Exploring Gannan: Touch the Pure Land

Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is part of Gansu Province, located southwest of Lanzhou, the provincial capital. It lies at the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the western transition zone of the Loess Plateau, serving as a water conservation and supply area for the Yellow River and Yangtze River. The prefecture includes Hezuo City and seven counties: Lintan, Zhuoni, Diebu, Zhouqu, Xiahe, Maqu, and Luqu. The prefectural government is located at 96 Renmin Street, Hezuo City. The total permanent population is 683,700, with Tibetans making up more than 50% of the population, along with 24 other ethnic groups including Han, Hui, Tu, and Mongolian. The terrain is high in the northwest and low in the southeast, featuring mountain plains, high mountain valleys, and hilly areas. Rich in water resources, it is known as the "Yellow River Reservoir," with a theoretical hydropower potential of 4.5876 million kilowatts. The religious culture is predominantly Tibetan Buddhism, coexisting with Islam, Christianity, and Taoism. There are 123 Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, including Labrang Monastery and Langmu Monastery. Tourist attractions include Gahai and Zecha Nature Reserves, Lotus Mountain and Yeliguan National Forest Parks, as well as numerous natural scenic spots such as Zhagana, Sangke Grassland, and the First Bend of the Yellow River. ⛺ Main tourist attractions in Gannan include Gahai Lake, Zecha Stone Forest, Lotus Mountain, Yeliguan National Forest Park, Zhagana, Sangke Grassland, the First Bend of the Yellow River, Langmu Monastery, Labrang Monastery, Nyingma Monastery Prayer Wheels, Milarepa Buddha Pavilion, and Meiren Grassland. The best time to visit Gannan is from May to October. To fully experience the Tibetan cultural life, it is recommended to spend 6-10 days. 🧡 Friendly Reminder: Gannan is a Tibetan-inhabited area, so respect Tibetan Buddhist beliefs and customs, such as turning prayer wheels clockwise and maintaining silence in monasteries. Do not touch religious items like statues and prayer flags. Respect and understand the local residents' lifestyle and traditions to avoid cultural conflicts. The climate in Gannan is variable with large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, bring warm clothing such as jackets, fleece, and thermal underwear. The high altitude means strong UV radiation, so bring sun protection items like sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats to prevent sunburn and altitude sickness. Protect the environment by not littering or damaging natural landscapes and ecosystems. Local cuisine mainly consists of Tibetan dishes like butter tea, barley wine, and yak meat. If you are not accustomed to these, bring your favorite snacks. Avoid overeating upon arrival to prevent digestive issues. Due to the high altitude, altitude sickness may occur. Prepare altitude sickness medication like Rhodiola in advance. Upon arrival, avoid strenuous activities to allow your body to acclimate. If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention promptly. Some areas in Gannan have complex road conditions. In case of rain or snow, roads may be slippery and transportation inconvenient. It is recommended to hire a local travel agency for transportation.