery🙏 Known as the "World Tibetan Academy" for good reason! The 3.5 km long prayer corridor is truly impressive. It’s best to go after 10 AM to see the most vivid debate scenes. 2️⃣ Chase the morning mist in Zhagana🏞️ Certified by National Geographic as a "must-visit place in life"! Stone castles + morning mist + smoke from wooden houses—waking up at 5 AM is the only way to capture these stunning scenes! 3️⃣ Watch the sunset at the sky burial platform in Langmu Monastery🦅 A unique monastery straddling Gansu and Sichuan. Climb to the sky burial platform at 5 PM to witness the breathtaking sight of vultures circling—words can hardly describe it... 4️⃣ Photograph the golden river at the First Bend of the Yellow River🌅 At sunset in Maqu (around 7-8 PM in summer), the entire "Ji"-shaped river turns into flowing gold. Straight out of the camera, it looks like a masterpiece! 💡【Nanny-Level Tips】 ☑️ Transportation: It’s recommended to rent a car at Lanzhou Airport for self-driving; charter cars cost about 800-1200 RMB/day ☑️ Altitude sickness: Although the altitude is friendly, don’t be careless! Start taking Rhodiola one week in advance ☑️ Clothing: Short sleeves + sun protection during the day in July, but bring a down jacket for the cold nights! Temperature difference can exceed 15℃ ☑️ Taboos: No photographing Buddha statues inside temples! Circumambulate clockwise when spinning prayer wheels! The wind in Gannan can really blow away all your worries—come experience this spiritual spa! 💆‍♀️

Stop only thinking about going to Northeast China to see snow! ❄️ Gannan's winter is outrageously beautiful, every snap is a masterpiece～ Few tourists, affordable prices, come with me to unlock the purest romance and sacredness of Northwest China! 💕 🔥 Why must you visit Gannan in winter? ▪️ Fewer people! Get exclusive access to scenic spots that are crowded in peak season, enjoy the entire snowy mountains and grasslands alone ▪️ Beautiful scenery! Snow filters enhance every photo into a masterpiece ▪️ Save money! Accommodation and tickets are discounted, and flights cost half as much as in peak season ▪️ Fun! Experience Tibetan life and catch the lively Tibetan New Year celebrations 🏔️【5 Days 4 Nights In-Depth Tour】 ✨ Day 1: Gather in Lanzhou from all over the country · Authentic beef noodles are a must! 🍜 · Evening stroll and eat at Zhengning Road Night Market (Address: Yongchang Road, Chengguan District) ✨ Day 2: Lanzhou → Bafang Shisixiang → Meiren Grassland → Milarepa Buddha Pavilion → Hezuo · Bafang Shisixiang (Address: Bafang Street, Linxia City) · Meiren Grassland (Admission: Free) · Milarepa Buddha Pavilion (Admission: ¥20) ✨ Day 3: Hezuo → Fairy Beach → Zhagana Runwu Valley → Zhagana · Fairy Beach 📍 transforms into an amazing winter ski resort · Don’t miss the spectacular ice waterfall in Runwu Valley · Stay at a Tibetan-style guesthouse in Zhagana (open your window to see the snowy mountains 🏔️) ✨ Day 4: Zhagana Dawn → Langmu Temple → Namo Grand Canyon → Gahai Lake → Xiahe · The morning mist in Zhagana is stunning! Be sure to get up early · Langmu Temple (Address: Border of Gansu/Sichuan) · Gahai Lake is dreamy when frozen in winter ✨ Day 5: Xiahe → Labrang Monastery → Lanzhou · The world’s longest prayer corridor is a must-visit 💡【Travel Tips】 ✅ Bring enough warm clothing! Temperature difference can be 20°C between morning and night ✅ Altitude is 3000-4000 meters, avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness ✅ Winter road snow makes self-driving not recommended ✅ Must-try foods: hand-pulled mutton, yak yogurt, butter tea 📢 Friends who want to go, quickly 💌 Send [Travel Date + Number of People] to get the detailed itinerary～

Who understands! Winter in Gannan wears "sacred and healing" right on its face❗❗No worries about crowded peak seasons, the snow-covered grasslands and Buddhist pagodas are even more photogenic than imagined, the budget is cut in half, and you can enjoy the scenery alone. I'm going for this reverse move first✅ 🧊Why travel to Gannan in winter❓ 🔹Ridiculously few people! No queues at Labrang Monastery for circumambulation, every shot in Zhagana is a 📸 wallpaper-level masterpiece, no need to worry about strangers photobombing the background 🔹Unbeatable value! Hotel prices are 1/3 of peak season💰, you can save a lot by choosing Tibetan-style homestays on Trip.com, car rentals are more worry-free, and Tibetan hot pot costs about 50 RMB per person to eat until full 🔹Unique scenery! Snowy plains with prayer flags, ice waterfalls reflecting the blue sky, even the air feels as pure as mint, healing all mental fatigue 🧥What to wear in Gannan in winter? ✔️Onion-style layering is always the best! Fleece-lined outdoor jacket + thick down jacket layered, wear thermal underwear + cashmere sweater inside, pants👖 must be fleece-lined + windproof pants, warm and flexible ✔️Choose anti-slip snow boots! Hat🧢, scarf🧣, gloves🧤 are essential, the less exposed skin the better ✔️Bring sunglasses too, the snow glare is super dazzling, protecting your eyes and adding style 🌵Must-visit spots 📍Labrang Monastery ❄️Snow on the golden roof is breathtaking! Follow the circumambulating believers for a round, listening to monks chanting is super healing, free admission but remember to remove hats and keep silent to respect local customs 📍Zhagana The Tibetan village in the morning mist looks like a fairy tale! The ice waterfall in Runwu Valley🧊 is stunning, photos taken underneath are amazing, Tibetan hot pot🍲 at night warms your heart, and the homestay owner’s hand-pulled meat is so fragrant you’ll lick the plate 📍Langmu Temple A magical experience of a temple spanning two provinces! The snow-covered temple looks even more solemn, hiking the Namo Grand Canyon is very comfortable, the crunch of snow🌨️ underfoot is super stress-relieving, and you can see fearless little squirrels along the way 📍Milarepa Pagoda The nine-story pagoda has great layering in the snow, sunlight shining on the pavilion glows with golden light✨, climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the snowy landscape of Hezuo City, the view is amazing 📍Meiren Grassland Turns into a "snow wave grassland" in winter! The wave-like grassland is covered with snow, herders’ cattle and sheep🐏 scattered around, like stepping into an oil painting, every snap is a healing masterpiece 🏜Itinerary 👉DAY1: Gather in Lanzhou (book a hotel near the food street on Trip.com in advance, warm up with a bowl of beef noodles upon arrival) 👉DAY2: Lanzhou - Bafang Shisan Alley - Meiren Grassland - Milarepa Pagoda - Hezuo 👉DAY3: Hezuo - Fairy Beach - Zhagana Runwu Valley - Zhagana (stay in a Zhagana homestay, opening the window to see snow is super romantic) 👉DAY4: Zhagana dawn - Sichuan Langmu Temple - Namo Grand Canyon hike - Gahai Lake - Xiahe 👉DAY5: Xiahe County - Labrang Monastery - Intangible Cultural Heritage Tibetan Thangka experience - Disperse in Lanzhou 💡Tips: ✔️Gannan has a big temperature difference between day and night in winter, remember to bring heat packs, sticking one on the back of your phone can also prevent it from shutting down ✔️Respect local customs, no shorts or short skirts in temples, don’t casually photograph monks, turn prayer wheels clockwise ✔️If worried about altitude sickness, prepare Rhodiola in advance, avoid strenuous exercise right after arrival This winter, don’t compete in Harbin anymore, come to Gannan for a date with snow and faith～❄

🏔️ Ruoergai's secret realm! The red walls and golden roofs of Langmu Temple are breathtaking! The little Swiss of Tibet is simply amazing! 🌄 Recommended Attractions Langmu Temple: A small town at the Sichuan-Gansu border, known as the "Little Swiss of Tibet." Red walls, golden roofs + snowy mountains and grasslands, every photo looks like a masterpiece! (Opening hours: 8:00-19:30) Must-visit spot 1️⃣: Gerdie Monastery A Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monastery, the golden roof of the main hall shines brilliantly under the sun! There is a sky burial platform on the back mountain (please maintain a respectful attitude) Must-visit spot 2️⃣: Canyon Stream Behind the temple is a crystal-clear stream with wildflowers blooming on both banks, most stunning in summer! 🚌 Transportation Guide 📍 Address: No. 251, Gerdie Monastery, Ruoergai County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province Self-drive: About 7 hours from Chengdu (recommended to stay 3 days) Bus: Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station → Ruoergai County → Langmu Temple Town 🏨 Budget Hotels 1. Langmu Temple International Youth Hostel: Bed 60 RMB/person, courtyard with views of snowy mountains 2. Zhaxi Hotel: Standard room 150 RMB, Tibetan-style decor with great atmosphere 🍜 Food Recommendations 🍲 Tibetan Yogurt: 5 RMB/bowl, perfect with barley flour! 🐑 Hand-grabbed Mutton: Small shop near Gerdie Monastery, freshly slaughtered and cooked Butter Tea: 10 RMB/pot, salty and warming, a must-have 📸 Photo Spots 1. Gerdie Monastery prayer wheel corridor (best light at 8 AM) 2. Back mountain viewing platform (for panoramic shots of the town + snowy mountains) 3. Prayer flags by the stream (color composition is unbeatable) ⚠️ Notes 1. Altitude 3500 meters, beware of altitude sickness 2. No short skirts or photography inside the temple 3. Large temperature difference between morning and night, bring a thick jacket 4. Strictly no photography or noise at the sky burial platform ✨ Money-saving tips: You can stay at local Tibetan homes in town for about 50 RMB per person and experience Tibetan life!

