Heartfelt Tips for Visiting Gannan

Scorching summer days 🌞— is the hustle and heat of the city making it hard to breathe? Looking for a place to escape the heat 🍉 while enjoying stunning scenery? When Xinjiang's tourist spots are crowded and the Gansu-Qinghai loop is jammed 🚗, the hidden gem of the Northwest—Gannan—is quietly waiting for you with fewer crowds, breathtaking views, and refreshing coolness 🍃. ✅ Must-visit stunning spots in Gannan - Labrang Monastery: Known as the "Little Tibet," it boasts the world's longest prayer wheel corridor with over 1,700 prayer wheels softly spinning in the wind. The red walls and golden roofs against the blue sky make every photo a reflection of faith. - Langmu Monastery: A mystical town spanning two provinces, with Gansu's Saichisi and Sichuan's Ge'erdisi monasteries facing each other across a river. The golden roofs and white pagodas shine under the sun. From the back hills, you can overlook grasslands and canyons. If you're interested in local customs, you can learn about the sky burial culture (be respectful and solemn). - Zhagana: Dubbed the "Stone Box" by National Geographic, this village features wooden houses nestled among terraced fields and forests. In the morning, mist rises from the valley, making the village seem suspended in the clouds—a real-life utopia. - Sangke Grassland: Summer turns the grassland into a sea of wildflowers, dotted with yaks and sheep. Here, you can ride horses, stay in Tibetan-style tents, and sip butter tea to experience authentic Tibetan life. - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion: A landmark of Tibetan Buddhism's White Sect, the pavilion's 11 layers of murals depict Buddhist stories and symbols in vibrant yet solemn colors, earning it the title "Mobile Tibetan Buddhist Art Museum." - First Bend of the Yellow River: The Yellow River makes a gentle curve here, and at sunset, the golden light on the water creates a shimmering scene—one of the most poetic spots along the Yellow River. - Dazong Lake: A high-altitude lake revered as a "Sacred Lake" by locals. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding forests and snow-capped mountains. Legend has it that deities reside in the lake, and locals come here to pray during festivals. ✅ 7-day, 6-night Gannan itinerary recommendation - Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou, visit Zhongshan Bridge, and enjoy a bowl of beef noodles to kick off the trip. - Day 2: Depart from Lanzhou, visit Labrang Monastery for prayer wheels, and head to Sangke Grassland to stay in a Tibetan-style guesthouse under the stars. - Day 3: Depart from Luqu, pass through the lush Guomang Wetland, and arrive in Zhagana by evening to see the village enveloped in twilight. - Day 4: Experience Zhagana's ethereal morning, then head to Flower Lake to watch water birds play, and catch a stunning sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River. - Day 5: Depart from Tangke, traverse Manzatang Wetland, spot flocks of migratory birds, and finally reach the "Magic Realm" of Lianbaoyeze to see the interplay of sacred mountains and lakes. - Day 6: Travel from Aba to the Western Ranch for Tibetan-style entertainment, and arrive at Langmu Monastery by evening to enjoy the town's tranquil night. - Day 7: Watch the sunrise at Langmu Monastery, and end the trip with a visit to Milarepa Buddha Pavilion. ✅ Gannan travel essentials checklist - Sun protection: High-altitude UV rays are intense—don't forget sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+), and lip balm (to prevent chapping). - Clothing: Day-night temperature differences can exceed 15°C. Wear short sleeves and a light jacket during the day, and pack a down jacket or windbreaker for mornings and evenings. Long pants are recommended (for mosquito protection and sunblock). - Personal items: Some guesthouses don't provide disposable items, so bring your own toothbrush, toothpaste, and towel. Moisturizing skincare products are essential (high-altitude dryness). - Electronics: Phone, charger, power bank (signal may be unstable along the way), and camera (there's so much beauty—make sure you have enough storage). - Other essentials: Umbrella (weather can be unpredictable), mosquito repellent (grasslands have many insects), wet wipes, and motion sickness medicine (some roads are winding). The beauty of Gannan is hidden in the hum of prayer wheels, the breeze of the grasslands, and the morning mist. If you're looking to escape the summer's restlessness, this might just be the perfect answer.