Gannan, a Dream Journey to the Pure Land on Earth

Hey everyone👋, are you longing for a trip away from the hustle and bustle, to get close to nature? Then Gannan is definitely your top choice! This pure land hidden in the northwest boasts stunning scenery comparable to Tibet, but with less worry about altitude sickness and more tranquility and simplicity. Now, come with me to start this dreamy journey to Gannan🌈! 🌈 Itinerary 🌟Day 1: Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland ● Morning: Depart from Lanzhou and head straight to Labrang Monastery. It is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and is known as the "World Tibetan Academy." Stroll along the long prayer corridor, listening to the gentle turning of prayer wheels, as if your soul is being purified🧘‍♀️. ● Noon: Taste Tibetan cuisine at a restaurant near Labrang Monastery, such as Tibetan noodles, butter tea, and hand-pulled mutton, satisfying your taste buds😋. ● Afternoon: Head to Sangke Grassland, where the grass is lush and cattle and sheep roam freely. You can ride a horse galloping across the grassland, feeling the wind whistle; or set up a tent on the grassland and enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea☕. ● Evening: Camp on the grassland, gaze at the dazzling starry sky, and feel the peace and mystery of nature🌌. 🌟Day 2: Sangke Grassland - Langmu Temple - Zhagana ● Morning: Leave Sangke Grassland and head to Langmu Temple. This small town is divided by the Bailong River, with the south bank belonging to Sichuan and the north bank to Gansu. Langmu Temple’s architecture is unique, blending Tibetan, Han, Hui, and other ethnic cultures. You can visit the temple, admire exquisite murals and Buddha statues; or stroll along the Bailong River, feeling the town’s tranquility and harmony🎐. ● Noon: Dine at a restaurant in Langmu Temple town, trying local specialties like fern rice and yak yogurt🥣. ● Afternoon: Head to Zhagana, rated by China National Geography as one of "China’s Top Ten Lesser-Known Peaks." The mountains here are steep and shrouded in mist, like a fairyland. You can hike the mountains to enjoy magnificent natural scenery; or wander around the village to experience Tibetan folk culture👘. ● Evening: Stay in a guesthouse in Zhagana, taste homemade barley wine, and listen to the hosts tell ancient legends and stories📖. 🌟Day 3: Zhagana - Hualake - First Bend of the Yellow River ● Morning: Wake early to watch the sunrise over Zhagana, with golden sunlight shining on the peaks, breathtakingly beautiful🌅. Then leave Zhagana and head to Hualake. Hualake is a natural lake on the Ruoergai Dam grassland, with crystal-clear water surrounded by endless grasslands and wetlands. You can walk along the boardwalk, admiring the aquatic plants and migratory birds🦆. ● Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant near Hualake, trying the local wild mushroom soup, which tastes incredibly delicious🍲. ● Afternoon: Head to the First Bend of the Yellow River, the first of the 99 bends of the Yellow River and the starting point of the Yellow River in Sichuan. Stand on the viewing platform and overlook the winding river, marveling at nature’s craftsmanship🗻. ● Evening: Stay at a hotel near the scenic area, enjoy the night view of the Yellow River, and feel the peace and harmony of the night🌙. 🌟Day 4: First Bend of the Yellow River - Ruoergai Grassland - Lanzhou ● Morning: Leave the First Bend of the Yellow River and head to Ruoergai Grassland. Ruoergai Grassland is one of China’s three major wetlands, with rich grass and herds of cattle and sheep. You can ride horses and shoot arrows on the grassland, experiencing the life of grassland herders🏇. ● Noon: Have lunch in a tent on Ruoergai Grassland, tasting roasted whole lamb, milk tea, and other delicacies, feeling the enthusiasm and grandeur of the grassland🥩. ● Afternoon: End your wonderful Gannan trip and return to Lanzhou. 💰 Budget ● Transportation: Round-trip bus fare from Lanzhou to Gannan and local car rental, about 1000 RMB. ● Accommodation: Guesthouses and hotels, about 800 RMB. ● Food: Sampling various delicacies, about 600 RMB. ● Tickets: Entrance fees for attractions, about 300 RMB. ● Others: Entertainment like horse riding and archery, about 200 RMB. Total: About 2900 RMB. 🚗 Transportation Guide ● Airplane: Fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport first, then transfer by car to Gannan. ● Train: Take a train to Lanzhou Railway Station or Lanzhou West Station, then transfer by car to Gannan. ● Bus: Direct buses to various counties in Gannan depart from Lanzhou South Bus Station; you can also choose car rental or carpooling. 🍱 Food Recommendations ● Tibetan noodles: Chewy texture and delicious broth, a traditional Tibetan dish. ● Butter tea: Rich and mellow, helps refresh the mind, keep warm, and satisfy hunger. ● Hand-pulled mutton: Tender and flavorful, a specialty of Gannan. ● Fern rice: Sweet and tasty, nutritious, a traditional Tibetan dish. ● Yak yogurt: Sweet and sour, rich in probiotics, aids digestion. 📌 Notes ● Climate: Gannan’s weather is changeable with large temperature differences between day and night; bring warm clothes and rain gear. ● Altitude sickness: Gannan is at a high altitude and may cause altitude sickness; take preventive measures in advance, such as carrying altitude sickness medicine. ● Religion: Gannan is a sacred place of Tibetan Buddhism; respect local religious beliefs and customs. ● Environmental protection: Gannan’s natural scenery is beautiful; please protect the environment and do not litter. Friends, the beautiful scenery of Gannan is calling you. Hurry up and pack your bags to start this dreamy trip🎉! Remember to share your travel stories and feelings in the comments!