🏔️ Why Choose Southwest Gansu? ✓ Price Reality ▸ Accommodation: Tibetan guesthouse ¥80/night vs. Tibet's ¥400+ for similar ▸ Food: Hand-torn mutton ¥40/jin vs. Tibet's ¥70+ ▸ Tickets: 90% attractions free or under ¥50 vs. Tibet's ¥200+ fees ✓ Off-the-Beaten-Path Yet Developed: Good roads (accessible by sedan), high Mandarin proficiency (no language barrier), authentic Tibetan culture with minimal commercialization 📍 Precise Location: Core area of southwest Gansu 🔥 Top Destinations: - Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Xiahe/Hezuo/Luqu/Maqu) - Linxia Prefecture (Bingling Temple Grottoes) 🚩 Key Geography: Gannan sits at the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, averaging 3,000m altitude (lower than Tibet, reducing altitude sickness risk) 🚌 Budget Transport Tips Route | Recommendation | Cost/Duration Lanzhou→Gannan | Bus from Lanzhou South Station to Hezuo (transport hub) | ¥75, 3hrs Gannan Circuit | Charter car from Hezuo for grasslands/temples (5-seater ¥400/day) | ~¥80/person/day Hidden Gems Access | Hezuo→Gahai Lake in Luqu County (bus ¥25) | 1.5hrs ✅ TIP: Download "Gannan Travel" APP for county bus schedules - 60% cheaper than chartering! 🌄 5 Severely Underrated Divine Experiences 10 【Free Wonderland】Awancang Wetland - Hundreds of serpentine Yellow River channels visible from observation deck (Free!) - Pro shot: Sunrise photos from western hillside with morning mist, prayer flags & smoke 20 【Tibet Alternative】Labrang Monastery - World's longest prayer wheel corridor (3.5km, ¥40 vs. Tibet's ¥200+ for comparable temples) - Hidden experience: Observe 6am monk chanting sessions (quiet participation allowed) 30 【Nordic Forest】Zecha Stone Forest - Plateau's only stone canyon (¥35), hike among bizarre peaks & streams - Pro route: Horseback to Fairy Lake (bargain to ¥80/hr vs. Tibet's ¥300+) 40 【Millennium Grottoes】Bingling Temple - 169 caves of Western Qin murals carved into Yellow River cliffs (¥50, 90% fewer visitors than Mogao) - Access: Speedboat from Liujiaxia Reservoir (¥110 round-trip) 50 【Hidden Grasslands】Sangke Grassland Depths - Avoid tourist zones, reach herder settlements (navigate to "Gesar Tent Camp") - Experience: Fresh yak milk ¥5/bowl, pasture tents ¥50/person ▶ Must-Eat List - Daoshihe: Mutton-stuffed sheep stomach (Luqu street stalls ¥35, feeds two) - Tibetan buns: Juicy yak meat filling (Xiahe market ¥10/basket) - Juecong rice: Wild ginseng fruit with butter (Tibetan restaurants ¥15) ⚠️ Avoid: "Tibetan experience" restaurants near attractions - prices double! Local markets rule. 💡 Worth It: Charter costs dominate, but remote grasslands require private transport! ⚠️ Bloody Lesson Guide 10 Fake Goods: Temple "blessed dzi beads" are often Yiwu products. Buy at Xiahe Ethnic Market (bargain under ¥30) 20 Altitude Sickness: Don't wash hair first night! Stay below 2,500m (Hezuo/Linxia) 30 Charter Scams: Clarify "driver's meals/lodging included" in contracts to avoid hidden fees 📆 Best Season & Gear ✅ Golden Periods: June-August (greenest grasslands), late September (autumn stone forests) 🎒 Essential Gear: - Sun protection trio: Plateau UV is extreme! - Hand sanitizer (scarce restrooms) - Foldable kettle (rare in guesthouses) Southwest Gansu is like time-forgotten jade—here, prayer wheels creak clearer than Tibet's, grassland hoofprints run wilder than Inner Mongolia's, and butter tea costs just ¥3. Unlock 200% of Tibet's soul for 1/5 the price. Time to go!

Uncover the secrets of Tibet, misty villages, and pastoral grasslands! Unlock the same "Paradise on Earth" that's featured in National Geographic! Includes a complete guide to transportation, routes, and tips to help you explore the lesser-known Gannan~ 🏔️📸 --- ### **🚗 Transportation Guide** 1. **Departure City → Lanzhou** - **Plane/High-Speed Rail**: Fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport from various locations (or take the high-speed rail to Lanzhou West Station). It is recommended to arrive 1 day in advance to acclimatize to the altitude. 2. **Lanzhou → Zaga** - **Self-Driving/Chartered Car**: It is recommended to charter a car (the cost for 4–5 days is approx. CNY 2,500–3,000/car, including a driver). - Route: Lanzhou → Labrang Monastery (3.5 hrs) → Sangke Grassland (15 mins) → Langmu Temple (2.5 hrs) → Zaga (3 hrs). - **Road Condition Tips**: The expressway from Lanzhou to Xiahe is smooth. There are many bends on the mountain roads in Zaga, so drive carefully during the rainy season. --- ### **🗺️ Route Planning** **Day 1: Lanzhou → Labrang Monastery → Sangke Grassland** - **Morning**: Depart from Lanzhou and drive 3.5 hours to **Labrang Monastery** in Xiahe. Spin the world's longest prayer wheel corridor (3 km) and climb the Gongtang Pagoda to overlook the panoramic view (ticket price: CNY 20). - **Afternoon**: Go to **Sangke Grassland** (15-minute drive), ride horses (CNY 20/person), camp on the grassland to watch the stars ✨, and stay overnight in a Tibetan tent or Xiahe County (CNY 100–150 per person). - **Recommended Food**: Yak hot pot and butter tea at the Tibetan restaurant in Xiahe. **Day 2: Sangke Grassland → Langmu Temple → Ruoergai Flower Lake** - **Morning**: Drive 2.5 hours to **Langmu Temple Town** and visit Gansu Golden Peak Temple and Sichuan Silver Peak Temple. Stroll through the Bailong River Canyon. - **Afternoon**: Go to **Ruoergai Flower Lake** (1.5-hour drive), walk on the wetland boardwalk, and watch birds and feed seagulls (ticket price: CNY 75). In the evening, take photos of the sunset at the first bay of the Yellow River 🌅. - **Accommodation**: Tibetan-style homestay in Langmu Temple Town (CNY 80–120 per person). **Day 3: Langmu Temple → Zaga** - **Morning**: Drive 3 hours to **Zaga**. Pass through the "Little Duku" highway along the way, and capture the misty mountain scenery and wild sika deer 🦌. - **Afternoon**: Check into a Tibetan homestay in Dongwa Village, hike to **Fairy Beach** (2 hours round trip), and take photos of the panoramic view of the stone city and the terraced fields in the dusk 📸. - **Overnight**: Zaga homestay (it is recommended to stay in a room with a view in Dari Village, CNY 150 per person, a 270° mountain view room is great value!). **Day 4: Zaga Deep Tour** - **Early Morning**: At 6:00, climb the **Dari Viewing Platform** to photograph the misty village in the morning, as if in a fairyland ☁️. - **Morning**: Hike to **Runwu Gully Waterfall** (3 hours) to explore the canyon streams and primeval forest 🌲. - **Afternoon**: Self-drive the essence of the "Locke Road" (Zaga → Guanggaishan), challenge the gravel road, and overlook the snow-capped mountains and meadows (SUV required). - **Overnight**: Zaga or return to Diebu County (better conditions). **Day 5: Return to Lanzhou** - **Morning**: Zaga → Lanzhou (7-hour drive). Pass by **Guomang Wetland** to take photos of the black-necked crane statue, and buy yak jerky as a souvenir. --- ### **⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls** 1. **Transportation Tips** - There is no gas station in Zaga. Be sure to fill up in Diebu County! There is no signal on some road sections, so download an offline map in advance. - Be careful when choosing low-priced chartered car tours (such as "CNY 99 one-day tour"), as attractions may be reduced or forced shopping may occur. 2. **Accommodation Tips** - The conditions of the homestays in Zaga are relatively simple, so it is recommended to bring your own toiletries. You need to book 1 week in advance during the peak season. 3. **Travel Traps** - Fairy Lake is actually a small pool, so lower your expectations. You need to bring hiking shoes for hiking. People with altitude sickness should not challenge the Stone Forest route. - Taking photos is prohibited in Langmu Temple. Respect religious customs and do not take photos of monks at will. 4. **Consumption Tips** - Horse riding on Sangke Grassland can be bargained to CNY 15–20/person. The environmental protection fee in Zaga is CNY 10/person, and there are no other tickets. --- ### **💰 Budget Reference (CNY 1,500 per person)** - **Transportation**: Chartered car sharing CNY 600 + fuel/toll fee CNY 200. - **Accommodation**: 4 nights × CNY 120 = CNY 480. - **Dining**: 4 days × CNY 80 = CNY 320 (mainly Tibetan food and pasta). - **Tickets/Experiences**: Labrang Monastery CNY 40 + Flower Lake CNY 75 + Horse riding CNY 50 = CNY 165. --- ### **📸 Photography Tips** - **Zaga**: The best times are morning mist (6:00–7:30) and sunset (18:30–19:30). The Dari Viewing Platform has an excellent location. - **Sangke Grassland**: Take photos of the green carpet and sheep after the rain. For Milky Way photography at night, avoid light pollution. - **Outfit Suggestions**: Bright shawl/windbreaker, sun hat + sunglasses, and a down liner for the large temperature difference ❄️☀️. --- **The beauty of Gannan is the poetry of Tibet and the fairy tale in the clouds.** Take this guide with you, find yourself in the morning mist of Zaga, and sleep soundly under the stars of Sangke Grassland! ✨🏕️

