You don't have to go to Switzerland to enjoy the same beautiful scenery as the Alps!
👍Recommended reason: Are you dreaming of the Swiss Alps but can't afford to go? Don't worry! Come to Zhagana in Gannan, and you will be amazed! Here you can find mountains, clouds, canyons, grasslands, flower seas, and pastures. It is listed as a must-visit place by National Geographic, and the key is that it is very cost-effective, making your dream come true in no time!
🌹Attraction address: Zhagana Village, Yiwa Town, Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, a hidden treasure waiting for you to unveil its mystery.
🚴Transportation guide:
- Self-driving: The first choice for self-driving enthusiasts! You can not only control your itinerary freely but also check in the Gannan loop along the way, with endless beautiful scenery, and you can stop at any time to capture those fleeting beautiful moments. Moreover, you can also drive in the Zhagana Scenic Area, going wherever you want, feeling super free.
- Public transportation: If you don't want to drive, you can also take a bus from Lanzhou to Diebu County and then take a taxi to Zhagana. It just takes a little longer on the road, but the scenery along the way is also quite enjoyable.
🏞️Must-visit attractions:
- Fairy Beach - Fairy Lake: The round trip takes about 2 hours. Stroll on the alpine meadow, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the panoramic view of Zhagana. The view is amazing! Especially in the evening, when the sunset glow falls on you, it is so beautiful that you are speechless, making it a perfect spot for taking photos. By the way, you can also rent ethnic costumes at Fairy Beach, and wearing them to take photos will create a great atmosphere.
- Tiger Mouth - One Line Sky - Shenwang Temple - Stone Forest: This route is more suitable for hiking enthusiasts, and the round trip takes 6 hours, allowing you to see the spectacular stone forest landscape. If you are worried about your physical strength, you can also choose to take a shuttle bus to One Line Sky or ride a horse directly to the Stone Forest, which is easy and comfortable.
- Runwu Valley Hiking: Canyon hiking route, round trip takes about 3 hours. Here, the mountains and rivers are interdependent, and the forest is dense, like a fairyland on earth. Moreover, you can drive directly to the entrance, which is very convenient. Walk slowly along the path and feel the magic of nature, which is really healing.
- Shimen - Locke - Dari Viewing Platform: If you have limited time, you can drive around these viewing platforms. Dari Viewing Platform is a great place to watch the sunrise, so remember to get up early to get a good spot. There is a higher viewing platform above the Locke Viewing Platform, and climbing up there will give you a wider view and a different scenery.
🏷️Ticket price: CNY 80/person, and you can enjoy so much beautiful scenery, which is really cost-effective!
🍜Food recommendation:
- Buttered tea: You must try buttered tea when you come to Zhagana, as it can not only warm your body but also relieve altitude sickness to a certain extent. With one sip, the rich milk and tea aroma spread in your mouth, full of local characteristics.
- Tibetan roasted lamb: Fresh lamb is roasted in a Tibetan tent, with the skin roasted to a golden crisp and the inside tender and juicy. Take a bite, and the aroma of the meat fills your mouth, instantly satisfying your taste buds. Meat lovers should not miss it.
🛍️Shopping: There are many interesting shops in the scenic area, full of Tibetan style. You can find hand-woven blankets, exquisite Thangka, beautiful Tibetan silver jewelry, etc. Each piece is unique and meaningful as a souvenir.
🏠Accommodation recommendation:
- In the scenic area: If you want to explore Zhagana in depth, it is recommended to stay in the four villages of Dongwa, Yeri, Dari, and Daiba in the scenic area, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery as soon as you go out and watch the stars at night, with a full experience.
- Diebu County: If you have high requirements for accommodation conditions, choose to stay in Diebu County. The accommodation environment here is better, and the price is more affordable, with high cost performance.
❤️Other tips:
Zhagana is about 3,000 meters above sea level, and the Stone Forest is 3,600 meters above sea level. Be sure to prepare for altitude sickness before going, such as taking anti-altitude sickness medicine in advance, and avoid strenuous exercise after arrival to give your body time to adapt.
There are many viewing platforms and walkways in the scenic area. In addition to the core viewing platform, the scenery in other places is also impressive, and you can find surprises everywhere. Don't miss these hidden beauties.
When renting a car, consider an SUV first, as it has better passability and can handle various road conditions. Of course, driving a sedan is also fine, as long as you drive carefully.
Be sure to pay attention to the weather before departure and try to choose sunny weather to see the most beautiful Zhagana. However, the weather here is changeable, so be sure to carry rain gear with you just in case.