The severely underestimated stunning temple architecture—Langmusi Temple in Gannan
by sophiafirefly
Jul 15, 2025
Some say Langmu Temple is a hidden treasure misunderstood by its name. Although called a "temple," it is actually a charming town straddling Gansu and Sichuan provinces. The Bailong River flows through the town like a soft ribbon, gently dividing the land—the left bank features the gleaming golden roof of Saichi Temple in Gansu, while the right bank holds the serene and solid red walls of Gerdie Temple in Sichuan. The spiritual essence of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism blends here with the vast, desolate Ruoergai Grassland, like a pearl quietly hiding its light, waiting for those destined to discover it.
📸 Must-visit photo spots:
· Tibetan temple red walls: The temple’s outer walls provide a backdrop full of Tibetan charm. It’s recommended to wear plain-colored clothes, walk sideways along the wall, and use portrait mode to capture the moment, instantly enhancing the atmosphere.
· Bailong River source: On winter mornings, shoot against the light at the small wooden bridge at the source, capturing the silhouette of someone drawing water, where human and nature shadows intertwine like a poetic painting.
· Red stone cliff sunset: Climb the small path behind the Langmu Temple International Hotel, about 20 minutes to the top. At sunset, the entire town is bathed in golden-red light, creating an incredibly stunning scene.
✨ Unmissable highlight experience: The Namo Grand Canyon light hike is a rare natural exploration journey. Trek about 1.5 kilometers upstream along the Bailong River, visiting Fairy Cave and Tiger Hole Spring, occasionally encountering Tibetan macaques and fluttering prayer flags in the mountains. The endpoint features a stream and grassland reflecting each other, like stepping into a healing scene from "Heidi and Grandpa."
⚠️ Travel tips:
· Tickets for the Gansu temple and Sichuan temple are sold separately, 30 RMB per person each, half price for students, occasionally free in winter—please check before traveling.
· The sky burial platform can be viewed from a distance, but please respect local customs and strictly prohibit photography.
· At an altitude of about 3,300 meters, be mindful of altitude sickness. It’s recommended to avoid washing your hair on the first day and to prepare ibuprofen and glucose for emergencies.
—— Langmu Temple is more than just a temple; it is a quiet dialogue about faith, nature, and life. If you yearn for distant places, consider adding this to your list to experience the subtle shock of the Tibetan borderlands.
Langmu Temple Scenic Area
Post by Grace Cook Grace64 | Sep 9, 2025





















