https://kw.trip.com/moments/detail/xiahe-2792-133180090
MACKENZIE MEYERUnited States

In June, I took a trip to Gannan, and my friends' circle was flooded with questions!

If Tibet is too far, then come to Gannan! This pristine land, rated by *National Geographic* as one of the "50 Places of a Lifetime," combines the breathtaking scenery of Sichuan-Tibet with the mystical culture of Tibetan Buddhism. A three-day, two-night trip is enough to immerse you in its beauty~ 📅 Itinerary **Day 1: Lanzhou → Labrang Monastery → Sangke Grassland** - Depart from Lanzhou in the morning and head to Xiahe (about a 3-hour drive), enjoying the plateau scenery along the way. - In the afternoon, visit Labrang Monastery, the "World's Tibetan Studies Center." Walk clockwise along the world's longest prayer wheel path (3.5 km) for blessings. The golden-roofed red walls under the sunlight are solemn and photogenic 📸 Entrance fee: 40 RMB. It’s recommended to join a guided tour to better understand Tibetan Buddhist culture. - In the evening, head to Sangke Grassland for horseback riding and a taste of freedom 🏇 Bargaining is possible—usually, you can negotiate from 100 RMB down to around 60 RMB. - Stay overnight in a Tibetan-style homestay in Xiahe, equipped with floor heating and Tibetan rugs (~100 RMB/person). Try tsampa, butter tea, and yak meat dishes—delicious and great for altitude sickness relief 🍲 **Day 2: Xiahe → Guomang Wetland → Langmusi → Zhagana** - Pass by Guomang Wetland in the morning, a habitat for black-necked cranes, where the wetlands and prayer flags create a picturesque scene 🦩 - Arrive at Langmusi by noon. The golden roofs of the Gansu Temple shrouded in morning mist are incredibly soothing. Note: When visiting the sky burial site, respect local customs—no photos or loud noises. Entrance fee: 30 RMB. - In the afternoon, head to Zhagana, a Tibetan village and stone city enveloped in clouds, like a hidden paradise 🌄 Highly recommend staying at the Yunjing Yeshe Tent Hotel inside the scenic area, featuring smart stargazing rooms with floor heating and private bathrooms—perfect for admiring the Milky Way from bed. - Enjoy a yak meat hotpot at a Tibetan family restaurant (~60 RMB/person) and join the bonfire party for some traditional Guozhuang dancing—pure joy 🔥 **Day 3: Zhagana → Dari Viewing Platform → Fairy Beach → Jiangdie Highway → Riba Monastery → Lanzhou** - At dawn, visit the Dari Viewing Platform for sunrise. The Tibetan village and stone peaks in the morning mist are dreamlike. Bundle up—it’s cold but 100% worth it for the photos ☀️ - Hike to Fairy Beach in the morning, where flower-filled meadows meet snow-capped mountains. Horseback riding can be bargained down to ~80 RMB per round. - In the afternoon, drive through Jiangdie Highway, where grasslands and canyons alternate, offering breathtaking views! - On the way back, visit Riba Monastery (20 RMB entrance fee), a nine-story Tibetan Buddhist sacred hall. Return to Lanzhou in the evening and wrap up the trip with a bowl of beef noodles 🍜 📌 Practical Tips 1. **Sun Protection**: The plateau’s UV rays are intense—hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves. Better to "weld" them to your face 🧢🕶️ 2. **Temperature Swings**: In Zhagana, you might wear a T-shirt at noon but need a down jacket at night. Pack plenty of warm clothes 🧥 3. **Transport**: A 4-person carpool is recommended (~200 RMB/person/day). Experienced drivers can also help bargain 🚗 4. **Respect**: Don’t point at Buddha statues, turn prayer wheels clockwise, and maintain solemnity at sky burial sites 🙏 Gannan’s beauty is soul-stirring. These three days and two nights only scratch the surface of its mystery—come and experience it yourself! #GannanTravel #ThreeDaysTwoNights #TibetanCulture
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Posted: Jun 21, 2025
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Labrang Monastery

4.5/5857 reviews | Historic buildings
Xiahe
No.2 of Best Things to Do in Gannan
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