[2025 Diebu Attraction] Travel Guide for Dongwa Village (Updated May)

| A 3-Day 2-Night Adventure to Discover the Hidden Shangri-La. Folks, if you haven't been to Zagana yet, you're seriously missing out! This hidden gem was rated by National Geographic as a "must-visit in your lifetime" [Scowl] 🚗 Transportation Guide: First, get to Lanzhou or Chengdu, then transfer to a bus heading to Zagana. From Lanzhou, take a bus to Diebu County and then transfer to Zagana; from Chengdu, travel via Songpan, Ruoergai, and other scenic spots—the views along the way are breathtaking, like driving through a painting. 🚙 For more freedom, consider renting a car or hiring a private vehicle. Splitting the cost with friends makes it affordable, and you can stop anytime for photos—pure bliss! 🤯 Must-Visit Spots 1️⃣ Dari Viewing Platform: This is the "God's perspective" to overlook Zagana! In the early morning mist, the village is nestled among mountains with smoke curling from wooden rooftops, resembling a hermit's sanctuary from a fantasy drama. At sunset, golden light bathes the Tibetan-style houses—every shot is magazine-cover worthy! Bring a telephoto lens for epic "king of the mountain" shots. 2️⃣ Fairy Meadow: A Real-Life Fairy Tale Prairie Summer turns this place into a sea of flowers! With blooming wildflowers swaying in the wind, snow-capped mountains in the distance, and soft grass underfoot, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Studio Ghibli film. Lie on the grass for stunning "sky-view" photos—instant social media fame! If you catch locals horse racing or dancing, join in for an immersive highland experience. 🏠 Accommodation Picks: Budget-Friendly Options Zagana has four villages, each with unique scenery and lodging prices. For budget travelers, Dongwa Village is ideal—commercialized with affordable homestays (around ¥200–400/night). "Zagana Yunshang Meiju Homestay" is a great choice, with parking, clean rooms, and excellent service. For better views, Dari Village offers panoramic vistas at higher altitudes (around ¥400–600/night). Many homestays near the viewing platform let you wake up to breathtaking sunrises. 📌 Pro Tips ✅ Zagana’s high altitude may cause altitude sickness—avoid strenuous activity upon arrival and rest to acclimate. Carry oxygen bottles (sold widely) if needed. ✅ Wear comfortable sneakers—the terrain is rugged, and sore feet can ruin the fun. ✅ Weather changes rapidly—pack rain gear unless you fancy getting drenched. ✅ Respect local customs: Don’t touch temple items or disturb worshippers—travel responsibly. Pack your bags and embark on this dreamy adventure—Zagana will steal your heart! Trust me, you won’t want to leave!

Zhagana is a place full of mystery and beauty, located in Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. Here is a detailed travel guide to Zhagana: • Transportation Guide: • Self-driving: From Lanzhou, you can take the G213 National Highway through Hezuo City. The entire journey is about 400 kilometers and takes approximately 7 hours. This route offers beautiful scenery along the way, making it an excellent choice for a road trip. • Public Transportation: There are direct long-distance buses from Lanzhou Bus Terminal to Zhagana. Although the journey takes longer, the cost is relatively low, suitable for travelers on a limited budget. • Must-visit Attractions: • Zhagana Scenic Area: Zhagana is a complete natural "stone city," surrounded by mountains on three sides, with an altitude between 3,000-3,300 meters. Dongwa Village is the first village you'll enter in the scenic area and is a location that frequently appears in scenic photos. In addition, Fairy Beach and Fairy Lake are must-see attractions where you can overlook the entire Zhagana mountain village. • Lasang Temple: As one of the commanding heights of Zhagana, Lasang Temple is an excellent spot to overlook the entire Zhagana. In the early morning when mist surrounds the area, climbing up to Lasang Temple offers a panoramic view of ancient buildings, mountain peaks, and woodlands. • Accommodation Recommendations: • Homestays in Zhagana Village: Accommodations in Zhagana are mostly homestays converted from villagers' houses. Although the conditions are relatively simple, they are affordable and offer an authentic Tibetan lifestyle experience. It's recommended to stay in Dongwa Village or Dari Village, as these two villages are at lower elevations, larger in scale, have numerous restaurants, and are close to attractions. • Food Recommendations: • In Zhagana, you can taste authentic Tibetan cuisine such as tsampa, butter tea, and highland barley wine. Additionally, local specialties like fern pork and fern rice are not to be missed.

