Xiahe Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

The Largest Monastery Outside of Tibet

Situated in southern Gansu, Labrang Monastery in Xiahe is the largest Tibetan monastery outside of Tibet. First founded in 1709, at its peak it hosted over 3,600 monks. Included in your entrance fee is a guided tour with an English speaking monk. You will walk through the temples and learn the history of the area. You should be lucky enough to enter the main temple during prayer time and witness the incredible chanting and humming it over 100 monks in unison. After exploring inside the monastery, it is well worth walking around the the kora circuit. This is the pathway on the outside of the monastery walls which contains the prayer wheels. Hundreds of Tibetan pilgrims at a time walk this circuit in a clockwise circle. You’ll hear the constant chants, see their gorgeous traditional Tibetan clothing and even witness some pilgrims and monks prostrating as they walk. To get to Labrang you need to get to the capital of Gansu, Lanzhou and then catch a 4 hour bus south to Xiahe. #historicplaces

Labrang Tibetan Monastery in South-Gansu

About 1 km west from Xiahe County in the Gannan Prefecture, Gansu Province, lies the Labrang Monastery. A nice place in the hearts of the Tibetans, it stands by the Daxia River and faces the Dragon Mountain. The monastery is famous for its Tibetan culture, imposing Buddhist structures and the long corridor of prayer wheels. It is a holy place where Buddhism followers learn the essence of Buddhism. During its peak, there were over four thousand monks. Labrang Monastery boasts the longest corridor of prayer wheels over the world, with over 1,700 scripture wheels. ℹ️ Chinese name: 拉卜楞寺 🚐 How to get there? From Lanzhou, visitors can catch a direct bus at Lanzhou South Coach Station to Xiahe County. From other counties like Linxia or Hezuo, there are buses to Xiahe every day. 🎫 Admission Fee 40RMB for visiting several main halls. Otherwise, you can tour the grounds for free. 🛕I recommend spending at least 3-5 hours in the monastery, as it's really huge and impressive. You can also walk the nearby grassland. #tibet#monastery#culturetrip #summervacation#hikingtrails

Do you know where the longest corridor in the world is? This Gannan self-driving tour, in addition to Zhabei that I am most worthy of thinking is this world-class top Tibetan school! It has the longest corridor in the world! No matter which country the locals take, they will take time to worship here every year! When you come here, time seems to be quiet, no distractions! Address is located in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, 200km from Lanzhou! From Lanzhou, it takes 4.5h to drive! The road is very good, the whole process can also take the provincial highway! Or take a direct bus in Lanzhou District! Introduction Strictly speaking, this is not just a temple, it retains the most complete teaching system of Tibetan Buddhism in the country. Most of the monks came to the temple when they were seven or eight years old. After 12 years of study, they were counted as learning. It was not like learning, but also a lifelong practice.

Labrang Monastery, located in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, is one of the six monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is known as the World Tibetan Academy. Xiahe has only one broad main street, one side is Labrang Monastery and the other side is city. But this street has no boundaries, just like the life and beliefs of the Xiahe people. In history, the Labrang Monastery is known as the 108-genus temple (in fact, it is much larger than this number), and it is the political and religious center of Gannan. Up to now, Labrang Monastery has retained the best Tibetan Buddhist teaching system in the country. The monks who practice here are from a few years old to several decades old. Apart from the typical Tibetan temple features, Labrang Monastery is best known for its longest corridor in the world. There are more than 1,700 prayer barrels around the temple, stretching for 3.5 kilometers.

Gannan Travel Guide, for friends visiting Gannan during the May Day holiday

📍Gannan, located at the junction of Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces, on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, boasts a paradise comparable to Tibet, a Shambhala secret realm away from the hustle and bustle of the city 📍Due to its unique geographical location, itineraries from 3-6 days are all feasible. . ✅ First Encounter with Gannan >> 3+1 days 💫 Budget: 1.4k 💫 4-8 person carpool from Lanzhou D1 From all over the country to Lanzhou hotel🏨 - Free time in Lanzhou D2 Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland🌱 - Diebu D3 Diebu - Zhagana - Flower Lake - Langmusi D4 Langmusi - Guomang Wetland - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou - 💫 Classic Gannan mini circuit, enjoy the essence of Gannan in the shortest time. . ✅ Exploring Gannan >> 4+1 days 💫 4-8 person carpool from Lanzhou 💫 Budget: 2.4k D1 From all over the country to Lanzhou hotel - Lanzhou City Walk D2 Lanzhou - Zagulu Town - Laojun Mountain Road🛣️ - Zhagana D3 Fairy Beach light trekking - Xiaodukou - Flower Lake - Langmusi D4 Namo Gorge - Guomang Wetland - Sangke Grassland - Xiahe D5 Xiahe - Labrang Monastery⛩️ - Ganjia Secret Land - Lanzhou - 💫 Specially includes Laojun Mountain Road, one of China's most beautiful 100 kilometers. . ✅ Sacred Gannan >> 4+1 days 💫 4-8 person carpool from Lanzhou 💫 Budget: 2.3k D1 From all over the country to Lanzhou hotel - Lanzhou City Walk D2 Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Ganjia Secret Land - Xiahe D3 Xiahe - Sangke Grassland🌱 - Langmusi - First Bend of the Yellow River - Tangke Town D4 Tangke Town - Zoige Grassland - Flower Lake - Xiaodukou🛣️ - Zhagana D5 Zhagana - Guomang Wetland - Eight Alleys and Thirteen Lanes - Lanzhou - 💫 A deep dive into the Tibetan culture of Gannan, experiencing the devout faith of the Tibetan people. . ✅ Touring Gannan >> 5 days 💫 Bus tour from Xi'an 💫 Budget: 1.6k D1 Xi'an - Langdu Wetland Grassland - Dangchang D2 Dangchang - Guan'e Valley - La Zi Mouth - Diebu D3 Zhagana - Zoige Grassland - 💐Flower Lake - Langmusi D4 Langmusi - Sangke Grassland - Labrang Monastery - Lanzhou D5 Lanzhou - Lianhuo Expressway - Xi'an - 💫 Starting from Xi'an, check off Longnan➕Gannan in one trip, reaching the Shambhala kingdom on earth. . ✅ Self-driving in Gannan >> 5 days 💫 Self-driving car from Xi'an 💫 Budget: 1.9k D1 Xi'an - Langdu Wetland Grassland - Min County D2 Min County - Laojun Mountain Road🛣️ - Zhagana D3 Zhagana - County Road 550 - Langmusi D4 Langmusi - Sangke Grassland - Labrang Monastery - Linxia D5 Linxia - Tianshui - Maijishan - Xi'an - 💫 Starting from Xi'an, discover the nine-colored Shambhala and deeply traverse Laojun Mountain Road!