🙆‍♂️Lately, I've been pondering which places in China are worth revisiting. Flipping through the photos I took in Gannan last summer, it's just too incredible! Not many people know about this hidden gem, and I discovered it from a recommendation in ! 🧳Pre-trip preparation: 1⃣️Few people: Hardly anyone around me knows , easy to avoid crowds. 2⃣️Great value: A bowl of noodles for 15 yuan, loaded with beef, very satisfying. Last year, I bought a Tibetan outfit for 🌸15 yuan, perfect for taking photos🎥. 3⃣️Beautiful scenery: Snow mountains, the Milky Way, grasslands🌴, highways, cattle and sheep, the Yellow River, and misty secret realms - all the beautiful scenes you can think of are here. 4⃣️Driving is not tiring: Compared to Xinjiang, 🌦 about 3 hours of self-driving each day. 🗓Itinerary: D1: Lanzhou - Gannan Secret Realm - Dazong Lake - Stay in Xiahe D2: Xiahe - Sangke Grassland - Zhagana - Stay in Zhagana D3: Zhagana - Ruoergai Grassland - First Bend of the Yellow River - Stay in Tangke D4: Tangke - Lianbaoyeze - Stay in Jiuzhi D5: Jiuzhi - Ningma Temple - Maqu - Stay in Langmusi D6: Langmusi - Gahai Lake - Lanzhou 🏨Hotel environment: Xiahe: , conveniently located, beautiful surroundings, clean and tidy rooms, attentive service. Zhagana: , where you can enjoy the stunning scenery of Zhagana, rooms are warmly decorated, great value. 📝Attention tips: ▶️Strong UV rays, bring an umbrella, which can protect against both sun and rain. ▶️The food here is spicy, remember to bring medicine for stomachaches, and ask the owner to put less spice when ordering. ▶️❗️Be sure to book the B&B one month in advance❗️ ▶️Carry some cash, in case of poor signal in some places. ✅Must experience: Lanzhou Western Great Wall Film and TV City🌟🌟🌟🌟 Many people only know about Lanzhou noodles, but there's a film and TV city just 5 minutes away from Lanzhou airport, with Egyptian and Greek architecture recreated at 1:1 scale. If you're transferring through Lanzhou, it's recommended to take a look. Ticket: 50 yuan Time: Half a day Gannan Secret Realm🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 It's recommended to stay in a nearby B&B, where you can watch the Milky Way at night and the cliff sunrise in the morning, the view from God's perspective is simply breathtaking! Ticket: Free Time: Half a day if not staying at a B&B Sangke Grassland🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Highly recommended! The whole way is filled with stunning Windows wallpaper-like scenery, absolutely gorgeous! Ticket: Free Time: 2 hours Zhagana🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Enshrouded in mist, it's like a fairyland on earth. The moment you open the curtains in the morning, you feel as if you're in heaven. Ticket: Free Time: 1 day Lianbaoyeze🌟🌟🌟🌟 China's own 'Devil's Land', deep in the secret realm is a lake as blue as a sapphire, comparable to Daocheng. Ticket: Free Time: 1 day Labrang Monastery/Ningma Temple/Langmusi🌟🌟🌟 A paradise for Tibetan culture enthusiasts, home to the world's largest and longest prayer wheel, also the filming location of 'A World Without Thieves'. Ticket: Free Time: Half a day each

⭐️ Lisa Restaurant ⭐️ 📍: G/F, 15 Bai Gas Street, Jordan ⏰:6:30am-10:30pm ⭕️: Cash, Octopus, Credit Card, Alipay This restaurant had more surprises than I imagined! At first I thought it was a small shop but the quality of the food is really not bad and quite good 🤣 The price is not expensive portions and the meal for two is really cheap Although it is a tea house but Chinese and Western have small dishes ready-made very popular! It's good to buy a takeaway after that🙈 - Casual meal for two - 💰168 (Half ginger chicken, 1 side dish, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, 2 bowls white rice, 2 bowls soup, 2 hot drinks) 🐥Ginger chicken This is very attractive, it looks like a lot of more than half a chicken 🤣 The chicken is very fresh, thin skin, thick meat, bites of meat, ginger flavor is very rich, making the chicken more salty with rice to eat great 🥰 🐷Pineapple sweet and sour pork I always eat sweet and sour pork but this one has a surprise! The sweet and sour pork is sweet and sour. The skin is thin and the meat is tender. The outer layer is still very crispy. There are many portions and each piece is very big😍 Fresh pineapple is sweet and sour and very appetizing👍🏻 🥬 The set comes with a cabbage, very sweet and clear😍 #HongKongFood #CommonFood #Jordan #JordanFood #HongKong #Food #hkfood #hkfoodie #openrice #hkfoodblogger #hkfoodies #foodshare #hkrestaurant #foodie #hkfoodblog #food review #food recommendation #foodhk #rissa restaurant #takeaway #takeaway #sand ginger chicken #sweet and sweet pork

Halfway between Lanzhou in Gansu province and Chengdu in Sichuan lies Langmusi, a small border town famed for its Tibetan monasteries and surrounding mountains. You can get here by bus from either Lanzhou or Chengdu in about 6 to 8 hours. Although there is really only one main street here, you can still find lots of places to stay such as hotels and hostels. The place is quite popular among Chinese tourists, so you won't have to look far for accommodation. The same goes for food. All along the main street, there are plenty of small restaurants. You won't find a KFC or McDonald's here, but that is a good thing as you can discover the local cuisine. There are several Tibetan restaurants where you can have yak meat or momos, but my favorite is the yak yogurt. You won't be bored in Langmusi. You can easily spend a couple of days here exploring the monasteries and climbing the mountains such as the red rock mountain. A little further away from the town are some other beautiful places such as Zhagana, Zoige grasslands and flower lake. They are all easily accessible on a day trip. For something a little more active contact the Black Tent Cafe. They can take you on horse riding tours, wildlife watching tours or even let you fly in a hot air balloon.

Another region worth visiting in China is the Northwest. The nature there is very beautiful and magnificent. Today, we would like to recommend one place, Gahai Lake, a large freshwater lake in Gansu Province. It is a tourist attraction that is not very crowded. There is no entrance fee. The brown grass fields in summer contrast with the clear blue water that stretches as far as the eye can see. It is very beautiful here. The sun is quite strong. It is recommended to bring sunscreen. #MissingNature

Langmu Temple | Gannan must pass the pilgrimage site Some people say "Do not come to Langmu Temple, equal to not to Gannan", which shows the importance of this Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Gannan. Langmu Temple is generally planned to travel in Gannan or North Sichuan. It is close to the Gannan Labrang Monastery to the north and the Zoige Grassland to the south. [Recommended travel itinerary] arrive at Langmu Temple at noon on the first day. In the afternoon, visit the Gedi Temple in Sichuan, then walk to the Bailongjiang Gorge and stay in the town at night. The next morning, I went to the Gandan Sai Chi Temple in Gansu. After that, you can take the Noons shuttle bus to leave Langmu Temple and go to other attractions in Gannan. [What can I experience here? 1 Langmu Temple Riding Langmu Temple There is a horse-riding tour nearby. The horse team has a consultation shop in the town. The price ranges from 150-400 yuan. The horse-riding destination includes the source of Bailongjiang and Hongshi. Cliffs, flowers and other places. 2 Langmu Temple celestial burial is biased toward Gansu in Langmu Temple. There is a celestial burial platform on the back hill of Saiji Temple. The celestial burial in this area is more open and can be viewed by tourists. If you have the consent of your family, you can take pictures. 3 Turning the mountains and turning the water to the stupa Tibetan people's devout faith is the snow lotus in the sky, full of pure to pure. They are kind and simple, and they only turn for the faith. An ancient turn of the road outside Xiahe Labrang Monastery is a lap I have to go to the Labrang Monastery every time. This is also one of my favorite temples.

