2025 Recommended Comprehensive guides in Labuleng Civil Aviation Hotel (Updated September)

🍓 A breathtaking hidden paradise—Zagana! Snow-capped mountains, forests, Tibetan villages, and starry skies all bundled up for you—every snapshot is worthy of a National Geographic cover! I declare this the #1 must-visit destination in my lifetime! Pre-Trip Preparation - Documents: Bring your ID card and other necessary documents (e.g., student ID, senior citizen card, etc.). - Clothing: Pack warm clothing like windbreakers, fleece jackets, thermal underwear, etc., along with sun protection items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat. - Other essentials: Prepare altitude sickness medication like Rhodiola rosea, as well as common medicines, rain gear, a camera, power bank, etc. 🚦 Transportation Guide - External transport: Gannan mainly relies on road travel. Typically, you can first reach Lanzhou and then take a bus from Lanzhou South Bus Station to various parts of Gannan. For flights, Xiahe Airport offers routes to Xi'an, Lhasa, Chengdu, and Yinchuan, but the airport is quite remote. - Internal transport: Attractions in Gannan are scattered, and while there are long-distance buses between counties, schedules may be limited. If time permits and you're traveling in a group, consider renting a car or self-driving for more flexibility. 🏟 Attractions Highlights - Labrang Monastery: One of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, featuring an expansive complex where you can immerse yourself in a rich religious atmosphere. - Zagana: A secluded paradise with peculiar peaks, misty clouds, and serene ancient Tibetan villages, offering stunning views at dawn and dusk. - Gahai Lake: A large freshwater lake in Gannan, a haven for birds, with picturesque lakeside scenery blending water, mountains, and grasslands. - Langmusi: Dubbed the "Little Switzerland of the East," this town straddles two provinces and is renowned for its unique geography and profound religious culture. Visit Gerdi Monastery and Sertri Monastery, among others. - Sangke Grassland: Close to Xiahe County, this vast grassland offers horseback riding, archery, and other activities to experience its majestic beauty. 🍚 Food Recommendations - Hand-grabbed mutton: A pastoral delicacy for guests, featuring tender, flavorful meat in its purest form. - Tsampa: A traditional Tibetan staple made from roasted barley flour, mixed with butter tea or barley wine when eaten. - Yogurt: Fermented from milk, it’s tangy, sweet, and nutritious. - Gannan Tibetan dumplings: Shaped like cow eyes, with thin wrappers and generous fillings, deliciously savory. Accommodation Options - Xiahe: Choose hotels or homestays near Labrang Monastery, such as Xiahe Labrang Civil Aviation Hotel or Ganjia Ani Nianqing Langka Homestay. - Zagana: Recommended stays include Yun Jian She View Homestay and Feng She View Homestay, offering breathtaking mountain views and sunrise/sunset vistas. - Langmusi: Options like Luqu Daji International Hotel provide convenient access and relatively well-equipped surroundings. Itinerary Planning - 3-day trip: Day 1—Explore Labrang Monastery and its religious culture; Day 2—Head to Sangke Grassland for a taste of nomadic life, then proceed to Langmusi; Day 3—Visit Langmusi’s monasteries and surrounding natural landscapes, then travel to Zagana in the afternoon for its stunning stone city scenery. - 5-day trip: Day 1—Depart from Lanzhou to Xiahe, visiting Labrang Monastery; Day 2—Travel to Sangke Grassland, then to Luqu, stopping at Gahai Lake en route; Day 3—From Luqu to Langmusi, exploring temples and Namo Grand Canyon; Day 4—Journey to Zagana for in-depth exploration; Day 5—Return from Zagana to Lanzhou. 🍡 Additionally, respect local religious beliefs and customs during your travels. For example, walk clockwise around temples and prayer wheels, and avoid taking photos inside temple halls. Tibetans do not eat fish, horse, or dog meat, and refrain from debating or commenting on their beliefs in temples or among Tibetan communities.

Best time to visit: May to October is the best time to visit Gannan. The weather is cool, the grassland is lush, and the wildflowers are in full bloom, making it the best time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the plateau. Must-see attractions: Labrang Monastery: The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Gannan area, it has the longest prayer wheel corridor in the world and is an excellent place to experience Tibetan Buddhist culture. Sangke Grassland: A vast grassland with herds of cattle and sheep, it is a good place to experience the life of Tibetan nomads and enjoy the scenery of the plateau. Zhagana: Known as a "fairyland on earth," the unique mountain landforms and Tibetan villages complement each other, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Food recommendations: Gannan Yogurt: Sweet and sour, nutritious, and a specialty of the Gannan area. Tibetan Buns: Filled with beef and mutton, with thin skin and large fillings, they are a good choice for tasting Tibetan flavors. Accommodation recommendations: Xiahe Labrang Civil Aviation Hotel: With complete facilities and convenient transportation, it is an ideal place to stay when visiting Labrang Monastery. Diebu Zhagana Dari Linka Boutique Homestay: Located in the Zhagana scenic area, with a beautiful environment and attentive service, it is a good place to experience Tibetan homestays.

