6-Day Gannan Odyssey: Peaks to Prairies

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by Isaac

May 8, 2024 · 3 min read

Gannan 6 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 6-day journey through the heart of Gannan, where the beauty of Tibetan villages and the serenity of vast grasslands await. Begin your adventure in the picturesque village of Zhagana, spending a full day immersed in its natural splendor. On the second day, delve into history at Lazikouxiang and pay respects at the Battle of Lazikou Battle Memorial Hall. Day three introduces you to the Meiren Prairie's open skies and the spiritual Milarepa Temple. The fourth day is a nature lover's dream, with the expansive Sangke Grassland and the sacred Labrang Monastery. As your trip nears its end, day five offers a full day to explore the charming Langmu Temple Resort, a small town with a rich cultural tapestry. Conclude your Gannan exploration on day six with a visit to the Yellow River First Beach and a brief stop at the Awancang Grassland, where the Yellow River's embrace enhances the beauty of the landscape. Each day is filled with unique experiences that promise to leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Gannan's cultural and natural wonders.

Top 6 Hotels in Gannan
TOP 1
Yunshang Mercure Guesthouse
Yunshang Mercure Guesthouse
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3/5
140 reviews
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TOP 2
Yihe Hotel
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LiJing Hotel
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Cloud Jingye Shet Tent Hotel
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Saiyong Sanctuary Hotel, Diebu
Saiyong Sanctuary Hotel, Diebu
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Butter Lamp Holiday Hotel
Butter Lamp Holiday Hotel
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6 Days in Gannan Itinerary: Day 1

1

Zhagana

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Kickstart your Gannan adventure with a full day immersed in the tranquil beauty of Zhagana, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of Tewo. As the first stop on our six-day journey, Zhagana sets a serene tone with its stunning landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. Spend your day wandering through this enchanting village, where the harmonious blend of nature and rustic architecture paints a scene straight out of a traditional Chinese ink painting. The village's unique location, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush valleys, offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Embrace the simplicity and authenticity of rural China as you explore Zhagana, a hidden gem that promises to leave you with lasting memories and a sense of tranquility.

Attraction Info

  • Tewo, Gannan, Gansu, China
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 days
  • Open 24 hours

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6 Days in Gannan Itinerary: Day 2

1

Lazikouxiang

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Begin your second day in Gannan with a serene morning visit to Lazikouxiang, a place that promises a blend of natural beauty and tranquility. Nestled in the heart of Tewo, this picturesque locale offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life. Spend a couple of hours soaking in the scenic views and the gentle whispers of nature, as you prepare yourself for a day filled with historical exploration and cultural immersion.

Attraction Info

  • Lazikouxiang, Tewo, Gannan, Gansu, China
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours

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2

Battle of Lazikou Battle Memorial Hall

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After rejuvenating your senses at Lazikouxiang, step into the echoes of the past at the Battle of Lazikou Battle Memorial Hall. Located just beside the Red Army Hotel, this memorial hall serves as a poignant reminder of the area's rich history. Dedicate an hour to wander through the exhibits that pay homage to the bravery and struggles faced during the battle. The memorial hall not only provides a deeper understanding of the region's historical significance but also stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of its people.

Attraction Info

  • Next to the Red Army Hotel, Lazikou, Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 8:30am-5:30pm

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6 Days in Gannan Itinerary: Day 3

1

Meiren Prairie

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As the sun climbs higher on the third day of your Gannan adventure, your journey begins with a tranquil visit to the Meiren Prairie. Just east of Gannan Cooperative City, this half-hour stopover offers a brief yet breathtaking glimpse into the vast, verdant expanses that define the region. The prairie, with its rolling hills and the dance of wildflowers in the breeze, provides a serene backdrop for a moment of reflection or a quick photo session to capture the essence of Gannan's natural beauty.