Experience the classic Gannan mini-tour this May Day, four days and three nights for around 1k+ per person

📣 If you don't know where to go for the May Day holiday, head to Gannan! Grasslands, lakes, 🏔️ snow-capped mountains, 💐 seas of flowers, wetlands, 🌲 forests, rivers, temples, ☁️ blue skies with white clouds, fluttering prayer flags, and Tibetan charm—all your beautiful imaginations can be found in Gannan. ❓❗ Is it worth going to Gannan for May Day? ✅ Fewer people→ Gannan has relatively fewer people during May Day, so you won't be stuck in crowds of people everywhere you go👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 ✅ Tibetan culture→ Rich in Tibetan culture, the world-renowned Tibetan academy 'Labrang Monastery' is located here. You can experience Tibetan specialty foods🍲, take Tibetan-style portraits, and more ✅ Low altitude→ The average altitude is around 3000 meters, which is considered a 'low altitude' area in Tibet, 👍🏻 and most people will not suffer from altitude sickness ✅ Low cost→ Prices increase slightly during May Day, but are much lower compared to July and August ❓❗ What can you see in Gannan during May Day? ✅ Only in May can you see the half snow-capped mountains🏔️ and half green lands! ✅ Secluded and leisurely Tibetan villages, sacred and solemn temples, fewer noisy tourists, making this land peaceful and quiet, allowing you to calm down, contemplate life, and feel the devout Tibetan faith ✅ The beauty lies in the landscape, and when you're at the scenic spot, the feeling of having the mountains and waters all to yourself is undoubtedly a pleasure 💫 First stop of the journey—Lanzhou city walk, check in with the taste of the Northwest 💫 Sangke Grassland—Endless meadows where you can ride horses🐴 💫 Zhagana—Natural stone city, God's Eden 💫 Flower Lake—Ruoergai Wetland, encounter the distant Black-necked Cranes 💫 Labrang Monastery—World-renowned Tibetan academy, appreciate the profound Tibetan culture 💫 Langmu Temple—The Eastern Switzerland, a miniature version of Shangri-La 💫 Milarepa Buddha Pavilion—A resplendent Tibetan cultural museum 💫 Select comfortable accommodations along the way, 🏨 stay comfortably, relax and rest 💫 38 degrees users are mostly young people aged 16-39, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere 🌈 This route is suitable for friends who are visiting Gannan for the first time! 👍🏻 First encounter with Gannan >> Lanzhou distribution >> 3+1 days D1 Nationwide - Free travel to Lanzhou D2 Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland - Diebu D3 Diebu - Zhagana - Flower Lake - Langmu Temple D4 Langmu Temple - Guomang Wetland - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou 📣PS: The itinerary includes buses & cars, two different ways to play, choose your travel style freely based on your schedule Tips: 1⃣️ The grassland has a large temperature difference between day and night, ☔ the weather is changeable, bring a thick coat, the night sky is beautiful 2⃣️ Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, 🌞 the UV rays are strong in the plateau areas 3⃣️ Although the altitude is not very high, altitude sickness varies from person to person, it is recommended to bring altitude sickness medicine, as well as some chocolate🍫, glucose 4⃣️ There are many cattle and sheep on the grassland, be careful when driving

Recommended five-day self-driving tour from Xi'an to Gannan!

