"A Wonderland You Must Visit in Your Lifetime - A Super Detailed Guide to Zhagana in Gannan"

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.