Zhagana, meaning "stone box" in Tibetan, is located in Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. It is a natural stone city surrounded by mountains and is known as a "paradise on earth." Here, you'll find not only magnificent natural scenery but also rich Tibetan culture, making it a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Below is a comprehensive guide to Zhagana, covering **Fairy Beach**, hiking routes, unique homestays, and food recommendations to help you plan the perfect trip. --- 🌄 Must-See Scenery: Fairy Beach Fairy Beach is Zhagana's landmark attraction. Located on the hillside opposite Dongwa Village, it is an open alpine meadow with excellent views overlooking the entire Zhagana village and the mist-shrouded peaks. 📸 Best Photo Spots - **Fairy Beach Meadow**: Ideal for sunset photography, the village and snow-capped mountains complement each other beautifully in the soft light. - **Fairy Lake** (1-hour hike): The clear lake reflects the snow-capped mountains and forests, perfect for morning photography. - **Dari Viewpoint**: Overlooking the entire Zhagana panorama, it's a classic spot for sunrise photography (although the actual sunrise is obscured by mountains, it's more suitable for capturing morning mist). 🚶‍♀️ Recommended Hiking Routes 1. **Easy Hike (2-3 hours)**: Dongwa Village → Fairy Beach → Fairy Lake (round trip approx. 5 km). 2. **In-depth Hike (1 day)**: Dongwa Village → Runwu Valley → Locke Viewpoint → Fairy Beach (suitable for photography enthusiasts). 3. **Backpacking Hike (2 days)**: Explore the stone forests and alpine lakes in the back mountains of Zhagana (guide or horse rental required). **Tips**: - The altitude is about 3,000 meters, avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness. - Wooden walkways are well-maintained, but some sections are steep, so wear non-slip shoes. --- 🏡 Recommended Unique Homestays Zhagana's four villages (Dongwa, Yeri, Dari, and Daiba) are distributed from low to high altitude, offering a variety of accommodation options: 1. Dongwa Village (most lively, with many restaurants) - **Bifucun Inn**: Cost-effective, well-regarded restaurant, around 100 yuan per person. - **Home Away From Home Inn**: Excellent viewing location, offers Tibetan breakfast. 2. Dari Village (best views, ideal for sightseeing) - **Tiancheng Gana Meiduo Homestay**: Overlooking the entire Zhagana, perfect for photography. - **Xuri View Hotel**: Close to the wooden walkway entrance, convenient for hiking. 3. Daiba Village (quietest, stargazing spot) - **Cloud Dwelling Tibetan Homestay**: Away from light pollution, perfect for capturing the Milky Way at night. **Tips**: Book 1 month in advance during peak season (July-August). Some homestays allow direct booking with the owner by phone. --- 🍲 Recommended Tibetan Cuisine 1. **Tibetan Hot Pot**: Yak beef, Tibetan pork with plateau vegetables in a rich broth. 2. **Lulang Stone Pot Chicken** (Linzhi specialty, but also available in some Zhagana restaurants): Stewed with medicinal herbs, nourishing and warming. 3. **Butter Tea & Tsampa**: Traditional Tibetan food, butter tea can alleviate altitude sickness. 4. **Scrambled Eggs with Nostoc**: Gansu specialty wild vegetable, unique taste. 5. **Hand-Grabbed Mutton**: Tender meat, seasoned with pepper and salt, bursting with flavor. **Recommended Restaurants**: - **Bifucun Restaurant** (Dongwa Village): Sichuan-Tibetan cuisine, around 70 yuan per person. - **Nomad's Tibetan Bar**: Tibetan decor, offers butter tea and yak beef. - **Mai Qingxiang Warm Pot** (controversial, confirm if it offers scenic views beforehand). --- 📅 Best Time to Visit - **June-September**: Lush grasslands, pleasant climate, ideal for hiking. - **October**: Brilliant autumn colors, the golden season for photography. --- 🚗 Transportation Guide - **By Air**: Fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, then transfer by bus or chartered car (approx. 