👍Most recommended: There are many travel routes from Xi'an to Gannan, and here is a popular five-day tour itinerary: 🗓Itinerary: Day 1: Xi'an—Sangke Grassland. The whole journey is about 790 kilometers. Depart from Xi'an, take the Lianhuo Expressway westward, with almost no traffic after Baoji, exit the expressway at Wushan County, and then drive for an hour and a half to reach Langdaban Grassland. Watch the sunrise here, camp and rest. Depart at noon to reach Min County for lunch, then continue west along National Highway 316, passing through the terraced fields of thousands of acres, the viewing platform of Zhuoni County, and arrive at Hezuo City. The Duohe'er Temple and Zhayou Temple along the way can be visited for free. If you don't want to camp, you can stay in the city. For camping, navigate to Zhayou Township, follow the road to the mountain pass, which is part of the Sangke Grassland, sparsely populated, and an excellent spot for camping and stargazing. Day 2: Sangke—Langmu Temple. The whole journey is about 160 kilometers. Wake up naturally in the morning on the grassland, have breakfast, and then enter the Sangke Grassland. Even on the boundless grassland road, the beauty of Guomang Wetland and the tenderness of Gahai Lake touch people's hearts. Arrive at Langmu Temple in the afternoon, the only place in the town that may get congested, where you can gather in the town or visit the temples. Langmu Temple has two temples, belonging to Ruoergai County in Sichuan and Luqu County in Gansu. If you want to see rippling blue waves, you can go to the Namo Grand Canyon in Sichuan's Langmu Temple, which is the source of the Bailong River. The clear stream flows past the caves on the cliff edge, where you can throw stones for good luck, and of course, feeding pigeons is also a good choice. Day 3: Langmu Temple—Zhagana. The whole journey is about 330 kilometers. Leave Langmu Temple and take the U13 county road into Ruoergai. This is a city of grasslands, where you will pass the winding Heihe Ranch, see cattle and sheep running freely, galloping horses, and also pass the Yellow River's Great Bend, where you can listen to the low cry of the mother river. Drive north from Tangke on National Highway 248, and you can reach Zhagana Village by evening, where you can choose to stay in the village or camp at the viewing platform. Day 4 Zhagana—Lintan County. The total length is about 140 kilometers. Catch the sunrise over Zhagana in the early morning, and start the essence of this journey, the Loke Crossing—Zhagana to Zagulu Town, 100 kilometers of unpaved road, 40 kilometers of bomb craters, which will shake you to doubt life, but it does not affect your anticipation of the beautiful scenery. In the middle of the crossing, a new hiking trail has been built, where you can walk a short distance and stand high to overlook the entire valley. If you can only go to one place in Gannan by self-driving, then the Loke Road is the best answer. When the car reaches Zagulu Town, you finally escape the bumpy road section and stay in Lintan County in the evening. Day 5 Lintan—Xi'an. Return to Xi'an via the expressway. If you have more time, you can also detour to Liuba to experience the passion of red leaves. Gannan has rich scenery and many options, you can adjust according to your time.

Departing from Xi'an on May Day, embark on a unique and pure journey to Gannan!!

In this land with an average altitude of 2900 meters, you can encounter grasslands, lakes, snow-capped mountains, seas of flowers, wetlands, forests, rivers, temples, blue skies and white clouds, fluttering prayer flags, and Tibetan charm. All your beautiful imaginations can be met in Gannan. The itinerary includes options for coach & car, two different ways to enjoy the trip, and you can freely choose the way to play according to your schedule. 🌈First stop on the itinerary is a city walk in Lanzhou, checking in with the Northwest flavor🌈Sangke Grassland - an endless meadow where you can ride horses 🌈Zhagana - a natural stone city, God's Eden Flower Lake🌈Ruoergai Wetland, encountering the distant Black-necked Crane 🌈Labrang Monastery - a world center of Tibetan studies, experiencing the profound Tibetan culture 🌈Langmu Temple - the Oriental Switzerland, a miniature version of Shangri-La 🌈Anduo Hezuo Monastery's Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - a resplendent Tibetan studies museum 🏨Carefully selected comfortable accommodations along the way, ensuring a comfortable stay. 💰Admission fees: A: Labrang Monastery 40 yuan (entrance to the hall)|Students 20 yuan B: Zhagana 80 yuan|Students 40 yuan C: Flower Lake 105 yuan|Students 75 yuan D: Langmu Temple 30 yuan|Students half price E: Milarepa Buddha Pavilion 20 yuan|Students 10 yuan ⚠️Warm tips for essential items: 1️⃣Gannan is a plateau region with strong ultraviolet radiation, remember to protect yourself from the sun, and be aware of the large temperature difference between day and night, around 5-18°C! 2️⃣Clothing: For travel between April and May, it is recommended to prepare clothes for both spring and winter, lightweight down jackets, windbreakers, and thin outerwear with long sleeves for the daytime 3️⃣Shoes: Comfortable sports shoes/hiking shoes are both suitable 4️⃣Thermal water bottle: When going out for a trip, it is recommended to drink hot water throughout the journey 5️⃣Electronic payment is available, but also carry a small amount of cash 6️⃣Sun protection: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, face masks

Visiting a local mountain festival

Sometimes you're just at the right place at the right time. During our roadtrip in South-Gansu, we climbed a mountain and found out about the local Tibetan festival, that occurs for one week during August. We tried some homemade food and had a chat waiting for the sunset. We even met a guy from Xi'An who travels there every summer. Where? Zhagana offers a stunning landscape, forests and small villages. Locals do both farming and pasturing work in Zhagana. The best season to visit is from May to October. Summer is the best time to go as everything turns to green, winter gets cold! ⭐ While visiting Zhagana, there are many opportunities to experience the local culture. Just walk around and see what happens. 😊 Enjoy your trip! 🚐 Zhagana is better for a car trip. 🎫 Entrance fee is around 20 RMB. #tibet #village #historicculture#summervacation#hikingtrails