Hey everyone 👋! I'm that travel enthusiast who loves wandering around the world 😎. I just got back from Gannan, and this April journey was like a beautiful dream I never wanted to wake up from. Let me share this detailed travel guide with you. 📍 Gannan, located on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in southwestern Gansu, is like a pure land forgotten by the world. Here you'll find vast endless grasslands, lush with greenery that seems to heal all fatigue. Sacred snow-capped mountains glisten in the sunlight, exuding mystery and majesty. Deep lakes mirror the blue sky and white clouds, creating dreamlike scenes. Tibetan Buddhist culture is deeply rooted here - from golden temple roofs to fluttering prayer flags and devout believers - the religious atmosphere permeates everything. Gannan is truly a profound dialogue between soul and nature. 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ Most people choose to fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport first, then transfer by plane or bus to Gannan. You can also fly directly to Xiahe Airport - though there are fewer flights, it's closer to some attractions. From there, take a taxi or airport shuttle to quickly reach the scenic areas. 🚌 If time allows and you want to enjoy the scenery along the way, take a long-distance bus from Lanzhou to Gannan. You'll see beautiful alpine meadows and forested valleys, though be prepared for a long journey. 🚕 Within Gannan, there are buses between counties but with limited schedules. Hiring a private car is more flexible and convenient, allowing you to stop at scenic spots whenever you want for photos. 🗺 Recommended Itinerary Day 1: Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland Morning: Visit Labrang Monastery, known as the "World Institute of Tibetan Studies." This massive monastery has endless prayer wheel corridors, devout pilgrims, and stunning architecture, murals, and butter sculptures. Noon: Try Gannan Tibetan dumplings with their thin skin and juicy lamb filling 😋. Afternoon: Head to Sangke Grassland, where April brings fresh green grass like a velvet carpet. Go horseback riding, feel the wind and freedom, and take endless photos 📷. Day 2: Langmu Temple - Namo Grand Canyon Morning: Visit Langmu Temple, which straddles Gansu and Sichuan provinces, separated by a small stream. The peaceful town features temple golden roofs gleaming in the sunlight. Noon: Enjoy yak hot pot in Langmu town - delicious and nourishing. Afternoon: Explore Namo Grand Canyon with its deep valleys, strange rocks, and mysterious Fairy Cave, like entering a paradise. Day 3: Zhagana - Return Daytime: Visit Zhagana, a stone city hidden in deep mountains, mystical in the clouds. Walk along the plank roads among steep peaks and Tibetan villages, breathing the fresh mountain air. Afternoon: Pack up and head home with wonderful memories. 🌟 5 Must-Visit Spots 📍 Labrang Monastery: One of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, rich in religious culture and architectural art. 📍 Sangke Grassland: Representative of Gannan's grasslands, rich in vegetation and ethnic customs. 📍 Langmu Temple: Blends Sichuan and Gansu styles, with a leisurely town and majestic temple. 📍 Namo Grand Canyon: Natural wonder combining canyons, forests, and caves. 📍 Zhagana: A mysterious "stone city" paradise with stunning scenery and unique folk customs. 📌 Practical Tips 🎫 Book tickets online in advance to avoid queues. Some areas of Labrang Monastery are free. 👗 April is still cold in Gannan. Bring down jackets, hiking clothes, thermal pants, and non-slip waterproof hiking boots. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen - UV rays are strong at high altitude. 📸 For stargazing photos, find a place without light pollution like hotel rooftops and bring a tripod. For mountain sunrise shots, check timing and secure spots early. 🍜 Local Food Recommendations 🥘 Gannan Tibetan Dumplings: Mainly lamb filling, handmade with thin skin and juicy filling. 🍜 Yak Hot Pot: Made with premium yak bones and meat, rich broth with local wild vegetables. 🥣 Butter Tea: Traditional Tibetan drink, salty and rich, warms the body and helps with altitude sickness. 🐟 Tibetan Grilled Fish: Uniquely spiced, tender with crispy skin. 🥔 Tuo Tuo Meat: Large chunks of cooked pork with dipping sauce. 🏨 Accommodation 📍 Near Labrang Monastery: Xiahe Labrang Civil Aviation Hotel, great location, spacious rooms. 📍 Langmu Temple Town: Langmu Temple Hotel, central location with town views. 📍 Zhagana: Zhagana Cloud Stay Guesthouse, Tibetan style with natural views. 💖 Travel Impressions These three days in Gannan felt like entering a secluded paradise. The mighty snow mountains, clear lakes, vast meadows, and warm hospitality of Tibetan people touched my heart deeply. Despite the challenging journey and altitude sickness, the breathtaking scenery made it all worthwhile. Gannan is like a dream you never want to wake from. Everyone, you must experience it - you'll surely fall in love with it too 💕.