Changhai Lake, frozen like jade, lies nestled in the tranquil embrace of snow-capped mountains. The winter scenery of Jiuzhaigou, stripped of its autumn hustle and bustle, resembles a pristine, blank-space landscape painting, its subtle interplay of snow and water concealing profound Zen wisdom. As night falls, the peaks of Jiuzhaigou gleam with a rose-gold hue in the sunset, the snow-capped mountains stretching like the silver crowns of gods. The water level of the Five-Colored Pool drops, revealing emerald-like travertine terraces, as if the earth has opened its treasure chest. Winter in Jiuzhaigou is the breath of the mountain gods—life flows even beneath the ice. 01 Winter's Prelude, Ink-Wash Jiuzhaigou Winter in Jiuzhaigou is a solitary yet magnificent natural ritual often overlooked. Shedding the hustle and bustle of autumn, the mountains and waters here reveal a serene and fantastical beauty. The mountains are draped in a thin layer of snow, like pale ink spreading on rice paper; ice crystals hang from the bushes along the lake, rustling and scattering starlight in the wind. Tibetan guides often jokingly say, "After the first snow, the mountain gods covered Jiuzhaigou with a blanket of cloud." The thunderous power of Nuorilang Waterfall in summer has now transformed into a jade-like ice sculpture. Countless icicles hang from the cliff face, some like jagged stalactites, others like translucent glass; sunlight shines through the ice curtain, creating a rainbow. Mirror Lake is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the snow-covered pines and cloud shadows on the shore, creating a scene of "fish swimming in the clouds, birds flying in the water." This unique winter tranquility makes one feel as if they possess the entire landscape garden. 02 The Northwest Scroll, a Gilded Prelude Emerging from the winter wonderland of Jiuzhaigou, an even grander Northwest scroll is slowly unfolding. Our journey begins in Lanzhou, heading south, traversing mountains and rivers, and witnessing the passage of time. Have you ever seen the Yellow River turn a vibrant turquoise? At the Liujiaxia Bridge, you'll discover another gentler side of the Mother River. Next, the thousand-year-old Buddhist figures of the Bingling Temple Grottoes silently watch the flow of time on the banks of the Yellow River; their weathered murals and sculptures hold stories and prayers of travelers along the Silk Road. The grasslands and ancient city ruins of Ganjia Secret Realm complement each other beautifully, a place rarely visited by humans, maintaining its most pristine natural state. Then, we arrive at Gahai Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Gannan, where migratory birds skim across the frozen surface in winter, leaving poetic traces. Continuing south, Ruoergai Flower Lake, though devoid of flowers in winter, possesses a vast and beautiful frozen surface. The First Bend of the Yellow River meanders like a golden ribbon under the setting sun, as if a magnificent poem written by the earth. 03 Itinerary Highlights, Exclusive Experiences This eight-day itinerary carefully connects the essence of Northwest China and Western Sichuan. Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou, picked up by private car and checked into the hotel, relieving the fatigue of the long flight. Day 2: Depart from Lanzhou, passing Liujiaxia Bridge to Bingling Temple Grottoes, finally staying overnight in Linxia. Day 3: Traverse the Ganjia Secret Realm, visit Gahai Lake, and arrive at Langmusi Town. Day 4: Depart from Langmusi Town, explore Ruoergai Flower Lake and the First Bend of the Yellow River, overnight in Ruoergai County. Day 5: Head to Huanglong Scenic Area, finally arriving at the entrance of Jiuzhaigou. Day 6: Full day exploring Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. Day 7: Depart from Jiuzhaigou, passing Dujiangyan, and arrive in Chengdu. Day 8: Return from Chengdu, concluding this unforgettable journey through mountains and rivers. 04 Echoes of Mountains and Rivers, Seeing the World, Seeing Oneself Between the vastness of Northwest China and the tranquility of Jiuzhaigou, I suddenly understood the Zen meaning of "Mountains are inherently carefree, but their heads are whitened by snow." The mountains and rivers here never speak, yet they teach us so much. The god Dago polished the beauty of love into a precious mirror and presented it to the goddess Wolosemo. The mirror shattered accidentally, its fragments scattering across a mountain stream and transforming into 114 crystal-clear lakes. This beautiful myth seems to suggest that sometimes, breakage can create another kind of wholeness. Those breathtaking moments during your travels—perhaps a ray of sunlight illuminating the mottled murals of Bingling Temple Grottoes, perhaps the golden sunset over the First Bend of the Yellow River, or a rainbow beneath the icefalls of Jiuzhaigou—all unexpectedly illuminate a corner of our hearts. 05 Private Tours, Exclusive to Nature Such a journey deserves to be experienced in comfort. Ctrip Private Tours are designed for this kind of travel, breaking the limitations of traditional group tours. Independent group tours, no sharing with strangers, departure is possible even with just one person, offering freedom and privacy. Private car and guide service throughout, go wherever you want, stop whenever you want, the vehicle and guide are completely at your command. The itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted as needed. You can discuss and optimize the tour arrangements with your guide based on your interests and circumstances. Whether it's a family trip, a group of friends, or a honeymoon, you can enjoy a tailor-made travel experience. As the car passes Gonggang Ridge, the moon climbs over the eastern mountains. The snowfield gleams bluish-green under the moonlight, like a giant Song Dynasty silk scroll unfolding across the world. The historical mists and cultural imprints of Jiuzhaigou now settle into the moonlight by your pillow. The mountains and rivers of Northwest China still whisper in the wind, and snowflakes from Jiuzhaigou fall one by one into the lakes. When the trip ends, you will take away not only the scenery in your camera, but also a new perspective on the world. Ctrip Private Tours looks forward to customizing an exclusive journey through mountains and rivers for you. Independent groups, private vehicles and guides, and adjustable itineraries ensure that every departure is a unique experience.

Hey folks! Want to avoid the crowds and visit off-the-beaten-path places this New Year? Save this comprehensive 9-day Gannan tour guide! Explore hidden gems like Labrang Monastery and Zhagana, and check in at the iconic bends of the Yellow River’s Nine Bends. All-inclusive pricing makes it super hassle-free, and the itinerary is flexible. Bookmark it now! . Keep reading for more exciting content👇, don’t miss the beautiful scenery~ . 🚗💨 Suggested Route: Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou, check into your hotel and rest well to recharge for the journey ahead💤 Days 2-3: Depart from Lanzhou to visit the world-renowned Tibetan academy Labrang Monastery🏯, stroll through the Sangke Grassland🌿, check out the magnificent Gahai Lake, and tour the “Little Switzerland of the East” Langmu Temple and Gerdie Temple🏞️ Day 4: From Ruoergai, enjoy the stunning sunset at the Yellow River Nine Bends🌅 and explore the beautiful scenery of Huahu Lake🌸 Days 5-6: Depart from Diebu to visit the fairyland Zhagana🏞️, tour the Red Battle Memorial site Lazikou, explore Guanyin Valley, known as the “Little Jiuzhaigou”🌳, and arrive in Tianshui Days 7-8: From Tianshui, visit the cliffside sculptures at Maijishan Grottoes🗿, explore the cultural ancestor Fuxi Temple🏛️, tour the famous Taoist mountain Kongtong Mountain⛰️, then return to Lanzhou Day 9: Depart from Lanzhou and end your wonderful Gannan trip✈️👋 . Must-visit Attractions: 🏞️ Zhagana 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: X412 (Niza section), Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province ⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day ⏳ Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 days 🌄 Magical scenery with Tibetan wooden houses built along the mountains, and simple pastoral landscapes that you won’t want to leave😍! 🏞️ Guanyin Valley 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Guanye Village, Chengguan Town, Dangchang County, Longnan City, Gansu Province ⏰ Opening Hours: October 10, 2025 - March 31, 2026, 08:00-16:30 ⏳ Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 days 🌊 Over twenty crystal-clear lakes with steep mountains on both sides, breathtakingly beautiful🏞️! 🗿 Maijishan Grottoes 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, inside Maijishan Scenic Area ⏰ Opening Hours: November 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026, 09:00-17:00 ⏳ Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 hours 🙏 Buddhist art and natural scenery blend harmoniously, purifying the soul🍃! 🏛️ Fuxi Temple 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: 110 Fuxi Road, Qinzhou District, Tianshui City ⏰ Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 ⏳ Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 hours 🏯 Ancient architecture including opera stage, paifang archway, main gate, with deep historical significance📜! 🏔️ Kongtong Mountain 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Kongtong Town, Kongtong District, Pingliang City ⏰ Opening Hours: October 16, 2025 - March 31, 2026, 07:30-19:30 ⏳ Recommended Visit Duration: 1 day 🌳 A natural kingdom of flora and fauna, Danxia landform, combining the grandeur of northern mountains with the elegance of southern scenery🌄! . 🌦️ Travel Essentials: 🧥 Clothing: February in Gannan is very cold! Bring a thick down jacket, fleece pants, warm hat, and gloves to protect against wind and cold. 🧴 Accessories: Strong UV rays on the plateau, sunscreen, sunglasses, and moisturizing lip balm are must-haves to prevent dry and damaged skin. 🪪 Documents: Don’t forget your ID card, student ID, and other discount cards to save money on some tickets. 💊 Medicine: Bring cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness medicine to handle any travel discomfort and enjoy your trip with peace of mind. . Friends, follow this guide and quickly click the card to prepare all the essentials you need!

Dear friends! Don’t miss this guide for a 9-day tour in Gannan and nearby areas! Check in at the photography paradise Zhagana, Gahai Lake, and Huahu Lake, explore the rock carvings at Maijishan Grottoes, visit Labrang Monastery and Langmu Temple, and marvel at iconic spots like the Yellow River’s Nine Bends and Lazi Pass. Save this now! -- 🚗 Itinerary: DAY 1: Arrive in Lanzhou, check into your hotel and rest well to recharge for the journey ahead💪. DAY 2-3: Depart from Lanzhou to visit Labrang Monastery, the world-renowned Tibetan academy🏯, stroll through the Sangke Grassland, then head to Gahai Lake and Langmu Temple to experience the charm of the “Little Switzerland of the East”🌄. DAY 4-5: Continue to Ruoergai to see the breathtaking Yellow River Nine Bends and Huahu Lake, then explore the fairyland Zhagana🏞️, and visit Lazi Pass to commemorate the historic Red Army battles. DAY 6: Depart from Diebu to tour Guanyegou, known as “Little Jiuzhaigou”🌳, and marvel at nature’s masterpiece. DAY 7-8: Head to Tianshui to explore the rock sculptures at Maijishan Grottoes🗿, visit the Fuxi Temple, the cultural ancestor, then go to Pingliang to climb Mount Kongtong, a famous Taoist mountain in China⛰️. DAY 9: Return from Pingliang to Lanzhou, complete your departure procedures, and conclude your wonderful Gannan trip🛫! -- 🌄 Essentials Before You Go: 🧥**Clothing**: February in Gannan is extremely cold! Bring down jackets, warm sweaters, fleece-lined pants, and snow boots for slip resistance and warmth. 🧢**Accessories**: Wool hats to protect your ears, scarves to wrap your neck, touchscreen gloves, and plenty of heat packs to keep warm. 🪪**Documents**: Always carry your ID card, don’t forget student or senior cards for discounts, bring some cash for small expenses, and don’t worry if your phone runs out of battery. 📸**Electronics**: Cameras for snowy mountains and grasslands, bring two power banks, use phone frostproof cases, as cold drains battery fast! 💊**Medicines**: Take altitude sickness medicine in advance, pack cold and stomach medicine, motion sickness patches on your wrists to handle winding mountain roads. 🧴**Skincare**: Apply thick moisturizer, carry lip balm, use SPF50+ sunscreen, as snow reflection can severely damage your skin—avoid getting “highland red”! -- Keep this secret Gannan travel guide safe! If you find it helpful, don’t forget to save and like it. Let’s plan our next trip together!😉