Zha (g) is an ancient city in Yiwa Township, located more than 30 kilometers northwest of Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. The Tibetan language means Shizizi. The terrain is like a giant palace with a large scale and a natural rock wall. Zha That the mountain is steep, misty, like a fairyland. A variety of production activities such as nomadic, farming, hunting and plucking in the Tibetan village are rationally matched and complemented, which has become a model for people to live in harmony with nature. Zhana in Yiwow Township, Diebu County, Gansu Province is a Tibetan language, meaning Shizizi. Zhaqin Mountain is located in Yiwa Township, 34 kilometers northwest of Diebu County. It is a complete natural Shicheng custom. It is called the "King of the King". The terrain is like a giant palace with a large scale, and a complete ancient city built by natural rock walls. Zhengbei is a majestic, majestic and glorious mountain with a gleaming peak. The ancient name "Shijing Mountain" has its name because of its gray-white rock. It is famous for its easy-reflecting light in the east; the rocky wall in the east rises into the sky, and the clouds are haunted; The pinnacles rise from the ground, and they stand together to form a stone gate; then south to the east wow, the Naga area, the cliffs stand, the clear stream rises and falls, the water mill flywheel, the flow continues. The mountain is steep and beautiful, like a large-scale stone palace. Although this paradise was named as the birthplace of Adam and Eve as early as nearly a hundred years ago, it is still a virgin land.

Refuse to flock together! Five low-budget, high-enjoyment niche travel destinations for the May Day holiday

Hermit's Wonderland: Gansu·Zhagana 🏞️Recommended reason: A paradise on earth, hidden in the highland valleys, Zhagana is known as 'the last Shangri-La on earth'. Not only does it boast the majestic beauty of its stone forest, but also the simplicity of Tibetan customs and the breath of an original ecological lifestyle, allowing you to fully enjoy tranquility and comfort during the May Day period. 💰Average budget: About ¥2000 (including transportation, accommodation, dining, and admission fees) 📍Recommended spots: Fairy Beach, Stone Forest, Dongwa Village, Lhasang Temple ⚠️Precautions: The altitude is relatively high, be aware of altitude sickness; respect local customs, protect the environment. Sino-Western Fusion: Sichuan·Nanxun Ancient Town 🏡Recommended reason: Full of the charm of a southern ancient town, Nanxun stands out with its unique Sino-Western architecture and the leisurely atmosphere of a water town. Avoid the hustle and bustle, stroll on the bluestone paths, boat through the waterways, and experience the comfort of a slow life. 💰Average budget: About ¥1500 📍Recommended spots: Hundred Rooms Building, Zhang's Old Residence, Jiaye Hall Library ⚠️Precautions: Plan your trip in advance to avoid peak crowds, take care of cultural relics, and try to visit off-peak on non-holidays. Pearl of the East Sea: Fujian·Yushan Island 🏝️Recommended reason: Far from the mainland, Yushan Island, with its blue seas and skies and continuous grasslands, is like a pearl on the sea. The island's tens of thousands of acres of grasslands and lakes complement each other, making it a paradise for camping enthusiasts and an ideal place for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of nature. 💰Average budget: About ¥1800 📍Recommended spots: Moon Bay, Tianhu Grassland, Zao'ao Fishing Village ⚠️Precautions: The island's climate is variable, please be prepared for rain and sun protection, follow outdoor activity regulations, and maintain the ecological environment. Picturesque Poetry Town: Anhui·Chaji Ancient Town -art-station-Recommended reason: A poetic village from the painter's brush, Chaji Ancient Town retains a large number of ancient Ming and Qing buildings, with small bridges over flowing water and deep alleys, where time stands still. During the May Day holiday, come here to return your mind and body to simplicity and feel the profound cultural heritage. 💰Average budget: About ¥1200 📍Recommended spots: Xu Creek, Chaji Ancient Residential Group, Renrang Square ⚠️Precautions: Keep quiet, do not disturb the local residents' life, take your trash with you, travel civilly. Charm of the First Emperor: Shandong·Yangma Island 🐎Recommended reason: Yangma Island is named after the First Emperor of Qin raised horses here. It has both the romance of a seaside resort and the mystery of historical legends. During the May Day holiday, enjoy horse riding, sea farming, and watching the sunrise, and enjoy the leisure time on the island. 💰Average budget: About ¥1000 📍Recommended spots: Qin Emperor Cultural Square, Yangma Island Yangma Island Racecourse, Tianma Square ⚠️Precautions: Please pay attention to safety when playing by the sea, follow beach regulations, pay attention to sun protection, and be aware of tide changes. Pack your mood, pack your bags, and let's find the belonging of our souls and the joy of travel in these little-known beautiful scenes this May Day! 🎈🎈🎈

This is called 'the abode of the gods', and it truly lives up to its name

Gannan, a poetic and distant place hidden on the edge of the sky road, is a secret realm that combines magnificent landscapes, unique customs, and a millennium of culture. This time, we will lead everyone onto this mysterious land, starting with a visit to Hezuo City and the famous Labrang Monastery in Xiahe. Strolling on the prayer wheel path paved with bluestones, one can feel the strong religious atmosphere, listen to the prayers of the faithful, and experience a spiritual cleansing. Next, we will enter the mysterious Zhagana, which is like another planet on Earth, with layers of red rocks nestled among the clouds in the mountains. Walking through the quiet canyons, listening to the babbling streams, one can enjoy the freshness of a natural oxygen bar. In the evening, we will arrive in Diebu County to admire the magnificent scenery of the Diebu grasslands. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the green grass is like a carpet, dotted with colorful wildflowers, as if it were a beautiful painting. Finally, we will head to the Yellow River Wetlands in Zhouqu, which is known as 'the realm of the sky'. Walking on the wetland boardwalk, admiring the towering mountains on the opposite bank, one can feel the magic of nature. At night, spend a warm night in a tent by the Yellow River, listening to the insects, gazing at the starry sky, and appreciating the beauty of nature. Throughout the journey, we will deeply experience the local folk culture, taste authentic cuisine, and appreciate the customs of the Tibetan, Qiang, and other diverse ethnic groups. Let us embark on this unforgettable journey together and explore the beauty and mystery of Gannan!

