Gannan, Gansu – Gateway to Tibet, the Nine-Colored Shambhala. Pilgrimage to the scripture-turning corridor of Labrang Monastery, explore the fairyland on earth of Zagana, and stroll through Langmu Temple town to experience multiculturalism.
Prefecture Capital
Huaihe and Yangtze Heritage
Hometown of the Tibetan King
Tibetan Township in the South of the Yangtze River
Red Holy Land
First Bend of the Yellow River
Grassland Pearl
Buddhist Holy Land
Pilgrimage to Labrang Monastery, explore Zagana, stroll through Langmu Temple, and experience grassland pastoral songs
Arrive in Xiahe County, visit Labrang Monastery, tour Sangke Grassland in the afternoon, and experience Tibetan pastoral life.
Travel to Diebu County, hike the Zagana stone city, and visit the Lazikou Campaign Site in the afternoon.
Travel to Luqu County, visit Langmu Temple town, and tour Gahai Lake Wetland in the afternoon.
Return to Hezuo City, visit Milarepa Buddha Pavilion, and return according to flight/train schedule in the afternoon.
A special pasta in Gannan, filled with yak meat, thin skin and plenty of filling, steamed, with delicious meat, it is a top-grade food for Tibetans to entertain guests.
The staple food of Tibetans, made from highland barley after frying and grinding, can be mixed with butter tea or water to form a paste, rich in nutrition and high in energy, suitable for the plateau climate.
A traditional drink of Tibetans, made by mixing butter, tea and salt, rich in fat, can resist the cold on the plateau and supplement energy.
Using local yak meat as the main ingredient, matched with Tibetan characteristic ingredients such as potatoes and radishes, cooked in a copper pot, the meat is tender and the soup is delicious.
Made from yak milk through natural fermentation, sour and sweet, rich in probiotics, can relieve altitude sickness and aid digestion.
Brewed from highland barley, with a low alcohol content and a mellow taste, it is an essential drink for Tibetan festivals and gatherings.
Gannan is located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with an average altitude of about 3000 meters. It is recommended to rest for 1-2 days after arrival to adapt to the altitude, avoid strenuous exercise, and prepare anti-altitude sickness drugs such as Rhodiola rosea.
The climate in Gannan is changeable, with large temperature differences between day and night. It is recommended to wear layered clothing, prepare warm clothes, rain gear, and sun protection products (sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses).
Respect Tibetan religious beliefs and customs: do not step on the threshold of monasteries, do not touch religious artifacts at will, ask for permission before taking photos of locals, and do not eat dog meat, horse meat and other meats tabooed by Tibetans.
The traffic in Gannan is mainly by car. It is recommended to rent a car with a driver or join a chartered tour. The road conditions are good, but some sections are mountain roads, so pay attention to driving safety.
The best time to travel to Gannan is from June to September, when the grasslands are green and the climate is pleasant; the Tibetan New Year (February/March) is also a good time to experience Tibetan culture.