How to Spend 5 Days in Xiahe - A Complete Itinerary for Xiahe

Day 1 | Morning

Labrang Monastery

Opening Hours: Open from 1/1-12/31(Summer Time),8:00am-6:00pm;Open from 1/1-12/31(Winter Time),9:15am-4:30pm

Ticket Price: 40 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 Hours

Location: Renmin E St, Xiahe Xian, Gannan Zangzuzizhizhou, Gansu Sheng, China

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.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Just a tip. There is an English speaking tour guide that sets off from the tour guide office at 10.15 every day. At the moment it is free but not sure about later. having a guide makes all the difference to understand how the monastery works. overall worth a visit if in this area of Gansu or North Sichuan province, but not worth making a special trip for

Wandering Laowai: Stunning monastery. it’s worth it to do the English guided tour with a monk, which is included in the ticket price. Just be aware that you will be asked a lot of philosophical questions such as “what is the truth?” 🤣

Day 1 | Afternoon

Gongtang Baota nearby is the top choice before you leave Labrang Monastery and hit the road.

Gongtang Baota

Opening Hours: Open from 9:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 20 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Southwest corner of Labrang Temple, Renmin East Street, Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous PrefectureSouthwest corner of Labrang Temple, Renmin East Street, Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Gongtang Pagoda is the landmark building of Labrang Monastery. The pagoda is beautiful and dazzling in the sun. Gongtang Pagoda is located on the south side of Labrang Monastery. Tourists will pass here when they turn clockwise along the turning road from the east side of Labrang Monastery. In the distance, you can see a huge five-story pagoda. The top of the pagoda is a golden cylinder, and there are exquisite and dazzling Buddha statues on the side. It is very spectacular and you can take pictures outside first. After entering the Gongtang Pagoda, you can start viewing the interior of the pagoda. According to the rituals of Tibetan Buddhism, you need to visit each floor in a clockwise circle.

Day 1 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Ya Ou International Hotel is the best places.

Ya Ou International Hotel

Opened in 2020, the Ya Ou International Hotel is a great accommodation choice in Lintan.

After a long day of sightseeing, guests can retire to the comfort of the hotel. This Lintan hotel offers parking on site.

There's never a dull moment at this hotel, our guests indicate that the facilities are excellent. This hotel is the usual choice for a large number of business travelers.

Day 2 | Morning

Bajiao City Ruins

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 20 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 Hours

Location: 35 kilometers north of Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Bajiao City is located on the platform where the Yangqu River and the Yangla River meet in the east of Gangjiatan, Xiahe County. It is named after the eight city corners. In ancient times, it used to be the hub of transportation between Gansu and Qinghai, and it was also a military center where the central government of all dynasties competed fiercely with Tuyuhun, Tubo, Xixia, and Suluo dynasties. The octagonal city outline is a hollow cross, with a moat, a moat, and an outer outline outside the city, and an outer city outside the south gate. This shape of the castle, unique in the history of our country, has high archaeological value and ornamental value. The city was built in the Han Dynasty, and the architectural form broke through the square pattern, which is very unique. Although the city is not small, the distance between the corners of the city is within the effective range of the bow and crossbow, and they can take care of each other, so it is easy to defend and difficult to attack. A large number of cultural relics have been unearthed in Bajiaocheng, such as metal currency, copper bulls, square bricks and strips, simple tiles and slabs of Tang and Song Dynasties. In addition, on the flats, hills, and terraces around the Bajiao City, there are layers of terraced fields abandoned in ancient times. In some places, the terraced fields have been repaired to the top of the mountain. In the past, the economy here was developed and densely populated.

Day 2 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Bajiao City Ruins, you can head to Dazong Lake, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Dazong Lake

Opening Hours: Open from 8:00am-6:00pm

Ticket Price:

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-2 Hours

Location: Dazong Village, Wangertang Township, Xiahe County, Gannan Prefecture (about 17 km from Xiahe County)Dazong Village, Wangertang Township, Xiahe County, Gannan Prefecture (about 17 km from Xiahe County)

Dalzong Lake is about 3,100 meters above sea level, in the shape of irregular gourds and vines. The lakeside is surrounded by mountains on three sides. The lake is full of fish, the lakeside is overgrown with wild grasses, hundreds of flowers are in full bloom, the mountains are densely covered with forests, and hundreds of birds are clustered in the forest. The lake and mountains are intoxicating. Dalzong Lake is a sacred lake in the hearts of Tibetans. Every year on the fourth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, Tibetans from all over the world come here to make pilgrimages to plant arrows and pray for good luck. At this time, the whole mountain was filled with smoke, and the sound of conch shells resounded through the sky. The believers turn the prayer wheel with their hands, recite the scriptures, and circle the lake three times in a clockwise direction.

Day 2 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Century Hotel is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Century Hotel

The Century Hotel is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. The Century Hotel is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Lintan.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings. Guests of this Lintan hotel can make use of the parking facilities.

If cleanliness is important to you, this hotel makes an excellent choice, as our guests consider this to be one of the cleanest hotels in the city.

