"Life is a wilderness, not a track"—this phrase perfectly describes the Ganjia Secret Realm. Located in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, it is a mysterious and lesser-known treasure spot, also named one of the "50 Places to Visit in a Lifetime" by National Geographic. Here you’ll find vast grasslands, mysterious temples, ancient castles, and spectacular white stone cliffs, fulfilling all your Tibetan land imaginations. Below is a comprehensive travel guide for you 👇
Transportation Guide
- Airplane: You can fly directly to Xiahe Airport, the only airport in Gannan. After landing, take a taxi to the scenic area, about 1 hour, costing 150-200 RMB. Carpooling is more cost-effective.
- Bus: From Lanzhou, take a bus from Lanzhou South Bus Station to Xiahe County, about 4 hours, ticket price 75 RMB. From Xiahe, you can charter a car or carpool to Ganjia, about 1 hour; charter costs 300 RMB per vehicle, carpool 30-50 RMB per person. From Hezuo City, the bus to Xiahe takes only 1 hour, ticket price 22 RMB, then transfer to another vehicle.
- Self-driving: The most recommended way! Navigate directly to “Deshi Secret Realm” and drive along National Highway 316. This route avoids tolls and leads straight to Baishi Cliff, while offering stunning grassland views along the way for a visual feast.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Bajiao City Inn: Excellent location in the core area of Bajiao Ancient City, styled as a Tibetan manor. Open the window to see the grasslands. Some rooms have starry sky terraces. The owner offers free guided tours of the ancient city walls at sunset. Price range: 300-500 RMB/night.
- Ganjia Eco Camping Site: For an immersive grassland experience, stay here! Sleep in a plateau tent, watch the Milky Way at night, and enjoy the grassland sunrise in the morning—pure bliss, perfect for photography lovers. Remember to book in advance. Includes breakfast and a bonfire party (summer only).
Must-Visit Attractions
- Bajiao Ancient City: A 2,000-year-old Han Dynasty military fortress with a rare octagonal cross-shaped layout. From the viewing platform, it looks like the “Bagua Formation” terrain. Drone footage is even more stunning (but avoid no-fly zones near temples).
- Baishi Cliff: Gannan’s “Little Tibet” is well-deserved! The 180-meter-high white cliff pierces the blue sky. The best photo spot is on the hillside next to the temple below the cliff. If you can’t find it, ask the innkeeper—they’ll show you a “secret path.”
- Zuohai Temple: A thousand-year-old Tibetan Buddhist temple. Join locals in prayer wheels, incense burning, and blessings. Scatter tsampa and cypress branches by hand, feeling the blend of faith and daily life, cleansing your soul.
- Cloud Pasture: Drive to the top of Baishi Cliff (SUV recommended due to bumpy roads). This undeveloped highland pasture has leisurely grazing cattle and sheep, fluttering prayer flags, and if lucky, you might see marmots or Tibetan antelopes. Don’t feed them; keep your distance to let them live freely.
Food Recommendations
- Butter Tea: Salty and rich, a daily drink for Tibetans and a great remedy for altitude sickness. If you don’t like salty, try the “sweet” version.
- Hand-Pulled Mutton: Choose “rib meat” for sure. Dip in chili powder or garlic paste; the meat is tender and free of gamey taste, very satisfying.
- Tibetan Rice: Stir-fried beef cubes, vermicelli, and barley flour, topped with butter tea. Rich and layered flavors.
- Sand Onion Fried Eggs: A unique highland wild vegetable, crispy and fragrant. A must-try.
Tickets and Discounts
- Core Scenic Area Ticket: Full price 80 RMB per person, includes Bajiao Ancient City, Baishi Cliff, Ganjia Grassland, and other spots; shuttle bus 40 RMB per person. If self-driving, you can save this cost.
- Discounts: Children under 6, seniors over 70, military personnel, and disabled persons with valid ID are free; seniors 60-69, full-time students with student ID, and journalists with press ID get half-price.
Best Travel Time
- Summer (June to August): The grasslands are lush green with wildflowers blooming everywhere (June: golden lotus, July: rapeseed flowers, August: wolfbane). Temperatures range from 10 to 20°C, a perfect summer retreat. This is peak season with more tourists and higher accommodation prices, so book at least one month in advance.
- Autumn (September to October): Grasslands turn yellow, snow-capped mountains become clearer, fewer tourists, better value. Temperatures range from 5 to 15°C; bring a thick jacket and scarf. The starry sky is clearer, a must for photography enthusiasts.
Notes
- Altitude Sickness: The scenic area is about 3,000 meters above sea level. Avoid strenuous exercise like running or jumping upon arrival. Take Rhodiola three days in advance and prepare an oxygen bottle (available at county pharmacies for 50 RMB each).
- Cultural Respect: Remove hats and sunglasses before entering temples. Avoid wearing short skirts or shorts. Turn prayer wheels clockwise. Do not photograph monks or worshippers without permission. Do not discuss religion or touch Buddha statues and thangkas.
- Clothing Suggestions: Highland weather is changeable with possible rain, so wear a windproof jacket. For hiking, wear high-top shoes to prevent ankle sprains. For photos, wear white, red, or yellow clothes to contrast beautifully with the grasslands and Baishi Cliff.
- Road Conditions and Driving: Some mountain roads are narrow with many curves. Drive slowly, honk often, and yield to cattle and sheep—they are the “real owners” of the road. Use Gaode or Baidu Maps for navigation and download the “Gannan Map” offline in advance, as some areas have no signal.
Post by EvelynReynolds223 | Aug 14, 2025