Attraction Info

  • East of Gannan Cooperative City
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open 24 hours
54 min,39.63 km
2

Milarepa Temple

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Following the open embrace of the prairie, your next destination is the sacred Milarepa Temple. Nestled on Nawu Road within Cooperative City, this temple stands as a testament to spiritual devotion and architectural grandeur. Spend an hour immersed in the peaceful ambiance, where the intricate murals and the rhythmic chants of monks offer a profound experience. The temple, dedicated to the revered Tibetan poet-saint Milarepa, is not just a religious site but a cultural haven that resonates with the deep-rooted Buddhist traditions of the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

Attraction Info

  • Nawu Road, Cooperative City, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 8:00am-6:00pm

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6 Days in Gannan Itinerary: Day 4

1

Sangke Grassland

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Begin your day with a breath of fresh air at Sangke Grassland, a vast expanse of greenery that promises a serene start to Day 4. Located in Xiahe, this natural wonder spans across the plateau with lush grass and wildflowers swaying to the rhythm of the gentle breeze. Immerse yourself in the pastoral beauty for about 3 hours, where you can mingle with local nomads, witness their traditional way of life, and even partake in horseback riding to fully embrace the spirit of the grasslands.

Attraction Info

  • Xiahe, Gannan, Gansu, China
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour
  • Open 24 hours
34 min,32.5 km
2

Labrang Monastery

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After revitalizing your senses at Sangke Grassland, continue your spiritual journey to Labrang Monastery, a sacred sanctuary that stands as a testament to Tibetan Buddhism. Set aside 2 hours to explore this architectural marvel on Renmin E St in Xiahe. As one of the largest Tibetan monasteries, Labrang Monastery is not just a feature; it's a cultural immersion. With its intricate temples and the sound of prayer wheels spinning, the monastery offers a profound insight into the religious devotion and practices that have been preserved for centuries.

Attraction Info

  • Renmin E St, Xiahe Xian, Gannan Zangzuzizhizhou, Gansu Sheng, China
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 5/1-10/7,8:00am-6:00pm;Open from 10/8-4/30,9:15am-4:30pm

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6 Days in Gannan Itinerary: Day 5

1

Langmu Temple Resort

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As the dawn of Day 5 breaks, our journey leads us to the tranquil embrace of Langmu Temple Resort, a small town nestled in the heart of Gannan. This spiritual haven promises a day steeped in contemplative peace and cultural richness. Langmusizhen, with its picturesque setting in Luqu, is more than just a destination; it's an experience that captivates the soul. Here, you can immerse yourself in the profound serenity that only a place of such devout significance can offer. The town, a mosaic of Tibetan and Han Chinese influences, is a tapestry of living traditions and religious harmony. Spend your day wandering through the sacred halls, engaging with the local monks, or simply absorbing the divine atmosphere that permeates every corner of this sacred site. As you retire under the starlit Gannan sky, let the day at Langmu Temple Resort be a spiritual interlude in your travel memoirs.

Attraction Info

  • Langmusizhen, Luqu, Gannan, Gansu, China, 747205
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 days
  • Open from 8:00am-7:30pm

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6 Days in Gannan Itinerary: Day 6

1

Yellow River First Beach

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Begin your final day in Gannan with a serene visit to the Yellow River First Beach, where the iconic river unfurls its beauty as it embarks on its epic journey. Nestled within Maqu County, this natural wonder offers a two-hour escape into the tranquil landscapes that have witnessed the ebb and flow of time. The First Beach is not just a geographical marvel; it's a cultural tapestry, reflecting the harmony between nature and the local communities that revere it.

Attraction Info

  • Within Maqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour

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2

Awancang Grassland

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Conclude your Gannan adventure with a brief, yet unforgettable 20-minute stop at the Awancang Grassland. Situated in the embrace of the Yellow River in Maqu County, this lush expanse lies a mere 50 kilometers from the county's heart. The grassland is a living painting, with vibrant hues of green that dance with the winds and a horizon that stretches into eternity. It's a place where the spirit of the Tibetan plateau whispers through the blades of grass, offering a moment of reflection and peace before you depart.