Gannan Travel Guide, for friends visiting Gannan during the May Day holiday

📍Gannan, located at the junction of Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces, on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, boasts a paradise comparable to Tibet, a Shambhala secret realm away from the hustle and bustle of the city 📍Due to its unique geographical location, itineraries from 3-6 days are all feasible. . ✅ First Encounter with Gannan >> 3+1 days 💫 Budget: 1.4k 💫 4-8 person carpool from Lanzhou D1 From all over the country to Lanzhou hotel🏨 - Free time in Lanzhou D2 Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland🌱 - Diebu D3 Diebu - Zhagana - Flower Lake - Langmusi D4 Langmusi - Guomang Wetland - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou - 💫 Classic Gannan mini circuit, enjoy the essence of Gannan in the shortest time. . ✅ Exploring Gannan >> 4+1 days 💫 4-8 person carpool from Lanzhou 💫 Budget: 2.4k D1 From all over the country to Lanzhou hotel - Lanzhou City Walk D2 Lanzhou - Zagulu Town - Laojun Mountain Road🛣️ - Zhagana D3 Fairy Beach light trekking - Xiaodukou - Flower Lake - Langmusi D4 Namo Gorge - Guomang Wetland - Sangke Grassland - Xiahe D5 Xiahe - Labrang Monastery⛩️ - Ganjia Secret Land - Lanzhou - 💫 Specially includes Laojun Mountain Road, one of China's most beautiful 100 kilometers. . ✅ Sacred Gannan >> 4+1 days 💫 4-8 person carpool from Lanzhou 💫 Budget: 2.3k D1 From all over the country to Lanzhou hotel - Lanzhou City Walk D2 Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Ganjia Secret Land - Xiahe D3 Xiahe - Sangke Grassland🌱 - Langmusi - First Bend of the Yellow River - Tangke Town D4 Tangke Town - Zoige Grassland - Flower Lake - Xiaodukou🛣️ - Zhagana D5 Zhagana - Guomang Wetland - Eight Alleys and Thirteen Lanes - Lanzhou - 💫 A deep dive into the Tibetan culture of Gannan, experiencing the devout faith of the Tibetan people. . ✅ Touring Gannan >> 5 days 💫 Bus tour from Xi'an 💫 Budget: 1.6k D1 Xi'an - Langdu Wetland Grassland - Dangchang D2 Dangchang - Guan'e Valley - La Zi Mouth - Diebu D3 Zhagana - Zoige Grassland - 💐Flower Lake - Langmusi D4 Langmusi - Sangke Grassland - Labrang Monastery - Lanzhou D5 Lanzhou - Lianhuo Expressway - Xi'an - 💫 Starting from Xi'an, check off Longnan➕Gannan in one trip, reaching the Shambhala kingdom on earth. . ✅ Self-driving in Gannan >> 5 days 💫 Self-driving car from Xi'an 💫 Budget: 1.9k D1 Xi'an - Langdu Wetland Grassland - Min County D2 Min County - Laojun Mountain Road🛣️ - Zhagana D3 Zhagana - County Road 550 - Langmusi D4 Langmusi - Sangke Grassland - Labrang Monastery - Linxia D5 Linxia - Tianshui - Maijishan - Xi'an - 💫 Starting from Xi'an, discover the nine-colored Shambhala and deeply traverse Laojun Mountain Road!

For a unique Labor Day travel experience, consider visiting an underrated and less crowded city

This destination is cheaper than Tibet and has a lower risk of altitude sickness. The endless meadows stretch to meet the distant snow-capped mountains. Colorful jungles spread across canyons and hillsides. Beneath the sacred mountain lies the hidden village of Zhagana. Forests, snow mountains, valleys, grasslands, and temples, This place has its own memorable name📍Gannan. - Generally, seven days is enough. Day 1-3 Lanzhou-Linxia-Hezuo-Zhagana Day 4-5 Langmusi-Sangke Grassland-Labrang Monastery Day 6-7 Xiahe-Baishiya-Ganjia Secret Land - ✈️Fly to Zhongchuan Airport, then take the city rail to Lanzhou Station. There are many direct flights, ✈️with fares as low as 800+ offering great value for money. Alternatively, 🚄taking a direct train to Lanzhou is very convenient, with a journey time of about 10 hours. - 🌟6 must-visit highlights 📍Ganjia Secret Land Drive through the sprawling grassland roads to enter a cloud-top secret land where ancient cities, monasteries, villages, grasslands, canyons, pastures, and caves merge into one. - 📍Langmusi Known as the 'Little Switzerland of the East,' this town is where a small stream brings together the peacefully coexisting Tibetan and Hui ethnic groups. You can hike into the Namu Canyon to seek the source of the Bailong River and delve into the area's mystical legends. - 📍Zhagana A hidden paradise known as 'Earth's Eden,' and one of the '50 places to go in your lifetime' as rated by 'Chinese National Geography.' It consists of four Tibetan-style villages and a scenic area. Stay in a small village at the foot of the sacred mountain, take an early morning stroll through the stone city, and hike to a viewpoint to await the sunrise🌅. - 📍Labrang Monastery The 'Harvard and Peking University of Tibetan Buddhism,' the outer walls of Labrang Monastery are made up of more than 2,000 prayer wheels, holding the Guinness World Record for the 'world's longest prayer wheel corridor.' On the way to Labrang Monastery, the golden domes are visible from afar, with Tibetan incense swirling around and Buddhist devotees prostrating devoutly on the ground, praying for happiness. - 📍Sangke Grassland The most beautiful pasture in Gannan, where herds of cattle and sheep roam freely. Lead a gentle pony and gallop forward on horseback, listening to the melodious Tibetan folk songs, purifying the soul. - 📍Baishiya The lesser-known 'Dolomites' of Gannan, Baishiya, where a natural mountain screen divides the Ganjia Grassland into two high-altitude pastures with a 1000-meter elevation difference. Clouds hang like jade belts over the cliffs, and the temples and villages nestled in the mountains seem to tell endless stories. - ✅Tips 🌟The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is significant, so bring warm clothing; the night sky is beautiful🌃. 🌟Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, as the UV radiation is strong in high-altitude areas! 🌟There are many cattle and sheep on the grassland, so drive carefully.

