The First Bend of the Yellow River Must-Visit

Gannan Travel Guide: A Tibetan Secret Realm, A Pure Land on Earth
Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is located in the southern part of Gansu Province, on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the "Gateway to Tibet." Here you will find magnificent grasslands, sacred temples, and simple Tibetan customs, making it an excellent destination for photography, hiking, and pilgrimage.

📅 Best Travel Time

June to August: The grasslands are green, wildflowers bloom, and the climate is cool—ideal for travel.
September to October: The autumn colors are enchanting, with forests dyed in layers—perfect for photography.
Winter (November to March): Few tourists, stunning snow scenes, but some attractions may be closed, so check in advance.

🚗 Transportation

By plane: Fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, then take a bus or charter a car to Gannan (about 4-5 hours).
By train: There are shuttle buses from Lanzhou Station or Lanzhou West Station to Hezuo City (the capital of Gannan Prefecture).
Self-driving/charter: Recommended to self-drive or charter a car (about 300-500 RMB/day). The roads in Gannan are good, and the scenery along the way is breathtaking.

📍 Must-Visit Attractions
1. Labrang Monastery (Xiahe County)

A world-renowned Tibetan academy, second in scale only to the Potala Palace, featuring the world's longest prayer wheel corridor (about 3.5 km).
Best experience: Follow the Tibetans in the early morning to spin the prayer wheels and feel the power of faith; climb up for a panoramic view of the monastery.
Admission: 40 RMB (some halls require extra fees).

2. Zhagana (Diebu County)

A "Stone City" secret realm, rated by China National Geography as one of the "Top Ten Lesser-Known Mountains."
Activities: Hiking, photography, staying in Tibetan villages; most beautiful in the early morning when shrouded in mist.
Admission: 80 RMB (including sightseeing bus).

3. Langmu Temple (Luqu County)

The "Little Switzerland of the East," spanning Gansu and Sichuan provinces, with the Bailong River flowing through the town, rich in Tibetan Buddhist atmosphere.
Recommended: Visit Saichi Monastery (Gansu) and Gerdie Monastery (Sichuan), hike the Namo Grand Canyon.
Admission: 30 RMB (Gansu Langmu Temple).

4. Sangke Grassland (Xiahe County)

The most beautiful grassland in Gannan, covered with wildflowers in summer, where you can ride horses, camp, and experience Tibetan life.
Best time: July to August, with many grassland festivals.
Admission: Free (some horse riding activities charge fees).

5. Gahai Lake (Luqu County)

The largest freshwater lake in Gannan, a haven for migratory birds, ideal for birdwatching and photography.
Best season: June to September, with clear water reflecting blue skies and white clouds.
Admission: 50 RMB.

6. Milarepa Buddhist Pavilion (Hezuo City)

A nine-story Tibetan Buddhist pavilion dedicated to the revered Milarepa, with unique architecture.
Recommended: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Hezuo City.
Admission: 20 RMB.

🍜 Recommended Local Cuisine

Tibetan food: Tsampa, butter tea, yak meat, Tibetan buns, yogurt
Halal food: Hand-pulled lamb, beef noodles, roasted lamb chops
Recommended restaurants:

Xiahe County: Wuzelinka Tibetan Restaurant (Tibetan hotpot)
Langmu Temple: Lisa Restaurant (apple pie, yak meat burgers)
Hezuo City: Lao Ma’s Hand-Pulled Lamb

🏠 Accommodation Recommendations

Xiahe County: Nuordan Camp (luxury wild camping), Labrang Palace Hotel
Langmu Temple: Tibetan International Youth Hostel, Langmu Temple Grand Hotel
Zhagana: Tibetan family guesthouse (recommended to stay one night to experience the morning mist wonderland)

📌 Travel Tips

Altitude sickness: Gannan’s altitude ranges from 2000 to 3500 meters; avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival and drink plenty of water.
Respect customs: No photography inside temples, spin prayer wheels clockwise, do not touch children’s heads.
Clothing guide: Large temperature difference between day and night; bring a jacket even in summer; sun protection is essential.
Network signal: Signal is weak in some remote areas; it is recommended to download offline maps.

🚩 Classic Itinerary Recommendations
3-Day Highlights Tour

Day 1: Lanzhou → Labrang Monastery → Sangke Grassland (overnight in Xiahe)
Day 2: Xiahe → Gahai Lake → Langmu Temple (overnight in Langmu Temple)
Day 3: Langmu Temple → Zhagana → Return

5-Day In-Depth Tour

Day 1: Lanzhou → Milarepa Buddhist Pavilion → Hezuo (overnight in Hezuo)
Day 2: Hezuo → Gahai Lake → Langmu Temple (overnight in Langmu Temple)
Day 3: Langmu Temple → Zhagana (overnight in Zhagana)
Day 4: Zhagana → Huahu → First Bend of the Yellow River (overnight in Tangke)
Day 5: Tangke → Return

Gannan is an unspoiled pure land, worthy of your careful appreciation whether for its natural scenery or cultural faith. We hope this guide helps you start an unforgettable Tibetan journey! 🌄✨