6 hours). - **Self-drive**: Lanzhou → Hezuo → Diebu → Zhagana (good road conditions, but some mountain roads are narrow). - **By Train**: To Lanzhou/Hezuo Station, then transfer by bus. **Tips**: Zhagana is currently free of charge, but some attractions (such as Fairy Lake) may charge an environmental fee. --- 🌟 Summary Zhagana is a hidden gem that combines natural scenery, Tibetan culture, and outdoor adventure. Whether it's the sunset at Fairy Beach, the morning mist in the Tibetan villages, or the authentic Tibetan cuisine, you'll be immersed in the unique charm of this "stone box." **Recommended Itinerary (3 days, 2 nights)**: Day 1: Arrive in Zhagana, check in to Dongwa Village, stroll along Fairy Beach, and capture the sunset. Day 2: Hike to Fairy Lake or Runwu Valley, visit Dari Viewpoint in the afternoon. Day 3: Capture the morning mist, visit Lasang Temple, and depart. If time permits, combine your trip with the Gannan loop (Labrang Monastery, Langmusi Temple, and Lianbao Yeze). **📌 Important Notes**: - Respect Tibetan customs, photography is prohibited inside temples, and circumambulation should be clockwise. - High-altitude UV rays are strong, take sun protection measures. - The signal is weak in some areas, download offline maps. The beauty of Zhagana is worth exploring yourself! 🌄✨

!?🤩 I went to a place called Chakana (扎尕那) in Gansu Province, China, by Qingdao (airplane) - Lanzhou (airplane) - Minxian (train) - Chakana (taxi) It took 2 nights and 3 days. But I don't regret my choice! It was the best to enjoy the snowy scenery, beautiful scenery, and the beautiful scenery and hospitality of the Tibetan people. A place that is not yet known in our country! Let's try it~🙏

1️⃣Preliminary preparation ✅Clothing👔Preparation: The temperature difference between day and night in Zhagana is large. Even in summer, you may need a thick coat to keep warm at night. In spring and autumn, bring sweaters and jackets; in winter, be sure to prepare cold-proof clothing such as down jackets, thick scarves, and gloves. ✅Sun protection products: Located in the plateau, the ultraviolet rays are strong, high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses 🕶️ and wide-brimmed sun hats 👒 are necessary to prevent sunburn and tanning. ✅Medicine: Prepare anti-altitude sickness medicines in advance, such as Rhodiola rosea (it is better to take it one week in advance), as well as cold medicine 💊 antipyretic medicine 💊 gastrointestinal medicine 💊 to deal with possible physical discomfort. ✅Documents: Bring your mainland China ID card. If you need to drive yourself, bring your driver's license and vehicle registration certificate. Some scenic spots may have preferential policies, and don't miss relevant documents (such as student ID, senior citizen ID, etc.). 2️⃣Transportation Guide ✈️By plane: You can first arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, then transfer to Gannan Xiahe Airport, take a shuttle bus from the airport to Diebu County, and then transfer to a local bus or chartered car to Zhagana after arriving in Diebu. The journey takes about 1-2 hours. 🚞Train: Take the bus to Lanzhou Station or Lanzhou West Station, and then transfer to the long-distance bus to Diebu, which takes about 8-10 hours. You can also go to Hezuo Station first, and then transfer to the bus to Diebu, which is relatively shorter and takes 6-8 hours. 🚗Self-driving: The recommended route is to start from Lanzhou, pass through Linxia and Hezuo, arrive at Diebu along the G213 National Highway, and then go to Zhagana. You can enjoy the grassland scenery along the way; Route 2 is to start from Chengdu, pass through Wenchuan, Lixian, Ma'erkang, Hongyuan, and go to Diebu. This route has diverse scenery, but the road conditions are complicated, so you need to understand the weather and road conditions in advance. 