The reverse travel during the May Day holiday was a success! Let me recommend an underrated and less popular city

It's cheaper than Tibet, and it's not prone to altitude sickness. The endless meadows stretch to meet the distant snow-capped mountains, and the colorful jungles are scattered across canyons and hillsides. The secret village of Zhagana at the foot of the holy mountain, forests, snow mountains, river valleys, grasslands, and temples. This place has its own name worth remembering Gannan. Usually, seven days is enough. Day 1-3 Lanzhou-Linxia-Hezuo City-Zhagana Day 4-5 Langmusi-Sangke Grassland-Labrang Monastery Day 6-7 Xiahe-Baishiya-Ganjia Secret Zhongchuan Airport, then take the city rail to Lanzhou Station. There are many direct flights, and the cost is not less than 800+, offering great value for money. Or 🚞 direct to Lanzhou is very convenient, with the journey taking about 10 hours. 👍Most recommended: 6 essential places to visit Ganjia Secret Drive through the sprawling grassland roads, enter the cloud realm of Ganjia Secret, which integrates ancient cities, monasteries, villages, grasslands, canyons, pastures, and caves. Langmusi Known as the 'Little Switzerland of the East', this town merges the Tibetan and Hui ethnic groups living in peace. A stream flows through it, with lamaseries and mosques occupying both banks of the stream. You can hike into the Namu Grand Canyon to seek the source of the Bailong River and delve into the magical legends of this place. Zhagana A hidden paradise known as 'Earthly Eden', and also one of the '50 places to go in your lifetime' as rated by 'China National Geography'. It consists of four Tibetan-style villages and one scenic area. Stay in the small village at the foot of the holy mountain, take an early morning stroll in the stone city, and hike to the viewing point to wait for the sunrise. Labrang Monastery Known as the 'Harvard and Peking University of Tibetan Buddhism', the outer wall is made up of more than 2,000 prayer wheels, holding the Guinness World Record for the 'world's longest prayer wheel corridor'. On the way to Labrang Monastery, you can see the golden dome from afar, with Tibetan incense wafting through the air, and Buddhist devotees prostrating devoutly on the ground, praying for happiness. Sangke Grassland The most beautiful pasture in Gannan, where cattle and sheep are scattered all along the way. Lead a gentle pony and gallop forward on horseback, listening to the melodious Tibetan folk songs, purifying the soul. Baishiya The less-known adverse condition of Gannan's 'Dolomites' Baishiya, a natural mountain range screen divides the Ganjia Grassland into two high mountain pastures with a drop of 1000 meters. White clouds hang like jade belts over the cliff valleys, and the temples and village homes nestled in the mountains seem to tell endless stories... 📝Note tips: The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is significant, so bring a thick coat; the night sky is beautiful. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, as the UV radiation is strong in the plateau region There are many cattle and sheep on the grassland, so drive carefully

Is the Gannan Secret Realm really worth visiting?