Attraction Info

  • In the arm of the Yellow River in Maqu County, Gannan Prefecture, the grassland is 50 kilometers away from Maqu County
  • Suggested tour duration: 20-30 minutes
  • Open 24 hours

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Top Things to Do in Gannan-2024

TOP 1
Zhagana
Zhagana
4.3/5 · 1,680 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 20 review
Highlights:
Zagana, also known as Zagala, is located in Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The ancient wooden Tibetan houses in the village are built along the mountains, and the local people work quietly and simply among the hillsides and rivers, forming a wonderful pastoral scenery. Whether sightseeing, photography, or visiting the traditional life of the simple Tibetan people, it is a wonderful place not to be missed. Zhagana is located in the valley of Yiwa Township, Diebu County. It takes about 1 hour by car from Diebu County and about 2 hours from Langmusi. Zagana is suitable for visiting in July and August. At this time, the grassland is green and the scenery is beautiful. Generally, most tourists come from Langmusi when they take the Gannan and Sichuan routes. The regular time to visit is to arrive in the afternoon and take a leisurely stroll through the village to enjoy the view. Stay in a Tibetan homestay for one night, and leave after shooting the morning clouds and sunrise the next morning. In addition, there is a two-day trekking route in the back mountain of Zhagana, which can be rented in the village or on foot. Zhagana Village is further divided into four small villages. From bottom to top, they are Dongwa Village, Yeri Village, Dari Village and Daiba Village. The distance between Dongwa Village and Daiba Village is about 5 kilometers. The road connects four villages. You can walk or drive to visit and take pictures one by one. It takes about 1 hour to walk from the bottom to the top. Entering by car from the entrance of the village, the first thing to arrive is Dongwa Village at the foot of the mountain. There is a big stone called Dashimen. The hillside next to Dashimen is a suitable place for taking pictures. Here, you can take pictures of the beautiful scenery of the village built along the mountains. The back of the village is wrapped by cliffs, and at the top of the village is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The scenery is fantastic and beautiful. Dongwa Village has a large population and is also a good place to stay. You can set up accommodation in the farmhouse here, and then walk or drive to the higher villages. It takes about 1 hour to walk to the higher places. Going up the mountain along the road is Yeri Village. There is an open barley field next to Yeri Village. You can often see scenes of Tibetan people busy in the fields, and the scene is peaceful and simple. In addition, there is a house in Yeri Village where the famous traveler Joseph Locke once lived for more than a year, but now it can only be visited outside. Continue to move forward, and after passing through Dari Village, there is a viewing platform with a wide field of view, which is suitable for taking pictures of the whole village. You can see the whole village and the fantastic rock wall behind it. All the houses are built with old wooden roofs and earthen walls. Wonderful place. After shooting the panorama, you can retreat back to Dongwa Village for accommodation. Due to the relatively remote terrain, Daiba Village has less scenery to see, so you can skip it. In addition to taking a lap in the afternoon, Zagana has a lot of content to look forward to. Every morning, there are clouds and mists lingering between the rock walls on the mountain, and the starry sky when the lights are dead at night is also beautiful and splendid, which is a good opportunity to take pictures. If you have enough time, you can also take 1-2 hours to climb the back mountain of Dongwa Village to see the temple on the top of the mountain. The houses passing by are all ancient buildings, and the wooden wedge-riveted structure is even more ancient and peculiar. If you are lucky, you can meet the kind-hearted local people, and you will be invited to your home to taste traditional food such as tsampa butter tea and experience the simplicity and enthusiasm of the local people. In addition, there is a two-day hiking route behind the village, which can lead to untouched lakes and stone forests, with pristine and beautiful scenery. However, this route is only suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and requires a night of camping. When walking this route, you can rent a horse in the village and ask a groom to lead the way. Generally, a horse costs about 150 yuan a day.
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TOP 2
