2025 Zhagana Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

| A 3-Day 2-Night Adventure to Discover the Hidden Shangri-La. Folks, if you haven't been to Zagana yet, you're seriously missing out! This hidden gem was rated by National Geographic as a "must-visit in your lifetime" [Scowl] 🚗 Transportation Guide: First, get to Lanzhou or Chengdu, then transfer to a bus heading to Zagana. From Lanzhou, take a bus to Diebu County and then transfer to Zagana; from Chengdu, travel via Songpan, Ruoergai, and other scenic spots—the views along the way are breathtaking, like driving through a painting. 🚙 For more freedom, consider renting a car or hiring a private vehicle. Splitting the cost with friends makes it affordable, and you can stop anytime for photos—pure bliss! 🤯 Must-Visit Spots 1️⃣ Dari Viewing Platform: This is the "God's perspective" to overlook Zagana! In the early morning mist, the village is nestled among mountains with smoke curling from wooden rooftops, resembling a hermit's sanctuary from a fantasy drama. At sunset, golden light bathes the Tibetan-style houses—every shot is magazine-cover worthy! Bring a telephoto lens for epic "king of the mountain" shots. 2️⃣ Fairy Meadow: A Real-Life Fairy Tale Prairie Summer turns this place into a sea of flowers! With blooming wildflowers swaying in the wind, snow-capped mountains in the distance, and soft grass underfoot, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Studio Ghibli film. Lie on the grass for stunning "sky-view" photos—instant social media fame! If you catch locals horse racing or dancing, join in for an immersive highland experience. 🏠 Accommodation Picks: Budget-Friendly Options Zagana has four villages, each with unique scenery and lodging prices. For budget travelers, Dongwa Village is ideal—commercialized with affordable homestays (around ¥200–400/night). "Zagana Yunshang Meiju Homestay" is a great choice, with parking, clean rooms, and excellent service. For better views, Dari Village offers panoramic vistas at higher altitudes (around ¥400–600/night). Many homestays near the viewing platform let you wake up to breathtaking sunrises. 📌 Pro Tips ✅ Zagana’s high altitude may cause altitude sickness—avoid strenuous activity upon arrival and rest to acclimate. Carry oxygen bottles (sold widely) if needed. ✅ Wear comfortable sneakers—the terrain is rugged, and sore feet can ruin the fun. ✅ Weather changes rapidly—pack rain gear unless you fancy getting drenched. ✅ Respect local customs: Don’t touch temple items or disturb worshippers—travel responsibly. Pack your bags and embark on this dreamy adventure—Zagana will steal your heart! Trust me, you won’t want to leave!

Morning light pierces through the mountain haze, revealing Tibetan wooden houses clinging to the steep slopes of Zhagana like scattered treasure boxes left by the gods. An elderly local turns a prayer wheel as he passes barley-drying racks, his footsteps startling the brass bells hanging from the eaves. Standing at the viewpoint with a handful of cold tsampa, it strikes me—the beauty of this place lies in its indifference to being conquered. **Note:** Altitude 3,000m. Pack a windproof jacket, camera, and patience.

**Zhagana Travel Guide** Dear travelers, today I'll take you to a mysterious and charming place—Zhagana. With its unique natural scenery and rich culture, it's sure to captivate you. **I. Introduction to Zhagana** Zhagana, meaning "stone box" in Tibetan, is located in the northwest of Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. With beautiful mountains and rivers, and simple folk customs, it's a Tibetan village full of mystery. Zhagana is surrounded by mountains, with peaks rising one after another, shrouded in clouds and mist, like a fairyland on earth. **II. Best Time to Travel** Zhagana has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm. The best time to travel is during summer and fall, when the climate is pleasant and the scenery picturesque. **III. Transportation Guide** 1. Airplane: Fly to Lanzhou or Chengdu first, then transfer to a bus to Diebu County. 2. Train: Arrive at Lanzhou or Hezuo City first, then transfer to a local bus to your destination. 3. Self-drive: You can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery along the way, but pay attention to road conditions and safety. **IV. Recommended Attractions** 1. Zhagana Village: Here you'll find well-preserved traditional Tibetan architecture and unique folk culture. Strolling through the ancient streets, you can experience the rich Tibetan customs. 2. Fairy Lake: Located near Zhagana, the lake's water is crystal clear, with surrounding mountains reflected in it, creating a dreamlike scene. 3. Zhuoma Grassland: With vast grasslands and leisurely cattle and sheep, you can fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature here. 4. Majestic Mountains: Looking out from the village, the towering mountains inspire awe and a sense of the grandeur of nature. **V. Food Recommendations** 1. Tsampa: As a traditional Tibetan staple food, tsampa is a must-try for travelers. Soaked in rich butter tea, it has a unique and delicious taste. 2. Butter Tea: This is an indispensable drink in the daily life of Tibetans. Made from butter and tea leaves, it has a rich taste and is refreshing. 3. Barley Wine: Made from barley, this wine has a unique aroma and taste, and is a must-have drink for Tibetans during festivals. 4. Tibetan Hot Pot: Made with unique ingredients from the plateau and prepared in a traditional way, it is delicious and nutritious. **VI. Things to Note** 1. Respect local customs and religious beliefs. 2. Pay attention to environmental protection and do not litter. 3. The climate in the plateau area is changeable, so pay attention to keeping warm and protecting yourself from the sun. 4. Those traveling by car should pay attention to road conditions and drive safely. Zhagana is a charming place, and both its natural scenery and folk culture are worth exploring. I hope this guide will be helpful for your trip. Have a wonderful journey!

