Gannan

Gannan is known as the “Nine-Colored Shangri-La,” where snow-capped mountains, grasslands, flower fields, ancient monasteries, and Tibetan villages are scattered across the landscape, preserving a strong highland character. Compared with western Sichuan, it receives relatively fewer visitors and has more moderate elevations, making it well suited to self-driving or hiring a car and driver.

• Zhagana: Huge rocky mountains surround an unspoiled Tibetan village, once named by *National Geographic* as “the last secret realm on Earth.” Head to Dari Viewing Platform for sunrise and sea-of-clouds views, or take an easy hike at Fairy Beach. Admission is CNY 80, valid for three days.

• Labrang Monastery: An important institution of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, it has a 3.5-kilometer prayer-wheel corridor. In the early morning, you can walk the corridor with worshippers and experience its solemn religious atmosphere. The red walls and golden roofs are also distinctive. Admission is CNY 40.

• Langmusi: This town straddles Gansu and Sichuan provinces. Saichi Temple on the Gansu side is known for its golden-roofed buildings, while Ge'erdi Temple on the Sichuan side leads to the Namo Grand Canyon, which is suitable for an easy hike and where you may also spot marmots. The two monasteries sell separate tickets, costing CNY 30 each.

• Ganjia Secret Land: This area preserves a relatively pristine natural environment, with Bajiao Ancient City and Baishi Cliff as its main attractions. When mist covers the area, the valleys feel especially quiet, and most visitors can be avoided. Admission is CNY 80.

• Lianbaoyeze: Jagged rock peaks surround Zhagaer Lake, creating a stark and unique landscape that feels like stepping into a fantasy world. Head to Viewing Platform 4520 for an overlook of the lake and mountains. Admission is CNY 120.

• Ruoergai Flower Lake: From May to August each year, the wetlands are lush and the wooden boardwalk extends into the lake area. Waterbirds can be seen along the way, making this a good place to admire the highland wetland landscape. Admission is CNY 75.

Classic 6-Day, 5-Night Clockwise Loop (Starting and Ending in Lanzhou)

The clockwise route has relatively gradual changes in elevation, making it easier to acclimatize step by step while prioritizing Gannan’s main attractions.

• Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou
  • Itinerary: After arriving, rest at the hotel first. In the evening, head to Zhongshan Bridge to watch the sunset over the Yellow River, then visit Zhengning Road Night Market for milk-and-egg fermented rice wine.
  • Where to stay: Downtown Lanzhou, in Chengguan District or near Lanzhou West Railway Station.
• Day 2: Lanzhou → Ganjia Secret Land → Labrang Monastery → Xiahe
  • Itinerary: Leave Lanzhou in the morning. The drive takes about 3.5 hours and passes the confluence of the Yellow and Tao rivers. In the afternoon, visit Ganjia Secret Land and Baishi Cliff. After arriving in Xiahe in the evening, visit Labrang Monastery and its prayer-wheel corridor.
  • Where to stay: Xiahe County town, at an elevation of about 2,900 meters; this is a good stage for acclimatizing to the plateau.
• Day 3: Xiahe → Guomang Wetland → Langmusi
  • Itinerary: First visit Guomang Wetland and look out over the winding rivers and wetlands from the free viewing platform, then continue to Langmusi. In the afternoon, visit Saichi Temple on the Gansu side or hike to Namo Grand Canyon on the Sichuan side.
  • Where to stay: Langmusi town. A hotel with an electric blanket or oxygen supply is recommended.
• Day 4: Langmusi → Zhagana
  • Itinerary: Set out for Zhagana in the morning and enjoy the mountain scenery along the way. Enter the scenic area in the afternoon, then head to Locke Viewing Platform for views over the stone city and sunset. At night, you can admire the stars while resting at your guesthouse.
  • Where to stay: In Zhagana village; Dari Village is suitable for watching the sunrise, while Yeri Village is better for sunset.
• Day 5: Zhagana → Locke Road / Little Duku → Hezuo City
  • Itinerary: At 5:30 a.m., go to see Zhagana’s morning mist and sunrise. Then follow Locke Road, also known as the Jiangdie Highway, through glacial remains and alpine meadows. Arrive in Hezuo City in the afternoon and visit the world’s only nine-story Milarepa Buddhist Pavilion.
  • Where to stay: Hezuo City, at an elevation of about 2,900 meters.
• Day 6: Hezuo City → Meiren Grassland → Lanzhou
  • Itinerary: Pass through Meiren Grassland and observe the area’s unusual frost-heave mounds, whose shapes resemble “matcha mochi.” Then return to Lanzhou and arrange your onward journey according to your flight or high-speed train schedule.

Transportation and Travel Tips

• Self-driving / Hiring a Car and Driver: The attractions in Gannan are far apart, and public transportation takes considerably longer, so driving yourself or hiring a car and driver is more convenient. The main roads are generally in good condition, but Locke Road and some mountain roads have potholes and loose rocks. An SUV is more suitable, and sedans should be driven with caution.
• Public transportation: You can first take a high-speed train or flight to Lanzhou, then take a bus from Lanzhou Coach Station to Xiahe. For visiting the attractions afterward, it is recommended to hire a car locally or share a ride.

Accommodation and Food Recommendations

• Where to stay: Xiahe, Hezuo City, Langmusi, and Zhagana all have accommodation. Reservations should be made in advance in July and August and during public holidays. In higher-elevation places such as Langmusi and Zhagana, hotels with oxygen supplies or electric blankets are recommended.
• Local specialties: Try yak hot pot, hand-pulled lamb, Tibetan baozi, butter tea, barley cakes, and yak yogurt. Around Langmusi and Xiahe, look for Tibetan restaurants that are popular with local residents.

Travel Precautions

• Acclimatizing to the plateau: Gannan’s average elevation is about 2,800–3,500 meters. Avoid strenuous exercise during the first two days after arrival, and avoid washing your hair or taking a shower. You may want to bring glucose and an oxygen canister. Lianbaoyeze is at a higher elevation of more than 4,500 meters, so slow down while sightseeing.
• What to wear: Temperature differences between day and night are significant in the highlands, and temperatures can change considerably within a single day. Dressing in layers—short sleeves, long sleeves, and a shell jacket or light down jacket—is suitable. UV radiation is strong, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lip balm.
• Local customs and etiquette: When entering a monastery, do not step on the threshold, and do not photograph statues of the Buddha or monks without permission. Prayer wheels and circumambulation should always be done clockwise. Do not step over herders’ fences or onto their grassland.
• Roads and communications: Some sections, especially Locke Road, may have no mobile signal. Download offline maps before setting out and fill up with fuel before entering the mountainous areas.