Gannan Mairen Grassland | Known as the "Emerald Velvet Carpet on the Plateau"

Gannan Mairen Grassland Travel Guide 1. Introduction Gannan Mairen Grassland is located in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. It is a natural grassland on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, renowned for its vast grassland scenery, unique Tibetan culture, and rich ecological resources. It is an excellent destination for photography, hiking, and experiencing Tibetan customs. --- 2. Best Time to Visit - **Summer (June-August)**: The grassland is lush and green, and the climate is cool, making it suitable for escaping the heat and enjoying outdoor activities. - **Autumn (September-October)**: The grassland turns golden, and the sky is azure blue, making it the best season for photography. - **Winter (November-February)**: The snow scenery is magnificent, suitable for tourists who enjoy snowy landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere. --- 3. Transportation - **Self-driving**: - From Lanzhou, drive along the G75 Lanhai Expressway and G213 National Highway for about 5-6 hours. - From Hezuo City (the capital of Gannan Prefecture), it's about a 1.5-hour drive. - **Public Transportation**: - Take a bus from Lanzhou South Bus Station to Hezuo City, then transfer to a local vehicle to Mairen Grassland. - There are also buses from Xiahe County or Luqu County to the areas surrounding the grassland. --- 4. Main Attractions - **Mairen Grassland**: - Vast grassland scenery with herds of cattle and sheep, suitable for horseback riding, hiking, and photography. - Wildflowers bloom in summer, while autumn brings a golden landscape, offering magnificent views. - **Tibetan Villages**: - Experience Tibetan folk culture, visit traditional houses, and savor Tibetan cuisine. - Participate in Tibetan festivals, such as horse racing and Guozhuang dance. - **Lake Gahai**: - The largest freshwater lake in Gannan, with clear water and abundant bird resources, ideal for birdwatching and photography. - **Sangke Grassland**: - Not far from Mairen Grassland, it is another famous grassland in Gannan with beautiful scenery. - **Labrang Monastery**: - One of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, with a long history and rich cultural heritage. --- 5. Accommodation Recommendations - **Grassland Tents**: - Experience grassland life, watch the starry sky at night, and feel the tranquility of nature. - **Tibetan Homestays**: - Stay with a Tibetan family, experience local life, and enjoy authentic Tibetan cuisine. - **Hezuo City Hotels**: - Hezuo City has many hotels and guesthouses with complete facilities, suitable for tourists seeking comfort. --- 6. Food Recommendations - **Hand-Grabbed Mutton**: A Gannan specialty, the meat is tender and flavorful. - **Tsampa**: A traditional Tibetan staple food made from roasted barley flour, often eaten with butter tea. - **Yak Meat**: Firm and nutritious, it can be made into hot pot or stir-fries. - **Yogurt**: Locally made yogurt with a rich, sweet, and sour taste. - **Butter Tea**: A traditional Tibetan drink that warms the body and relieves fatigue, suitable for the plateau climate. --- 7. Precautions - **Altitude Sickness**: - Mairen Grassland has a high altitude (about 3,000 meters), and newcomers may experience mild altitude sickness. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise. - **Sun Protection and Warm Clothing**: - The plateau has strong ultraviolet rays, so sun protection is necessary. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so bring warm clothing. - **Environmental Awareness**: - The grassland ecosystem is fragile. Please do not litter and protect the natural environment. - **Respect Local Customs**: - The Tibetan area has a unique culture. Please respect local customs and traditions, and ask for permission before taking photos. --- 8. Itinerary Suggestions - **2 Days and 1 Night**: - Day 1: Arrive at Mairen Grassland, go horseback riding, hiking, experience Tibetan culture, and stay overnight in a grassland tent or homestay. - Day 2: Visit Lake Gahai or Labrang Monastery, and return to Lanzhou or Hezuo City. - **3 Days and 2 Nights**: - Day 1: Arrive at Mairen Grassland, go horseback riding, hiking, and enjoy the grassland scenery. - Day 2: Visit Tibetan villages, participate in folk activities, and stay overnight on the grassland. - Day 3: Visit Lake Gahai or Labrang Monastery, and return to Lanzhou or Hezuo City. --- 9. Travel Tips - **Language**: Tibetan is the main language, and some residents speak Mandarin. It is recommended to learn some basic Tibetan phrases or bring a translation tool. - **Internet**: The signal is weak in some areas of the grassland. It is recommended to download offline maps in advance. - **Safety**: The grassland terrain is open. It is recommended to travel with companions and avoid going alone. --- I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Gannan Mairen Grassland. Have a pleasant journey! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!