It was rated by National Geographic as a must-see secret place in your lifetime. The scenery is as good as Tibet, but without the high altitude sickness. This is a very niche place. Endless grasslands and rugged cliffs In the transition zone between the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau There is a secret place known as "Little Tibet" Especially after October, when autumn is in full swing [Transportation] 🚄 Take a high-speed train or ✈️ fly to Lanzhou, then rent a car or drive yourself, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. [4-day, 3-night itinerary] Day 1: Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Ganga Secret Place Day 2: Ganga Secret Place - Sangke Grassland - Langmu Monastery Day 3: Langmu Monastery - Zhagana Day 4: Zhagana - Rock Road - Lanzhou ✅ Ganga Secret Place The grasslands and houses under the white stone cliffs are a very special sight, especially in the early morning when the mountains are shrouded in mist, like a fairyland. Deep in the secret place is an ancient city that is a thousand years old, a mysterious place of Buddhist relics - Bajiao Ancient City, also known as the "Eternal City". ✅ Labrang Monastery The second largest Tibetan temple complex in China after the Potala Palace. It retains the best Tibetan Buddhist teaching system in the country and is known as the "World Tibetan Academy". ✅ Sangke Grassland A colorful grassland with both hilly terrain and pastoral scenery, a treasure of Gannan, where you can experience the original pastoral life and customs of Tibetan herdsmen. It is just by the national highway, 0.5 hours drive from Xiahe County, and turns golden in autumn. ✅ Zhagana A hidden fairyland recommended by National Geographic, a fairy village hidden in the mountains. At first glance, it is a typical mountain valley and peaks in the Tibetan mountain area. Follow the scenic boardwalk up to the One Line Sky, and be amazed by the continuous scenery, Nie Gandawa Glacier Geological Park, Shenwang Temple, Marisongduo, Zhagana Stone Forest... ✅ Rock Road It feels like you have entered the world of the Lord of the Rings, with steep mountains and beautiful scenery everywhere, but the road conditions are a bit poor.

The Rock Road⛰️ is a famous self-driving route in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, named after the expedition route of American botanist Joseph Rock in the early 20th century. The route is known for its challenging road conditions and stunning natural beauty, and is considered one of the "most beautiful 100 kilometers in China." About tickets🚪: If you go through Zaga Na, you need a ticket for the Zaga Na Scenic Area. If you go through Hezuo, you don't need a ticket. The Rock Road starts at Zagulu Town in Zhuoni County and ends at Zaga Na Scenic Area in Diebu County, with a total length of about 110 kilometers. The route can be divided into two sections: Cheba Valley and Guangai Mountain. The Cheba Valley section is about 35 kilometers from Zagulu Town to Jiangche Village, with scenic spots including Zhuoni rapeseed fields, Gongba Temple, and Niba Tibetan Village. The Guangai Mountain section is about 65 kilometers from Jiangche Village to Zaga Na, crossing Guangai Mountain and passing through two passes over 4,000 meters above sea level, which is the essence of the route. The road conditions of the Rock Road are complex, with unpaved roads, rugged mountain roads, and some sections with dense shallow pits. It is recommended to use a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle or an SUV with a high chassis. Most of the route has no communication signal, so it is necessary to prepare in advance, including spare tires, enough drinking water and food, and make sure the vehicle is full of oil. The natural scenery along the way is spectacular, from low-altitude dense forests to high-altitude alpine meadows, to wilderness and glaciers, visitors can feel the unique charm of the secret Gannan. In addition, the Rock Road also witnessed the scientific expedition footprints of botanist Joseph Rock, with rich historical and cultural value. For visitors planning to drive the Rock Road, it is recommended to plan the itinerary in advance and pay attention to safety, especially during the rainy season and winter, as the road conditions may be more complex at these times. Also, since some sections have no cell phone signal, it is recommended to download offline maps and inform friends and family of the itinerary plan to ensure safety.

Gannan Roaming for 5 Days | Take your family to roam around Gannan~ || ⭕ Itinerary Overview D1: Lanzhou—Labrang Monastery—Xiahe (260km/3.5h) D2: Xiahe—Sangke Grassland—Gerdeng Monastery (Namo Grand Canyon)—Langmu Monastery (220km/3.5h) D3: Langmu Monastery—Ruoergai Flower Lake—Xiaoduku—Zhagana (170km/3h) D4: Zhagana—Rock Road—Hezuo (200km/5h) D5: Hezuo—Milarepa Buddha Pavilion—Meiren Grassland—Lanzhou (260km/4h) ⭕ Itinerary Highlights ✔️ Zhagana—A secluded paradise in the deep mountains of Gannan ✔️ Ruoergai Flower Lake—A stunning wetland, perfect for photography on a clear day ✔️ Labrang Monastery—Known as the Tsinghua and Peking University of Tibetan studies, featuring an extensive prayer wheel corridor ✔️ Langmu Monastery Town—Witness the golden dome sunrise at Saichisi in Gansu and explore Namo Grand Canyon at Gerdeng Monastery in Sichuan ✔️ Rock Road—A completely undeveloped, beautiful travel route ✔️ Gannan Xiaoduku—A niche canyon crossing route with untouched natural scenery ✔️ Milarepa Buddha Pavilion—Each floor houses different offerings, solemn and respectful ⭕ Notes ✔️ Avoid bathing/washing hair on the first two nights to prevent catching a cold or altitude sickness ✔️ Rest well, drink plenty of water, relax, and stay happy ✔️ Northern air is generally dry, remember to bring moisturizing products ✔️ Hotels in Tibetan areas do not provide hairdryers or disposable slippers, bring your own ✔️ Weather in highlands can change rapidly, prepare rain gear ✔️ First-time visitors to highlands may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, bring a thermos and drink warm water during the trip ✔️ Bring your ID and any documents that might offer discounts