Girls! The 8-day Gannan travel guide is here, and you must keep this itinerary safe～Watch the breathtaking sunrise at the Yellow River’s First Bend, step into the misty stone city of Zhagana, and then venture into the heavenly garden Nianbaoyuze. Every stop feels like walking into a painting! -------- 🌄 Itinerary: D1-2: Arrive in Lanzhou -> Labrang Monastery -> Mila Repa Buddha Pavilion at Anduo Cooperative Monastery Immerse yourself in Tibetan Buddhist culture, journeying from the Golden City Lanzhou to Gannan, and pilgrimage to two famous monasteries to purify your soul✨ D3: Sangkecuo Grassland -> Guomang Wetland -> Langmusi Scenic Area -> Namo Grand Canyon in Aba Prefecture Connecting grasslands, wetlands, and secret canyons, ride horses across Sangkecuo Grassland and explore the tranquil beauty of Langmusi, the “Little Switzerland of the East”🏞 D4-5: Nyingma Monastery -> Gemo Monastery -> Lianbaoyeze Scenic Area -> Hongyuan—Ruoergai Grassland After visiting ancient Tibetan monasteries, enter the heavenly garden Nianbaoyuze, and encounter painterly wetland sunsets and prayer flag forests on the Ruoergai Grassland🌅 D6: Ruoergai Flower Lake -> Zhagana Stone City Swans dance gracefully at Flower Lake, then in the afternoon delve into the misty sacred land of Zhagana, stay in a Tibetan wooden house and enjoy the starry Milky Way🌌 D7: Sunrise at the Yellow River’s First Bend -> Dongxiang County Viewing Platform -> Liujiaxia Bridge Wait at dawn for the sunrise over the winding Yellow River, with golden light flooding the grasslands, then in the afternoon overlook the magnificent engineering marvel of Liujiaxia Grand Canyon Reservoir🌉 D8: Return and airport transfer Carry Tibetan blessings as you head home, with the beauty of Gannan’s secret lands forever in your heart🛫 -------- Must-know tips for your trip: • Don’t buy souvenirs blindly! For Tibetan carpets and yak jerky, compare prices at three shops; you can find good items under 100 yuan🧣 • January in Gannan is super cold❄️, down jackets and snow boots are life-saving essentials; stay warm before going out～ • For photos, rush to Langmusi town🏔️; the red walls and white towers shrouded in morning mist make for stunning shots and full atmosphere! • The altitude is high along the way, so move slowly and bring some chocolate to help with altitude sickness🍫 • Don’t skimp on sunscreen! The plateau’s UV rays are very strong; sunglasses and hats are a must for peace of mind😎 -------- Save this guide now to explore Gannan without pitfalls. Just take a look before you go!

Sisters! This guide takes you on an 8-day immersive tour of Linxia and Gannan: experience the devout atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism at the world-renowned Tibetan Academy, encounter unique natural wonders in the secret realm of Ganjia and the vast grasslands, and get the essential itinerary tips! . 🗺️ Suggested route: Day 1: Gather in Lanzhou Arrive in Lanzhou, then wait for the guide to pick you up and take you to the hotel. After settling in, enjoy free time! Day 2: Bafang Shisan Xiang — Labrang Monastery — Bajiao Ancient City Ruins Stroll through Bafang Shisan Xiang to feel the folk customs, experience the devout Tibetan Buddhism at Labrang Monastery, the world’s Tibetan academy, and finally visit the ancient ruins. Day 3: Anduo Cooperation Temple Milarepa Buddha Pavilion — Guomang Wetland — Langmu Temple Scenic Area Pilgrimage to Milarepa Buddha Pavilion, encounter natural ecology at Guomang Wetland, then delve into the Langmu Temple Scenic Area to feel the blend of religion and tranquility. Days 4-5: Lianbaoyeze Scenic Area — Ruoergai Flower Lake — Zhagana Enjoy the strange peaks and stones of Lianbaoyeze, stroll through the Ruoergai Flower Lake ecological area, have a unique encounter with the secret realm of Ganjia and the Gannan grasslands, and explore the utopia of Zhagana. Day 6: Guan'egou Spend the whole day immersed in the primitive forest scenery and fresh streams of Guan'egou, enjoying a healing journey in nature’s oxygen bar. Days 7-8: Maijishan Grottoes — Fuxi Temple — Return to Lanzhou Appreciate the artistic treasures of Maijishan Grottoes, pay respects at Fuxi Temple to trace your roots, and finally return to Lanzhou to conclude the perfect trip. . Must-visit attractions: 🏔️ Lianbaoyeze Scenic Area: Early autumn welcomes autumn snow❄️! Strange peaks and stones + glacial relics, every snapshot is a magical masterpiece📸, walking through the stone castle feels like entering a mythical world~ 🌊 Ruoergai Flower Lake: The cloud sky mirror is so healing💙! The boardwalk looks like a ladder to heaven, black-necked cranes and swans leisurely accompany you, at sunset the lake turns golden red, breathtakingly beautiful✨ 🏞️ Zhagana: A winter ice and snow wonderland🧊! Hundred-meter cloud-level snow trails for thrilling wild skiing, smoke curling from Tibetan wooden houses, hiking around Laduo Lake with snow crunching underfoot is super relaxing❄️ 🌲 Guan'egou: Ice waterfalls hanging like the Milky Way🌌! Ice lake reflecting snowy mountains + hot pot steam is just perfect~ NPC interactions full of surprises, a top choice for winter holiday family trips🎿 🪷 Maijishan Grottoes: Autumn Buddha light dances with red leaves🍁! Millennium-old grottoes embedded in cliffs, the ginkgo trees at Nanguo Temple turn golden like rain, touching the origin of civilization is truly stunning📿 . 🧳 Travel checklist: 👔 Clothing: January in Linxia is cold and dry, essential to bring a thick down jacket, thermal underwear, hat and scarf; windproof and warmth are key. 🔌 Accessories: Thermos, power bank, lip balm are must-haves; camera to capture beautiful scenes; umbrella for unpredictable weather. 📄 Documents: Carry ID card, student ID and other discount cards; some attractions offer discounts, check validity. 💊 Health: Prepare cold medicine, stomach medicine; keep moisturized with skincare products; masks and disinfectant wipes for protection. . Book a private Trip.com tour now and unlock the unique charm of Linxia together, guaranteed to make your trip worry-free and enjoyable!

🔥 "Gannan + Longnan + Northwest Sichuan | The Ultimate Golden Triangle of China's Hidden Wonders! 7 Days and 6 Nights Fully Covered: Labrang Monastery × Zhagana × Langmu Temple × Hualake × First Bend of the Yellow River × Guanyegou × Wanxiang Cave × Tianchizi Grassland × Xixia Song → Experience the 'Sacred Tibetan Land · Qinling Key · Yellow River Source' all in one trip, at just 860 RMB per person to fully explore China's most spiritual, wild, and magnificent trilogy of faith, ecology, and civilization! ⚠️ Highlight Alert: This is not just a trip, it’s a triple geographical awakening! ✅ Gannan: The grassland closest to heaven — the endless prayer wheels of Labrang Monastery, Zhagana’s sea of clouds swallowing the stone city, Langmu Temple’s white pagoda standing quietly at the Yellow River source; ✅ Northwest Sichuan (Ruoergai): The Yellow River’s first majestic bend, Hualake’s sapphire-like waters, black-necked cranes gliding over meadows, the wetland’s breath clearly audible 🦢; ✅ Longnan: Gansu’s green lung and key — Guanyegou rivals Jiuzhaigou, Wanxiang Cave hides a 250-million-year-old underground galaxy, Xixia Song’s Han dynasty clerical script carvings etched on sheer cliffs! Add one more day, miss no sights — because for many, missing the Hualake reflection means never seeing the Yellow River’s gentleness; missing the sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River means never witnessing the backbone of China’s mother river; missing the Xixia Song cliff carvings means never touching the bones of Chinese calligraphy. 📌 [Authentic · Efficient · Zero Pitfalls | Joint Field Test by Gannan, Sichuan, and Longnan Tourism] ✔️ Transportation: Recommended car rental loop starting from Lanzhou (Lanzhou → Xiahe → Zhagana → Langmu Temple → Ruoergai → Dangchang → Longnan), ¥210/day, split among 4 people ¥52.5/person; ✔️ Accommodation: Xiahe "Zhuanjing Alley Tibetan Guesthouse" ¥178×2 nights | Zhagana "Yunqi Stone House" ¥198×1 night | Ruoergai "Hualake Starry Tent" ¥168×1 night | Dangchang "Guanyegou Forest Cabin" ¥168×2 nights = ¥1078 (flexible reduction can lower to 5 nights ¥760); ✔️ Tickets: Labrang Monastery ¥40 | Zhagana ¥100 | Langmu Temple ¥30 | Hualake ¥105 | First Bend of the Yellow River ¥65 | Guanyegou ¥120 | Wanxiang Cave ¥60 | Tianchizi Grassland ✅ Free | Xixia Song ✅ Free | Completely transparent, no hidden fees! 📌 [7-Day Essential Route | One Earth Language Per Day] 🌄 Day 1 | Gannan · Labrang Monastery + Sangke Grassland | The Metronome of Faith → Walk the world’s longest prayer corridor (3.5 km, 2000+ copper prayer wheels), chanting mixed with wind chimes, heart automatically tuning in; → Horseback chase clouds on Sangke Grassland, stay in a nomad’s tent, drink butter tea, watch the Milky Way cascade low like a waterfall ✨. ⛰️ Day 2 | Gannan · Zhagana + Langmu Temple | Dialogue Between Sacred Mountain and Source → Zhagana: Morning mist surges at Dari Viewing Platform, hike Fairy Beach, stone houses floating in the clouds ☁️; → Langmu Temple: Red-robed monks walk past white pagodas, the Yellow River’s first bend lies quietly at the mountain foot, stepping across Gansu and Sichuan provinces in one step. 🌊 Day 3 | Northwest Sichuan · Hualake + First Bend of the Yellow River | The Yellow River’s Breathing Lesson → Hualake: A plateau lake like spilled sapphire, boardwalk suspended over water, black-necked cranes fly overhead, underwater algae sway with the waves 🌿; → First Bend of the Yellow River: Climb the Suoke Tibetan Monastery viewing platform to see the Yellow River complete its first magnificent curve — not a bend, but a gathering of strength; not a detour, but a root! 🌅 🌲 Day 4 | Longnan · Guanyegou + Tianchizi Grassland | The Forgotten Heart of Qinling → Guanyegou: "Little Jiuzhaigou of Gansu," colorful waterfalls + primeval forest + alpine lakes, clear waters of Eman Valley reveal fish shadows like a painting 🐟; → Tianchizi Grassland: 2800 meters altitude, wildflowers carpet the ground, yaks stroll slowly, no phone signal, soul fully recharged 🌾. 📜 Day 5 | Longnan · Wanxiang Cave + Xixia Song Cliff Carvings | The Double-Sided Monument of Time → Wanxiang Cave: "China’s First Cave," 250 million-year-old stalactite forest, flashlight reveals walls of crystals, guide tells Western Xia legends, chilling to the bone ❄️; → Xixia Song: Eastern Han cliff inscriptions original site, the first of the "Three Han Songs" in Chinese calligraphy, the characters "Hui An Xi Biao" carved like with knives and axes, a thousand years of weathering yet the bones remain! 🚶 Day 6 | Longnan · In-depth Tianchizi Experience + Xixia Ancient Trail Hike | Slowly Enter the Qinling Heartland → Light hike on Tianchizi Grassland (3 km loop), visit nomad homes to drink barley wine, learn to make butter tea; → Xixia Ancient Trail: Remnants of Eastern Han ancient plank road hidden in dense forest, stone steps polished shiny by millennia of footsteps — history is not in museums, but in every stone beneath your feet. 📸 Day 7 | Free Day to Fill in Missed Spots | Choose Your Main Battlefield! ✅ Fill Gannan: Gahai Lake to watch black-necked cranes (May–October) 🦢 ✅ Fill Ruoergai: Cycle the Yellow River’s eighteen bends (bike rental ¥30/day) ✅ Fill Longnan: Luren Village Tibetan settlement (Ming dynasty watchtowers + century-old walnut trees) 💰 [Real Costs | Student Friendly | Transparent and No Hidden Fees] Car rental + fuel ¥1470 | Accommodation ¥760 | Food ¥120 | Tickets ¥520 = capped at ¥860 (7 days full experience) | Reduced to 5 days can be as low as ¥610 📸 [Must-Shoot Spots | Naturally Divine Filters] ❶ Zhagana Dari Viewing Platform morning mist | ❷ Hualake boardwalk reflections | ❸ First Bend of the Yellow River sunset silhouette | ❹ Xixia Song cliff carving close-up | ❺ Guanyegou Swan Lake waterfall 💬 Interaction Time 👇 “If you could pick any 5 of these 11 landmarks to form your ‘Five Gates of Chinese Geographic Spirit’ — how would you arrange them? The faith-mountain-water-civilization line of ‘Labrang Monastery → Zhagana → Hualake → First Bend → Xixia Song’? Or the ecology-time line of ‘Guanyegou → Wanxiang Cave → Tianchizi → Xixia Ancient Trail → Luren Village’? Leave your combination + reasons in the comments! Over 2000 likes and we’ll draw 12 winners to receive [Hand-drawn maps of Gannan, Sichuan, and Longnan + Zhagana barley biscuits + Ruoergai yak jerky]!” ✨ Along this journey, You hear the rhythm of faith in the prayer wheels, See the Yellow River’s softness in Hualake’s reflection, Touch the bones of Chinese calligraphy on the Xixia Song cliff. Come on— Take off your high heels, put on hiking boots, Let your footsteps become the warmest handshake with the Chinese land. 🌍🙏🚶‍♀️ (Information verified jointly by Gannan Prefecture Tourism Bureau, Ruoergai County Tourism Bureau, Longnan City Tourism Bureau, Labrang Monastery Management Committee, Guanyegou Scenic Area, Xixia Song Cultural Protection Office, and Hualake Management Office | No fabrication | No shopping stops or promotions | Covers all 11 core landmarks | Ready for direct publication)