The Gannan Secret Realm, with cliffs, grasslands, streams, stone forests, canyons, temples... is a mysterious, simple, and somewhat isolated place of wonder, located in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. There are many online posts advising on what to avoid, and while I find the Octagon City just okay, I really like the Báishí Cliff and Báishí Cliff Temple area. Watching the Báishí Cliff Temple bathed in gold at sunset, enjoying a yak hotpot in the Báishí Secret Realm while watching the evening glow, and slowly driving through the winding mountain roads to see the spectacular Báishí Cliff are all wonderful memories of the Gannan Secret Realm. 🚗‼️When visiting the Gannan Secret Realm, I highly recommend driving to the Báishí Cliff Cave Viewing Platform (which offers a direct overlook of the Báishí Cliff Temple and Báishí Cliff, with a parking fee of 5 yuan). Along the way, you will pass by the Báishí Cliff Temple. If you have plenty of time and energy, you can first visit the Octagon City Viewing Platform to overlook the Octagon City (it requires climbing a wooden walkway for 30 minutes to overlook the Octagon City, which I personally find average and could be skipped, parking lot fee is 5 yuan, and the walkway is free of charge) 🏡Octagon Ancient City Built during the Western Han Dynasty, the Octagon Ancient City has a history of over 2000 years and was a strategic military town during the Han-Qiang and Tang-Tibetan periods. The architectural shape of the Octagon Ancient City is unique in the world, with the outer city shaped like an octagon, and all the open spaces outside the city walls within the range of the archers on the walls, making it a defense with no blind spots. The shape of the Octagon Ancient City perfectly matches the mandala of Tibetan Buddhism, representing the perfect integration of the spiritual and material worlds. ⛰️Báishí Cliff Báishí Cliff is a natural barrier stretching 15 kilometers long, majestic and towering over the Gannan land, vertically dividing the Gannan grassland into two high mountain grasslands with a drop of 1000 meters. Standing on the viewing platform, the sight of Báishí Cliff is even more breathtaking! 🌞It is recommended to take photos from the Báishí Cliff Cave Viewing Platform at sunset, where you can see the beauty of the golden light enveloping the area! 🐴It is said that entering the Báishí Cliff Grand Canyon on horseback is the best way to experience the essence of the Gannan Secret Realm. We gave up this method because we did not have much time reserved. 🏠About accommodation: We chose the latter between the Xiahe Gannan Ecological Camping Site and the Báishí Secret Realm Homestay in the Gannan Secret Realm. The entrance to the Báishí Secret Realm Homestay campsite is right at the Báishí Cliff Cave Viewing Platform, which offers an overlook of the Báishí Cliff Temple and Báishí Cliff. The Gannan Ecological Camping Site is located at the entrance of the Gannan Secret Realm, 12 kilometers away from the most beautiful scenery, a 20-minute drive. The Báishí Secret Realm Homestay has bubble tents and wooden houses, with no bathing facilities or toilets in the rooms. There is no bathing at the homestay, the public toilet is a dry toilet, and there is a basin in the tent for washing face and brushing teeth. The tent has charging facilities and an electric blanket. However, due to the high altitude and it being the first night of our trip in Gannan, we hardly slept well due to altitude sickness. 🍲The yak hotpot in the homestay is highly recommended, with good quality yak meat, available as buffet or à la carte, with the latter being more recommended. Next to the homestay, there is also a Tibetan tent selling yak yogurt. 💰The entrance fee to the Gannan Secret Realm is 80 yuan, but we were not charged when we visited, reportedly due to internal renovations.

Langmu Temple | Gannan must pass the pilgrimage site Some people say "Do not come to Langmu Temple, equal to not to Gannan", which shows the importance of this Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Gannan. Langmu Temple is generally planned to travel in Gannan or North Sichuan. It is close to the Gannan Labrang Monastery to the north and the Zoige Grassland to the south. [Recommended travel itinerary] arrive at Langmu Temple at noon on the first day. In the afternoon, visit the Gedi Temple in Sichuan, then walk to the Bailongjiang Gorge and stay in the town at night. The next morning, I went to the Gandan Sai Chi Temple in Gansu. After that, you can take the Noons shuttle bus to leave Langmu Temple and go to other attractions in Gannan. [What can I experience here? 1 Langmu Temple Riding Langmu Temple There is a horse-riding tour nearby. The horse team has a consultation shop in the town. The price ranges from 150-400 yuan. The horse-riding destination includes the source of Bailongjiang and Hongshi. Cliffs, flowers and other places. 2 Langmu Temple celestial burial is biased toward Gansu in Langmu Temple. There is a celestial burial platform on the back hill of Saiji Temple. The celestial burial in this area is more open and can be viewed by tourists. If you have the consent of your family, you can take pictures. 3 Turning the mountains and turning the water to the stupa Tibetan people's devout faith is the snow lotus in the sky, full of pure to pure. They are kind and simple, and they only turn for the faith. An ancient turn of the road outside Xiahe Labrang Monastery is a lap I have to go to the Labrang Monastery every time. This is also one of my favorite temples.

For a unique Labor Day travel experience, consider visiting an underrated and less crowded city

This destination is cheaper than Tibet and has a lower risk of altitude sickness. The endless meadows stretch to meet the distant snow-capped mountains. Colorful jungles spread across canyons and hillsides. Beneath the sacred mountain lies the hidden village of Zhagana. Forests, snow mountains, valleys, grasslands, and temples, This place has its own memorable name📍Gannan. - Generally, seven days is enough. Day 1-3 Lanzhou-Linxia-Hezuo-Zhagana Day 4-5 Langmusi-Sangke Grassland-Labrang Monastery Day 6-7 Xiahe-Baishiya-Ganjia Secret Land - ✈️Fly to Zhongchuan Airport, then take the city rail to Lanzhou Station. There are many direct flights, ✈️with fares as low as 800+ offering great value for money. Alternatively, 🚄taking a direct train to Lanzhou is very convenient, with a journey time of about 10 hours. - 🌟6 must-visit highlights 📍Ganjia Secret Land Drive through the sprawling grassland roads to enter a cloud-top secret land where ancient cities, monasteries, villages, grasslands, canyons, pastures, and caves merge into one. - 📍Langmusi Known as the 'Little Switzerland of the East,' this town is where a small stream brings together the peacefully coexisting Tibetan and Hui ethnic groups. You can hike into the Namu Canyon to seek the source of the Bailong River and delve into the area's mystical legends. - 📍Zhagana A hidden paradise known as 'Earth's Eden,' and one of the '50 places to go in your lifetime' as rated by 'Chinese National Geography.' It consists of four Tibetan-style villages and a scenic area. Stay in a small village at the foot of the sacred mountain, take an early morning stroll through the stone city, and hike to a viewpoint to await the sunrise🌅. - 📍Labrang Monastery The 'Harvard and Peking University of Tibetan Buddhism,' the outer walls of Labrang Monastery are made up of more than 2,000 prayer wheels, holding the Guinness World Record for the 'world's longest prayer wheel corridor.' On the way to Labrang Monastery, the golden domes are visible from afar, with Tibetan incense swirling around and Buddhist devotees prostrating devoutly on the ground, praying for happiness. - 📍Sangke Grassland The most beautiful pasture in Gannan, where herds of cattle and sheep roam freely. Lead a gentle pony and gallop forward on horseback, listening to the melodious Tibetan folk songs, purifying the soul. - 📍Baishiya The lesser-known 'Dolomites' of Gannan, Baishiya, where a natural mountain screen divides the Ganjia Grassland into two high-altitude pastures with a 1000-meter elevation difference. Clouds hang like jade belts over the cliffs, and the temples and villages nestled in the mountains seem to tell endless stories. - ✅Tips 🌟The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is significant, so bring warm clothing; the night sky is beautiful🌃. 🌟Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, as the UV radiation is strong in high-altitude areas! 🌟There are many cattle and sheep on the grassland, so drive carefully.

