The beauty of Gannan lies in the unexpected scenery along the way

🍓 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.