3️⃣ Recommended attractions👍 ✅Fairy Beach: An open alpine meadow with green grass and colorful flowers in spring and summer, and golden in autumn. It forms a beautiful picture with the mountains and forests behind it. It is an excellent spot for taking photos and checking in, and you can also overlook the panoramic view of Zhagana Village. ✅Tiger Mouth: It is named because the shape of the rock resembles the open mouth of a tiger. The road is narrow and there are cliffs on both sides, which gives people a thrilling feeling. Then it suddenly opens up and there is a different world, showing the unique geographical charm of Zhagana. ✅A Line of Sky: The mountains on both sides are towering, and you can only see a line of sky when you look up. Hiking in it, it is quiet and deep, with a gurgling stream under your feet. There are many boulders and peculiar rock textures on the way, as if you are in a geological museum. ✅Dongwa Village: The largest village in Zhagana, it retains the traditional Tibetan residential architectural style, with stone and wood structure, no wood visible from the outside, and colorful prayer flags fluttering. You can deeply experience Tibetan folk customs, taste special foods such as butter tea and tsampa, chat with local villagers, and feel the authentic Tibetan life. 4️⃣ Accommodation options ✅In Zhagana Village: 🌟Advantages: Close to scenic spots, convenient travel, immersive experience of Tibetan village life, and beautiful scenery in the early morning and evening. Some homestays also provide Tibetan dining and folk experience activities. 🌟Disadvantages: Accommodation conditions are relatively simple, some rooms do not have independent bathrooms, there may be water and power outages during the summer tourist peak season, and prices fluctuate greatly. Recommended inns include "Zhagana Stone City Hotel", which has relatively complete facilities in the village; and "Black Yak Inn", which has a strong Tibetan style and warm service. ✅Outside Zhagana Scenic Area: 🌟Advantages: The hotel facilities are relatively new, the accommodation conditions are good, there is a stable supply of hot water, air conditioning, internet, etc., there are various dining options, and the prices are relatively stable. 🌟Disadvantage: It is a certain distance from the core attractions and requires a round trip by car. For example, "Diebu Hotel" 🏨 is located in the county seat, with convenient transportation and complete supporting facilities; "Baiyun Hotel" is close to the entrance of the scenic area, with beautiful environment and high cost performance. 5️⃣ Food recommendations👍 ✅Butter tea: A traditional Tibetan drink made from butter, tea leaves, salt, etc. It has a mellow taste and is rich in nutrition. It can warm the body and relieve altitude sickness. You may not be used to it at first, but you will fall in love with it after a few sips. ✅ Tsampa: Roasted highland barley is ground into powder. When eaten, add butter tea, milk residue, sugar, etc. and mix evenly. It is kneaded into small balls for easy carrying. It is one of the staple foods of Tibetan compatriots and tastes like grains. ✅Yak beef soup pot: Yak beef is the main ingredient, stewed with various vegetables🥬. The soup is delicious and the beef🥩 is tender. It is the most nutritious food in winter and can be found everywhere in local restaurants. ✅ Tibetan buns: The bun skin is thick and chewy, and the fillings are mostly beef or mutton, with chopped green onions and seasonings. After being steamed, the aroma is overflowing, and the soup overflows with a bite. 6️⃣Things to note⚠️ ✅Altitude sickness: When you first arrive in Zhagana, avoid strenuous exercise such as running and jumping. Rest and adapt first, drink plenty of water. If the altitude sickness is severe, seek medical attention or oxygen inhalation in time. ✅Environmental protection: The ecology of Zhagana is fragile, please do not litter. 🚯 Do not destroy vegetation and wildlife habitats, and keep the scenic area pristine and pure. ✅Respect local customs: take off your hat when entering the temple, visit in a clockwise direction, and do not take photos without permission. 📷Respect the religious beliefs and living habits of Tibetan compatriots. If there are festivals, actively participate but follow local rules.