Labrang Monastery
Labrang Monastery
4.5/5 · 1,060 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 228 review
Highlights:
Located in Gannan District's Xiahe County, Labrang Monastery is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug (Yellow) Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is large in scale and high in status. A representative example of the monasteries and temples throughout Gannan, it is a must-see for visitors to the area. It is a majestic temple complex. It offers spectacular sights while walking through and also when taking in a panoramic bird's-eye view from its highest point. The monastery is full of giant Buddha statues and various exquisite sculptures, murals and countless musical instruments. Furthermore, the long corridor of the Labrang Monastery is a sight rarely seen anywhere else in the world. This is a place where pilgrims come to accumulate merit and to pray for friends and relatives.
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TOP 3
Mandala Reality
Mandala Reality
3.7/5 · 183 review
TOP 4
Langmu Temple Resort
Langmu Temple Resort
4.4/5 · 493 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 49 review
Highlights:
Langmusi is a small town at the junction of Sichuan and Gansu provinces. It is surrounded by grasslands, woods, hills and red stone cliffs. It has a beautiful environment and is known as the "Oriental Little Switzerland". There are two Tibetan Buddhist monasteries with a long history in the town, namely Gandan Saichi Monastery and Geerdi Monastery (in recent years, both monasteries have also called themselves Langmu Monastery in order to strive for tourism resources). The stream, named Bailongjiang, can hike up the Bailongjiang Gorge along the stream, and the scenery is very beautiful.
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TOP 5
Sangke Grassland
Sangke Grassland
4.3/5 · 446 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 45 review
Highlights:
Sangke Grassland is located on the west side of Xiahe County, Gannan. There are hills and open fields on the grassland. Every summer, there are green grass and wild flowers, which are very beautiful. When you go to Sangke Grassland, you can also rent a horse and ride in the local area, and go to a Tibetan house to experience various traditional folk customs such as tsampa, butter tea, and Tiaoguozhuang. The grassland is only about 11 kilometers away from Xiahe County, where Labrang Monastery is located. You can visit here when you have free time to visit Labrang Monastery. To visit the Sangke Grassland, you usually have free time after visiting the Labrang Monastery. You can take a car in the county town or rent a bicycle to ride leisurely, and the transportation is more convenient. The regular play time is about 3-4 hours. After riding a horse and watching the flowers, you will return to Xiahe County for accommodation. If you feel better, you can also stay overnight on the grassland. The Mujiale on the Sangke Grassland also provides horse riding, Tibetan meals, and homestay services. The accommodation is generally tents or kang rooms in earthen houses. It costs about 50 yuan per person. The conditions are limited, but it has a Tibetan style. Shooting stars is also very beautiful. After arriving in the Sangke grassland, tourists will basically experience horseback riding. The price of horseback riding in the Sangke grassland is about 50 yuan per hour. The horseback riding here does not allow the horse to run on the grassland. Lead slowly. Go up the hillside behind the grassland to the herdsman's private pasture. Generally, these grasslands are well protected, the grass grows lush, and there are all kinds of wildflowers in them, and the scenery is very beautiful. The groom will wait for a while, allowing tourists to take pictures and play in the grassland, and then lead the tourists back on horseback. After returning to the shepherd's house, you can directly return to the county seat, or you can experience Tibetan food or stay in the local area. The main food here is tsampa, butter tea, etc. The price is relatively affordable, basically the same as the county seat. Shepherd can also provide services such as roasting whole lamb, but the price is more expensive, so you need to say hello in advance. You can watch the stars by staying on the grassland at night. In addition, there are festivals such as the Fragrant Wave Festival on the grassland every summer. The herdsmen often sing and dance together in the evening. Such activities are often held in the accommodation of the pastoral house. If you are lucky enough to catch up with such a scene, join in Let them experience the jubilant grassland style together!
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Gannan 6 Days Itinerary