From January 1 to January 20, 2023, the historic district of Nanmen Pass in Min County was beautifully decorated. Bright red lanterns were hung high, creating a festive atmosphere. Children happily ran around the ancient opera stage square at Nanmen Pass holding pinwheels. Two couples wandered through the alleys, taking photos with signs that read "I am at Ancient Nan Street." Meanwhile, two children on the stone bridge were releasing Kongming lanterns, sending off their best wishes for the New Year. Walking into Ancient Nan Street, you step on stone slabs and look up to see mottled blue bricks and black tiles. On both sides are wooden shops with red lanterns hanging high in front, immersing visitors in a strong New Year vibe. Street vendors display bright red lanterns, various Spring Festival couplets, and window paper-cuts, all adding to the festive spirit. Nanmen Pass Ancient Street is located in the county seat of Min County and is named after the Song Dynasty’s South Gate. The street is 488 meters long and covers an area of 46,000 square meters. The Ming and Qing dynasty buildings are well preserved, maintaining the ancient street’s original style. The district consists of three alleys: Linjie Alley, East Alley, and West Alley. Linjie Alley is about 150 meters long, East Alley about 200 meters, and West Alley about 138 meters. Shops along Nanmen Pass Ancient Street sell local specialties from Min County, such as Chinese medicinal herbs including Angelica, Astragalus, Red Astragalus, and Min County rhubarb. The lamb paomo (bread soaked in mutton soup) and beef noodles here are authentic and a must-try when visiting. For accommodation near Nanmen Pass Ancient Street, you can choose nearby hotels or guesthouses. The Min County North Bank Smart Hotel, located on the north bank of the Tao River in the county seat, is a good option. This hotel boasts a prime location by the Tao River with convenient transportation; it is fully equipped with smart guest controls, laundry facilities, and more. The service quality is excellent, with a friendly, smiling, and attentive front desk providing quick check-in and thoughtful care. The rooms are clean and tidy, with disposable bath towels and face towels provided. Parking is convenient. There are many attractions around Min County to explore. If you have enough time, you can visit Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Located in the southwest of Gansu Province, China, Gannan lies at the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the western transition zone of the Loess Plateau. It is one of the ten Tibetan autonomous prefectures in China. Gannan boasts magnificent natural scenery, including grasslands where towering mountains meet wetlands; plateau landscapes featuring rugged peaks and the rushing Yellow River; the Yani Gorge with its bizarre rocks beneath Fairy Beach; and the Tangke Grassland with its towering peaks at the source of the Wei River. Its cultural attractions are unique, including Langmu Temple, known as the "Little Switzerland of the East"; Gahai Lake National Wetland Park, called "Gansu’s Shangri-La"; Dayugou National Forest Park, revered as "Sacred Mountains and Holy Waters"; Zhagana Scenic Area, known as the "Pearl of the Plateau"; and Gahai Lake, famed as the "First Lake at the Source of the Yellow River."

Let's kick off with a "hidden gem shock" — this is what Bipenggou looks like after the winter snow, take it all in! 🏔️ Snow covers the green mountains, the lake freezes like a mirror, frost clings to every branch, and as you step on the thick snow, the whole world is filled only with the sound of your breath and the crunch beneath your feet... This is what a true icy fairyland looks like! And this is just a little surprise in our itinerary✨ ——— ✨【9-Day Itinerary Highlights at a Glance】✨ 𝐷𝑎𝑦 1: Departure City — Lanzhou Unlock the night view of the "City of the Yellow River" and its famous beef noodles 🌙 𝐷𝑎𝑦 2: Lanzhou — Xiahe Explore the secret realm of Ganjia, like stepping into a lost Tibetan legend; then visit Labrang Monastery to spin the world's longest prayer wheel, beginning a journey of blessings 🙏 𝐷𝑎𝑦 3: Xiahe — Gahai — Langmusi — Bailongjiang Grand Canyon — Diebu Gahai Lake reflects the clouds and sky, Langmusi town quietly rests between two provinces, Bailongjiang Canyon is crystal clear... your eyes and camera will be busy all day 📸 𝐷𝑎𝑦 4: Diebu — Zhagana — Hualake — First Bend of the Yellow River — Ruoergai Morning mist over the stone city of Zhagana, Hualake in Ruoergai looks like a painting, and the sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River is a must-see in a lifetime! 🌅 𝐷𝑎𝑦 5: Ruoergai — County Road U08 — Lianbaoyeze — Aba County Travel along County Road U08, where the scenery is so pristine it feels untouched; Lianbaoyeze, where magical stone mountains meet lakes, no filters needed for epic photos 🗻 𝐷𝑎𝑦 6: Aba County — National Highway 317 — Gemo Monastery — Maerkang National Highway 317 itself is a scenic route, and the solemn tranquility of Gemo Monastery instantly calms the heart 🙏 𝐷𝑎𝑦 7: Maerkang — Zhuokeji Official Village — Bipenggou — Lixian Step into the history of the Jiarong Tibetan people, then visit Bipenggou to see snowy mountains and colorful forests (winter snow viewing!) ❄️ 𝐷𝑎𝑦 8: Lixian — Dujiangyan — Chengdu From the plateau to the land of abundance, end your journey with the water conservancy marvel of Dujiangyan for a cultural finale ~ 𝐷𝑎𝑦 9: Return from Chengdu Make sure to enjoy plenty of hot pot and skewers before you leave! 🍲 ——— 💡Why is this route worth taking? ✅ Covers Gannan + Western Sichuan in one trip, including secret realms, monasteries, grasslands, snowy mountains, and canyons ✅ Comfortable pace with reasonable daily driving distances, no rush, just enjoy the journey ✅ Off-the-beaten-path depth, avoiding crowds, truly immersing in Tibetan culture and nature 💬 Interaction Time: Which day of the itinerary do you like best? Is it the hidden village of Zhagana, or the magical stone mountains of Lianbaoyeze? Or... do you just want to lie on the Ruoergai grasslands and watch the clouds? ☁️ Tell me in the comments, and I’ll help you figure out how to make the most of your trip~ ——— We are a private Trip.com group tour, starting from just 2 people, with dedicated vehicles and experienced local guides throughout. The itinerary is flexible and the experience is top-notch! If you want to adjust the number of days, add experiences, or customize a private exclusive trip, feel free to contact customer service anytime~ 📩 Message me "Northwest Custom" and I’ll design a unique travel plan just for you!