It has to be Zagana! Which place has left you with the deepest impression this year?|||Before visiting Zagana, I was always thinking about it. After visiting in early August, I can't stop thinking about it. Zagana is located in Yiwa Township, Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. It consists of four villages and one temple, namely Dongwa Village, Yeri Village, Dari Village, Daiba Village, and Lasang Temple. In 1925, an American named Rock was amazed by the place and called it "the Garden of Eden." With divine help, the place became more mysterious and was rated as one of the "50 outdoor paradises in the world" by an authoritative American magazine. Here, the ethereal and the mundane blend perfectly. Forests, grasslands, and lakes complement each other, while stone forests, steep peaks, and cliffs form a natural landscape that is rich and colorful. Fields, villages, and pastures are arranged in an orderly manner, with agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry complementing each other, presenting a harmonious rural landscape. The sky is blue, the clouds are ever-changing, and in the morning, the mist lingers, creating an ethereal atmosphere. A few wisps of smoke rise, making it feel like a different world. The peak tourist season here is from June to August, with pleasant weather and stunning scenery. Each village has a viewing platform, with the best view being from the Rock Viewing Platform, which can be reached on foot or by horseback. The highest viewing platform is in Dari Village, a great place to watch the sunrise. It's best to go early, as there is heavy traffic around 7 am. Take a sightseeing bus from Fairy Beach to Yixiantian, with a round-trip fare of CNY 40. After getting off the bus, walk up the mountain through a beautiful canyon, crossing streams, waterfalls, and stone forests. It's a pleasant journey, and the end point is said to be Fairy Lake. It's too far, so we walked for over an hour before returning. Runwu Valley in Yeri Village is a pristine area, and walking there is very enjoyable. The sound of spring water, waterfalls, and strange rocks accompany you along the way. It's a deep valley, and even after walking for two hours, we didn't reach the end. Lasang Temple above Dongwa Village has a history of over 300 years. The pagoda, main hall, prayer flags, and prayer wheels add a sense of sanctity. From the temple, you can enjoy a wide view and take in the beautiful scenery. Although the main road is congested from 7 am to 9 am and 2 pm to 3 pm during peak season, and the roads in the villages are narrow and uneven, and the prices for food and accommodation are high, these are insignificant compared to the beautiful scenery. With proper planning, you can avoid pitfalls and have a different sense of satisfaction compared to other places you've visited. A must-visit place in a lifetime.

Hey, when it comes to Zha Ga Na in Gannan, my eyes light up! 🤩 It's a place that makes you feel refreshed, like you've stepped into a fairyland. Let me take you to Zha Ga Na and experience the tranquility and beauty! 🚗 **Transportation: How to get to this paradise** Zha Ga Na is located in Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, at an altitude of about 3,000-3,300 meters. You can choose to drive and enjoy the changing scenery along the way, or take a bus and let your mood soar with the ups and downs of the journey. If you don't want to drive, joining a tour group or carpooling is also a good choice. You can meet new friends and listen to their stories. 🏨 **Accommodation: Find a warm home in the mountains** Accommodation in Zha Ga Na is mainly concentrated in Dongwa Village. The guesthouses and homestays here are unique, ranging from economical to high-end and comfortable. 🏞️ Open the window and you can see the spectacular mountain view. At night, you can look up at the stars, which is incredibly romantic! 🍲 **Food: Taste local flavors** In Zha Ga Na, you must try the local Tibetan food, such as butter tea, highland barley wine, zanba, and roast whole lamb. The taste is really memorable. 🍖 The prices in the village restaurants are reasonable and the taste is authentic, which will definitely satisfy your taste buds. 🌄 **Attractions: Explore the natural beauty of Zha Ga Na** - **Da Ri Observation Deck**: This is an excellent place to watch the sunrise and sunset. Standing on the deck, you can see the beautiful scenery of Zha Ga Na, which is refreshing. - **Fairy Beach and Fairy Lake**: You can walk or ride a horse to get there. The forests and meadows along the way, as well as the tranquil lake, are all good places to take photos. - **Rock Observation Deck**: This is where the explorer Joseph Rock used to rest and write. The natural scenery and cultural landscape along the way are impressive. 👣 **Special Experience: Horse riding through the valley** In Zha Ga Na, you can also experience horse riding through the valley and feel the ancient and free way of travel. 🐎 The sound of horseshoes echoes in the valley, and the wind blows past your ears, which is an unforgettable experience. 🌿 **Feel: The tranquility and harmony of Zha Ga Na** The beauty of Zha Ga Na lies not only in its natural scenery, but also in its tranquility and harmony. 🌳 The Tibetan compatriots here live a simple and happy life. Their awe of nature and love for life are touching. Here, time seems to slow down, giving people the opportunity to listen to their inner voice and feel the true meaning of life. In short, Zha Ga Na is a place where people don't want to leave once they go. 🏞️ If you yearn to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find tranquility and relaxation, then Zha Ga Na is definitely your best choice. Come on, let your soul be purified and sublimated in this fairyland! 💖