Gannan end of May holiday

Question

Hello there,

We're planning our trip to China for the first full two weeks of May next year, meaning the first two full days will be May 4 and 5 at the back end of the May holiday. From what people say it sounds like most of the destinations we would visit on a first trip will be inundated, but we are interested in seeing a bit of the Tibetan plateau, with the area between Lanzhou and Gannan containing a bunch of really cool places in a relatively small area. We'd most likely do a tour from Lanzhou (would be open to just a private driver if it's a cheaper option, but that seems difficult to arrange).

My questions are:

Does this seem like a good way to avoid the worst of the May crowds? We would probably use the 4th to fly or train to Lanzhou, getting there in the afternoon, before setting out on the 5th.

If so, any recommended tour companies for the area?

Thanks!

Answer

Visiting the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture at the end of the May holiday can be a smart way to avoid the peak crowds found in China’s more popular tourist spots, such as Beijing, Xi’an, or Shanghai. While May 1–3 will see heavy domestic tourism, heading to a more remote area like Gannan means that by May 4–5, you will likely encounter fewer travelers, though local tourism may still be active.

The region between Lanzhou and Gannan offers stunning Tibetan plateau landscapes, including grasslands, monasteries, and small towns, all within a relatively compact area, making it feasible to explore without long transfers. Using May 4 as a travel day to Lanzhou and starting your exploration on the 5th is a reasonable plan to maximize your sightseeing while minimizing encounters with large crowds.

Travel options:

Organized tours: Several tour companies in Lanzhou offer 3–5 day tours to Gannan. These typically include transportation, accommodation, and guided visits to highlights such as Labrang Monastery, Langmusi, and Sangke Grasslands.
Private driver: Hiring a private driver is possible, though it may require advance booking through local travel agencies or reputable online platforms. This gives flexibility in timing and route but is usually more expensive than group tours.
Combination: Some travelers book a tour for the first day to navigate local logistics and then continue independently with a driver or self-drive option.

Recommended tour companies and booking sources:

Local Lanzhou travel agencies specializing in Tibetan plateau tours—search for English-friendly options via TripAdvisor or Viator.
Online platforms such as Ctrip (Trip.com) and Klook occasionally list small-group tours from Lanzhou to Gannan, often including English-speaking guides.
Smaller boutique agencies in Lanzhou or Xiahe (Labrang) may provide tailored itineraries and can arrange private drivers, though communication may require email or WeChat coordination.

Overall, this plan seems effective for avoiding the worst crowds while still experiencing the Tibetan plateau’s highlights. Flexibility is key, especially given potential road conditions and local events. Booking transport and accommodations in advance is recommended, particularly for the first few days after the May holiday.

Gannan end of May holiday

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