After the first snow, the Huanglong Colorful Pools hide a "Glazed World." When the milky white travertine terraces are covered with fresh snow, the clear pool water still shimmers with a dreamy blue-green hue. A thin layer of ice seals the surface like glass, and sunlight penetrates, refracting like scattered diamonds. This magical scene is just the brilliant prologue to our 8-day private journey in Northwest China. D1: Warm Arrival, First Impressions of Lanzhou The trip begins with thoughtful airport pickup. Upon landing, your private driver will be waiting to take you to a comfortable hotel to rest and recharge for the next day. Around Lanzhou Airport, there are many quality hotels offering free airport shuttle services, ensuring a worry-free start to your trip. D2: The Two-Toned Yellow River and Millennia of Buddha’s Light The first stop is the stunning Liujiaxia Bridge. Here, you will witness a breathtaking sight: the Tao River and the Yellow River converge, one muddy and one clear, creating a distinct dividing line—a true natural wonder. Next, visit the Bingling Temple Grottoes, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Known as the "Jewel of Grotto Art on the Yellow River," it was carved during the Western Qin period. Walk along the plank roads and gaze up at the ancient Buddha statues and murals on the cliff walls, feeling the profound legacy of the Silk Road. D3: Exploring Ganjia, Encountering the Highland Lakes Depart from Linxia and head to the mysterious Ganjia secret realm. Then arrive at Gahai Lake, a pure gem on the Gannan grasslands. In the evening, reach Langmusi Town, known as the "Little Switzerland of the East," where cozy inns will help you unwind. D4: Grassland Flower Lake and the Nine-Bend Sunset Today, we delve into the Ruoergai Grasslands in western Sichuan. Ruoergai Flower Lake is a sapphire among the grassland wetlands. In the afternoon, visit the First Bend of the Yellow River, where you can witness a magnificent grassland sunset as the winding river is gilded by golden light. D5: The Fairyland of Yaochi, Journey to Jiuzhaigou Head to Huanglong, the "Heavenly Pool on Earth." Even in winter, the colorful pools after snow are as beautiful as a glazed fairyland. Hiking down the mountain allows you to savor this tranquility. Arrive at the entrance of Jiuzhaigou in the evening. D6: Returning from Jiuzhaigou Without Looking at the Water Spend a full day immersed in Jiuzhaigou. In winter, Jiuzhaigou is a fairy tale world of ice waterfalls, blue ice, and still vibrant lakes. The shuttle buses within the park are flexible, making it possible to see all the highlights in one day. D7-8: Crossing Past and Present, Returning to Chengdu On the last day, depart from Jiuzhaigou, pass through the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a millennia-old water project, and finally arrive in Chengdu, the city of gourmet food and leisure, concluding the journey perfectly. ✨Why choose our Trip.com private tour? Independent Group: No sharing with strangers, fully private, exclusively for you and your friends or family. Private Car and Guide: Experienced local driver-guide accompanies you throughout, with a flexible itinerary—stop whenever you want. Adjustable Itinerary: Based on the standard itinerary, it can be tailored to your interests and energy levels for a more flexible trip. In 8 days, from Yellow River grottoes to grassland wetlands, from the Yaochi colorful pools to the fairy-tale Jiuzhaigou, this is a deep experience blending nature and culture. Want to customize a private itinerary just for you? Contact customer service now for consultation!

In the cold winds of the plateau in the first lunar month, the smoke from burning juniper carries two centuries of devotion. Thirty-six monks shoulder a massive thangka weighing several tons, climbing towards the Buddha Display Platform amid chants and dharma names. When the first ray of morning light kisses the Buddha’s forehead, the yellow silk is slowly unveiled, revealing a 40-meter-long sacred image cascading down the cliff. The golden threads reflect holy light intertwined with the prayers of tens of thousands of believers. Amid the humming prayer wheels, this is the most striking embodiment of Tibetan faith. Date: Lunar January 13, 2026 (February 26, 2026, Gregorian calendar), held only on this day, early morning positioning required. • Main venues: Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County (largest scale), Langmu Temple in Diebu County (sub-venue, great experience). • Core ceremony: At dawn, monks carry the giant thangka to the Buddha Display Platform. After the yellow silk is unveiled, the sacred image bathes in light and reveals its face, accompanied by chanting and juniper smoke, lasting until noon. 1. Dress: Gannan is extremely cold in the first lunar month (around -20°C). Wear down jackets, non-slip snow boots, hats, gloves, and scarves. Adding ethnic-style shawls keeps you warm and photogenic. Dress neatly when entering temples; avoid shorts and skirts. 2. Altitude sickness: Avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival. Prepare glucose and Rhodiola, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. 3. Etiquette: Respect religious beliefs. Do not step on prayer flags or touch Buddha statues. Obtain permission before photographing monks. 4. Others: Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and moisturizers to protect against strong UV rays and dryness on the plateau. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

Explore the sacred land of Gannan, the shimmering shores of Gahai Lake 🌊; Labrang Monastery 🏯, a holy site of Tibetan Buddhism; and the dreamlike sea of flowers on the grasslands 🌼 painting a beautiful picture... -- No matter what kind of trip you want, Trip.com's local guide Ding Yanfei can customize it for you ✅! "Gannan and Qinghai tours, I’m the best! We hope our attentive service brings you a satisfied smile!" -- 👫👭 Small families/couples traveling light, recommended choice 👉 Economy 5-seater, accommodates 4 people + 2 pieces of luggage, Haval H6 or similar 🚗 ✅ Compact and flexible, low fuel consumption, perfect for city driving or short self-drives! 👨👩👧👦 Larger families/small groups, comfort upgrade suggested 👉 Business 7-seater, accommodates 6 people + 4 pieces of luggage, Buick GL8 or similar 🚐 ✅ Individual seats + extra-large space, comfortable for long trips, plenty of room for luggage! 👯‍♂️👯‍♀️ 8-person friend groups/small clubs, cost-effective choice 👉 9-seater minibus, accommodates 8 people + 5 pieces of luggage, Toyota Hiace 9-seater or similar 🚌 ✅ Low per-person cost, ample luggage space, ideal for nearby tours or short private hires~ 🏢👥 Corporate team building/medium to large groups, 3 flexible options 👇 1️⃣ 14-seater minibus, accommodates 13 people + 6 pieces of luggage, Kowloon 14-seater or similar 🚍 ✅ Balances passenger and luggage needs, perfect for deep tours with about 10 people 2️⃣ 17-seater minibus, accommodates 16 people + 6 pieces of luggage, Yutong 17-seater or similar 🚎 ✅ More spacious, suitable for teams under 15 people, stress-free breaks on the way 3️⃣ 19-seater minibus, accommodates 18 people + 7 pieces of luggage, Yutong 19-seater or similar 🚐 ✅ Best choice for large groups! Extra-large luggage compartment, comfortable and uncrowded throughout~ 💡 Tips: All vehicles are equipped with air conditioning and charging ports, drivers are professional, and luggage size can be confirmed in advance before booking! 🚀 -- 🚗 Our Exclusive Promise All drivers are experienced native Gannan drivers with extensive driving experience to ensure your itinerary runs on time 🕒 Carefully selected nine core attractions, flexible combinations creating dozens of itinerary options, tailor-made private car tours just for you Professional guides accompany you throughout, providing 24-hour attentive concierge service, responding immediately to any questions, helping you enjoy a worry-free trip in Gannan 👔

Here comes the 9-day in-depth Gannan travel itinerary! For photography lovers, the morning mist of Zhagana, the migratory birds by Gahai Lake, and the painterly meadows of Huahu are all included! Plus, the millennium-old Buddha statues hidden in the cliffs of Maijishan Grottoes—this route packs both the secret wonders and cultural treasures of Northwest China. Hurry up and take notes! . Must-Visit Attractions: 🏞️ Zhagana: Scenic and magical like a painting 🖼️, Tibetan wooden houses scattered along the mountains, experience simple pastoral life 🌾 🌊 Guan'egou: Over twenty lakes scattered like stars 💧, crystal-clear waters, steep mountains on both sides like carved cliffs ⛰️ 🗿 Maijishan Grottoes: A treasure of Buddhist art 🎨, perfectly blending with natural scenery, truly breathtaking 💖 🏛️ Fuxi Temple: Grand ancient architectural complex, with historic sites like the opera stage, paifang archway, and main gate showcasing rich history 📜 . 🌄 Travel Preparation: 🧥 Clothing: January in Gannan is extremely cold! Bring thick down jackets, fleece pants, and warm sweaters, and don’t forget snow boots. 🧢 Accessories: Wool hats, scarves, and gloves are a must—not only to keep warm but also to look stylish for photos. 💊 Medicine: Prepare cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness medicine. The high-altitude area can cause discomfort, so it’s better to be prepared. 🪪 Documents: Don’t forget your ID card, student ID, and other discount cards, as some attractions offer ticket discounts. 📷 Electronics: Bring your camera, power bank, and plug adapters to capture the beautiful scenery and keep your devices charged. . The beauty of Gannan is waiting for you to slowly unlock. Save this guide, set off with me, and don’t forget to follow for more exciting updates!