Experience the classic Gannan mini-tour this May Day, four days and three nights for around 1k+ per person

📣 If you don't know where to go for the May Day holiday, head to Gannan! Grasslands, lakes, 🏔️ snow-capped mountains, 💐 seas of flowers, wetlands, 🌲 forests, rivers, temples, ☁️ blue skies with white clouds, fluttering prayer flags, and Tibetan charm—all your beautiful imaginations can be found in Gannan. ❓❗ Is it worth going to Gannan for May Day? ✅ Fewer people→ Gannan has relatively fewer people during May Day, so you won't be stuck in crowds of people everywhere you go👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 ✅ Tibetan culture→ Rich in Tibetan culture, the world-renowned Tibetan academy 'Labrang Monastery' is located here. You can experience Tibetan specialty foods🍲, take Tibetan-style portraits, and more ✅ Low altitude→ The average altitude is around 3000 meters, which is considered a 'low altitude' area in Tibet, 👍🏻 and most people will not suffer from altitude sickness ✅ Low cost→ Prices increase slightly during May Day, but are much lower compared to July and August ❓❗ What can you see in Gannan during May Day? ✅ Only in May can you see the half snow-capped mountains🏔️ and half green lands! ✅ Secluded and leisurely Tibetan villages, sacred and solemn temples, fewer noisy tourists, making this land peaceful and quiet, allowing you to calm down, contemplate life, and feel the devout Tibetan faith ✅ The beauty lies in the landscape, and when you're at the scenic spot, the feeling of having the mountains and waters all to yourself is undoubtedly a pleasure 💫 First stop of the journey—Lanzhou city walk, check in with the taste of the Northwest 💫 Sangke Grassland—Endless meadows where you can ride horses🐴 💫 Zhagana—Natural stone city, God's Eden 💫 Flower Lake—Ruoergai Wetland, encounter the distant Black-necked Cranes 💫 Labrang Monastery—World-renowned Tibetan academy, appreciate the profound Tibetan culture 💫 Langmu Temple—The Eastern Switzerland, a miniature version of Shangri-La 💫 Milarepa Buddha Pavilion—A resplendent Tibetan cultural museum 💫 Select comfortable accommodations along the way, 🏨 stay comfortably, relax and rest 💫 38 degrees users are mostly young people aged 16-39, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere 🌈 This route is suitable for friends who are visiting Gannan for the first time! 👍🏻 First encounter with Gannan >> Lanzhou distribution >> 3+1 days D1 Nationwide - Free travel to Lanzhou D2 Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland - Diebu D3 Diebu - Zhagana - Flower Lake - Langmu Temple D4 Langmu Temple - Guomang Wetland - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou 📣PS: The itinerary includes buses & cars, two different ways to play, choose your travel style freely based on your schedule Tips: 1⃣️ The grassland has a large temperature difference between day and night, ☔ the weather is changeable, bring a thick coat, the night sky is beautiful 2⃣️ Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, 🌞 the UV rays are strong in the plateau areas 3⃣️ Although the altitude is not very high, altitude sickness varies from person to person, it is recommended to bring altitude sickness medicine, as well as some chocolate🍫, glucose 4⃣️ There are many cattle and sheep on the grassland, be careful when driving

Langmu Temple | Exploring the Mysterious Tibetan Culture

| Exploring the Mysterious Tibetan Culture.🏯 Langmu Temple | Exploring the Mysterious Tibetan Culture 🏞 "Exploring the mysterious Tibetan culture, appreciating the sacred Buddhist faith, all of this can be perfectly experienced at Langmu Temple." 🌠 Langmu Temple town is situated at an altitude of 3500 meters, located between Gannan Luqu County in Gansu and Aba in Sichuan, with the Bailong River running through the town. There are two temples in Langmu Temple town, one in Gansu, called 'Dacang Langmu Saichi Temple', and one in Sichuan, called 'Gerdi Temple'; both temples belong to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Gansu temple is larger in scale, built against the mountain, with more magnificent architecture, resplendent in gold, especially dazzling when the sun shines, glittering with gold; the Sichuan temple mainly features the natural landscape - Namo Grand Canyon. 🎆Little Tips: Langmu Temple town really has everything, convenience stores, restaurants (barbecue, Tibetan meals, Sichuan cuisine are all available, and extremely popular, all requiring waiting, haha), and even pharmacies where you can buy oxygen bottles for backup. It's worth mentioning that the weather in Luqu is noticeably colder than in Xiahe, so cold that I immediately put on a down jacket, feeling like entering winter overnight. 💰Ticket Price: 🎫The ticket for Dacang Langmu Saichi Temple (Gansu Temple) is 30 yuan per person, parking is 5 yuan per time. Overall, Saichi Temple feels more relaxed compared to Labrang Monastery.