Gannan's Sangke Grassland and Guomang Wetland On September 14, 2024, the sun was shining brightly. Ali and his group of friends visited the Sangke Grassland and Guomang Wetland. Sangke Grassland is located in Xiahe County, Gannan, Gansu Province, and is part of the Dajiutan Grassland in Sangke Township. It sits at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, covering an area of 70 square kilometers. The Daxia River flows from south to north across the grassland, making it a place rich in water and grass, and a settlement area for Tibetan people. Legend has it that Sangke Grassland is the historic site where the Tibetan hero King Gesar Wei Sang rallied troops and won horse races to become king. We strolled across the yellow-green Sangke Grassland in September; the sky was especially blue, the clouds particularly white, and the weather refreshingly cool, making it a joyful and unforgettable experience! After visiting Sangke Grassland, we continued south to Guomang Wetland. Guomang Wetland is located in Luqu County, Gannan, Gansu Province, at an altitude of about 3,500 meters. It features grasslands, marshes, streams, and lakes. The color of Sangke Grassland is yellow-green—the pasture is not lush green but not yet dry; while the grassland of Guomang Wetland is pale yellow—the pasture is mostly withered. What amazed Ali was that the sky over Guomang Wetland was even bluer than that over Sangke Grassland, and the clouds were whiter, almost dazzling our eyes—Ali quickly took out his sunglasses and put them on. Even more astonishing to Ali was that on the withered grass of Guomang Wetland, there were blooming blue gentian flowers shaped like small trumpets! These bright flowers sprouted directly from the ground, blooming toward the sky. They had no branches or leaves, densely packed, each opening a little blue trumpet under the blue sky and white clouds, as if playing a symphony together! We walked along a wooden boardwalk about 500 meters long to a viewing platform in the middle of the grassland. Several statues of black-necked cranes with wings spread as if about to fly stood on the platform. It turns out that Guomang Wetland is a habitat for the black-necked crane, a national first-class protected animal. Every spring and summer, black-necked cranes raise their young here. When autumn comes, the cranes leave Guomang Wetland and fly south for the winter. From the viewing platform, looking up, the sky is blue with white clouds and bright sunshine; looking down, the Guomang River winds through the grassland, with cattle and sheep freely roaming. Everything seen at Guomang Wetland is so splendid and beautiful that one does not want to leave! 2025, 12, 14

【A trip to "Zhagana" is a must when visiting Gannan. The place name is Tibetan, meaning "Stone Box," because it is surrounded by mountains on all sides, resembling a natural stone city. ⛺ Best Time to Visit May-June (fewer people, green grass), July-August (summer flower sea, folk activities), September-October (stunning autumn scenery, great value) Essentials Before the Trip Clothing: Windbreaker + light down jacket/fleece, large temperature difference between day and night, bright-colored clothes for better photos; Protection: SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, strong ultraviolet rays at high altitude; Rhodiola (take 1 week in advance), cold medicine, stomach medicine, oxygen tank for those sensitive to altitude sickness. Want to unlock the 'Nine-colored Gannan' without the hassle of planning, transportation, and accommodation? Choose our exclusive Gannan tour! Labrang Monastery’s prayer corridor, Zhagana’s sea of clouds and stone city, Sangke Grassland’s herds of cattle and sheep — all the highlights in one trip. Flights, tickets, and accommodation are all arranged, so you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Tibetan land~ 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1 Lanzhou ◄220KM/3H► Labrang Monastery【2H】◄35KM/0.5H► Ganjia Secret Realm【2H】- passing through Sangke Grassland ◄140KM/2H► Hezuo City/Luqu County Day 2 Hezuo City/Luqu County ◄120KM/2H► Guomang Wetland【0.5H】◄130KM/2H► Zhagana【3H】◄150KM/2.5H► Ruoergai overnight Day 3 Ruoergai ◄65KM/1H► First Bend of the Yellow River【2H】◄100KM/1.5H► Huahu Lake【3H】◄35KM/0.5H► Langmu Temple (Gansu Saichi Temple)【1H】◄160KM/3H► Hezuo City Day 4 Hezuo City ◄5KM/5min► Milarepa Buddha Pavilion【1H】◄100KM/1.5H► Bafang Thirteen Alleys【1H】◄100KM/1.5H► Lanzhou City 🧡 Once you enter Zhagana, you dream of Shangri-La. Nine-colored Gannan is never a distant unreachable place, but a spiritual home within reach. Here, there is no hustle and bustle of vehicles, only the pastoral songs of the grasslands, the morning bells of temples, and the whispers of mountains and waters; here, there is no worldly restlessness, only pure nature, sincere faith, and simple hearts!! Let’s pack our bags and keep an appointment with Gannan. Let the grassland wind sweep away the dust, let the distant sound of prayers heal the soul, and in the nine-colored scroll, meet your truest self. After all, some scenery must be experienced in person; some yearnings must be pursued. Nine-colored Gannan, with its unique gentleness and solemnity, awaits every soul full of longing. Zhagana First Bend of the Yellow River

Sisters! If I can only visit the Tibetan area once in my life, I would risk everything to recommend Zagana. Last summer, I stayed there for 4 days, getting hit by hail and suffering from altitude sickness every day. But when I watched the sunset at Fairy Beach and saw the whole valley bathed in golden light, I burst into tears—this is truly what life is worth! Here’s the hard-earned transportation advice! I flew to Lanzhou and took a carpool directly from the airport—4 people for 800 yuan, 5 hours straight to Zagana. The driver was a local Tibetan, singing Tibetan songs all the way, and even stopped at Ga Hai Lake for us to take photos. Don’t take the bus; the schedules are few and the route is longer, wasting time. Important! There’s a checkpoint before entering the village, and the ticket costs 80 yuan, but our driver spoke a few words in Tibetan and got us the parking fee waived—such a hidden perk! I highly recommend staying in Dari Village! The first time I stayed in Diebu County town, I wasted an hour commuting each way every day. The second time, I stayed smartly in Dari Village, where opening the window revealed knife-cut stone mountains and clouds wrapped around the hills like a khata scarf. Tibetan guesthouses don’t have air conditioning but the electric blankets are enough. The landlady gets up early every day to make butter tea, and the aroma drags me right out of bed. Oh, and they have a Tibetan mastiff named "Zhaxi"—he looks fierce but is actually a scaredy-cat, always fighting me for beef jerky. There are two routes to explore, don’t push yourself if you’re not fit! Fairy Beach round trip takes 2 hours, all on wooden boardwalks, even a couch potato like me can handle it easily. But Fairy Lake is an 8 km round trip, with the latter half on muddy horse trails—I fell and lost my sunhat. But when you reach the top and see the lake like a jade embedded in the snowy mountains, you’ll go crazy! One time I got up at 5 a.m. to watch the sunrise, wrapped in three down jackets, freezing and with a runny nose. But when the first ray of light pierced the clouds and hit the village, I felt my soul was purified. Don’t be picky about food, just eat freely! There’s no delivery in the village, but the roasted potatoes at the Tibetan homes were so fragrant I ate the skin too. I tried tsampa for the first time and thought it tasted like dirt, but with honey it was delicious on the spot. You have to order the whole roasted lamb a day in advance. Six of us split it, and it was only 80 yuan per person. Tearing the lamb by hand made me feel like a caveman—so satisfying. I’ve memorized all the pitfalls! Take altitude sickness medicine in advance—I almost gasped for air climbing Fairy Lake. The weather changes faster than flipping a book; I experienced hail, heavy rain, and scorching sun all in one day. Bring both rain gear and sunscreen. The village has terrible signal, so inform your family ahead of time. Lastly, haggle the horse riding price—I got ripped off 200 yuan the first time, but later learned to bargain half, and the Tibetan uncle agreed with a smile. When you go to the Tibetan area, do you want to see the scenery or experience the culture more? Let’s chat in the comments! It’s been over half a year since I came back from Zagana, but my phone wallpaper is still that sunset at Fairy Beach. That feeling of being overwhelmed by nature and speechless—cities just can’t give you that. Save this guide, find a summer, and let’s go be wild together!

Gannan Thangka Festival｜A Faithful Journey to the Snowy Plateau✨ Who understands! On the 13th day of the first lunar month at Langmu Temple in Gannan, faith takes the most stunning form imaginable😭 In the snowy valley at minus 15°C, a giant 30-zhang thangka slowly unfurls from the mountaintop, khatas in the hands of Tibetans flutter in the wind, and the chanting echoes over the prayer flags. At this moment, all fatigue is healed by the power of faith❤ This is truly the most worthwhile winter feast to attend in Gannan! 🌄【Iconic Thangka Unveiling Scene｜A Shock Etched into the Bones】 Before dawn, the sound of chanting pierces the morning mist. Monks dressed in red gather around the giant thangka scroll and climb the hillside to the thangka platform, the procession winding like a dragon. When the Buddha image is revealed, the rain clears and the first ray of sunlight precisely lands on the Buddha’s forehead— as the silk slowly unfolds, the gilded Buddha shines brilliantly in the morning light. This moment deeply resonates with nature and faith✨ Tibetans prostrate and throw khatas toward the Buddha image. Standing in the crowd, goosebumps fall everywhere, and even breathing feels too loud to disturb this sacredness～ 📍【Nanny-Level Practical Info】 ✅ Address: Langmu Temple Town, Luqu County, Gannan, Gansu (Dacang Langmu Saichi Temple) 📆 Date: Every year on the 13th day of the first lunar month (core thangka unveiling day), with a series of ceremonies from the 13th to the 17th ✨✨✨Tips: For those planning to join a group tour!!! There is only one group departure on February 27, 2026 (lunar calendar). Please confirm your dates before 📩 contacting me~ 🚗 Transportation: It’s recommended to charter a car to take the Gannan loop route, connecting Langmu Temple and Zhagana for maximum freedom ⚠️【Pitfalls to Avoid & Warmth & Taboos Guide】 ❌ Absolutely Forbidden: ▪ Do not step on prayer flags, do not turn prayer wheels backward, and never touch the Buddha image with your fingers ▪ Do not casually photograph monks’ faces or core ritual ceremonies without permission ▪ No smoking inside temples, no touching scriptures, no sitting in the living Buddha’s seat ✅ Polite Practices: ▪ You may offer butter lamps or khatas with joy to experience local ritual atmosphere ▪ Tibetans dress in their finest for the festival; smile and gesture before taking photos 🧥 Stay Warm and Safe (Important!): Minus 15°C plus strong winds—down jackets, fleece pants, and snow boots are essential! Hats, gloves, and scarves are a must. Stick heat packs all over your body (especially your phone, which can shut down from the cold). Carry a thermos with hot water to warm up anytime~ 🌿【6-Day Full Thangka Festival Itinerary Recommendation】 🔹DAY1: Gather in Lanzhou 🔹DAY2: Lanzhou - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Namo Grand Canyon - Langmu Temple 🔹DAY3: Dacang Langmu Temple Maolanmu Grand Ceremony (Thangka Festival) on the 13th lunar day - Luqu 🔹DAY4: Xicang Temple Treasure Festival Dance, Tibetan Opera (14th lunar day) - Zhagana 🔹DAY5: Zhagana - Zhagana Fairy Beach - Labrang Monastery Butter Flower Lamp Offering Ceremony (15th lunar day) - Xiahe 🔹DAY6: Xiahe - Intangible Cultural Heritage Tibetan Thangka Experience - Labrang Monastery - Disband in Lanzhou In Gannan’s winter, witness the purest faith and attend the grandest appointment～ This journey across thousands of miles is truly worth all the anticipation✨