Day 3 | Morning

Benjiao Temple

Ticket Price: 20 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Hours

Location: Within Ganjia Township, Xiahe County, Gannan PrefectureWithin Ganjia Township, Xiahe County, Gannan Prefecture

Zuohai Heijiao Temple was founded in the Year of the Water Tiger before the first victory in the Tibetan calendar, and has a history of 900 years. The founder of the monastery is Zexiu Guru Zhuwang Dunnishapur, known as the Great Zen Master Yongzhong Jiashen. The teachings practiced in Zohai Heijiao Monastery are mainly the "Nine Vehicles Teaching Method", "Four Doors", "Five Tibetans" and other internal and external secret methods, which are mainly taught by Xinrao, the founder of Tibetan primitive religion Bon religion. The main rituals of Zuohai Heijiao Temple are: every spring on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Great Dharma Meeting and the Dharma Offering Meeting are held; the Dharma Practice Meeting is held in summer and the summer sitting is held; In addition, adhere to the practice of both esoteric and esoteric. The temple often holds Puming, Pukong, pharmacist, Kalachakra and other dharma meetings; in the early and late months of each month, the rituals of longing good and purifying evil are held. There is a large scripture hall in Zuohai Temple, which enshrines several large Buddha statues of the Patriarch of Bon, as well as sixteen Arhats, portraits of sutra scrolls, and more than 200 volumes of scriptures such as the Tibetan scripture "Ganzhuer". The gatehouse and skylight of the scripture hall are covered with red and black flags, which are more mysterious and dark than other monasteries. There are more than 30 monks and more than 30 monasteries in the temple. Its scripture hall and monastery and some religious activities are available for tourists to visit.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: White Rock Cliffs.

White Rock Cliffs

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 39 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Hours

Location: Ganjiaxiang, Xiahe, Gannan, Gansu, ChinaIn Baijia Cliff, Ganjia Township, Xiahe County, Gannan Prefecture

Baishiya is located 30 kilometers north of Xiahe County. To travel to Ganga, you can't miss the wonderful Baishiya Karst Cave. Baishi is not pure white, it may be named because of its contrast with green. Baishiya runs from east to west and is about 15 kilometers long. From a distance, it looks like a white jade screen, lying in the air, shining under the blue sky and white clouds. Standing under the Baishi Cliff, you not only admire the majestic and majestic nature of nature, but also feel the softness and moistness of nature. In the west of the bottom of Baishi Cliff, there is a karst cave that can accommodate three or four people. The cave has gurgling water and winding paths. It is said that there are naturally formed Tibetan vowels and consonants on the stone walls in the cave, as well as stone shapes such as Ruyi Bao Niu, Ruyi Treasure Tree and Natural Rice. In 1982, the tenth Panchen Lama visited this cave during his inspection in Gannan. Baishiyan Karst Cave is said to stretch for hundreds of miles and can lead to Xunhua County, Qinghai Province.

Day 3 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Saiyong Sanctuary Hotel, Diebu is the best places.

Saiyong Sanctuary Hotel, Diebu

The Saiyong Sanctuary Hotel, Diebu provides a great place for travelers to relax after a busy day. The Saiyong Sanctuary Hotel, Diebu is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Diebu.

When guests have some time on their hands they can make use of the onsite facilities. This Diebu hotel features parking on site.

Guests tell us the location of this hotel is fantastic. This hotel is a popular accommodation for guests traveling with families.

Day 4 | Morning

Sangke Grassland

Opening Hours: Open all day

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 Hours

Location: Xiahe, Gannan, Gansu, China

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!

Day 4 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Sangke Grassland, don’t forget pay a visit to Ganjia Grassland.

Ganjia Grassland

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Ganjiaxiang, Xiahe, Gannan, Gansu, China

Ganga Grassland is located 20 kilometers northwest of Xiahe County. It is not only as beautiful as Sangke Grassland, but also more quiet. Surrounded by mountains, the grassland is a typical plateau grassland and an ideal pasture. In summer, the whole grassland is green and green, like a big green carpet, with flowers in full bloom. Here, there is no shadow of commercialization, but the blue sky, white clouds, and grassland are all integrated, and you can experience the vastness and tranquility of the grassland. The Yangqu River and the Yangla River meander and flow like a white Hada falling on the grassland, forming a beautiful colorful oil painting.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Wandering Laowai: Hired a driver through Nirvana Hotel to take us to the grasslands. We hiked through a spectacular canyon, which was made even better due to the fact it wasn’t typical chinese concrete paths but an actual dirt pathway!

Day 4 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Ganjia Grassland? Nuosang Zhouji Hotel is one of your top choices.

Nuosang Zhouji Hotel

The Nuosang Zhouji Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Hezuo, having opened in 2020.

The hotel is approximately 47km away from Gannan Xiahe Airport. Gannan Xiahe Airport is approximately 47km away by road. The nearby area boasts an abundance of attractions including Gannanda Theater, Hezuo Forest Park and 九色甘南香巴拉（合作市當週草原）.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings. This Hezuo hotel provides parking on site.

When it comes to Hezuo hotels, the Nuosang Zhouji Hotel is highly regarded for its excellent facilities. This hotel is a popular accommodation for groups of friends traveling together.

Day 5 | Morning

De'erlong Temple

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Xiahe, Gannan, Gansu, China

Dellong Temple, also known as Shagou Temple, full name of "Derlong Yiga Qu Monk Forest", is located five kilometers southwest of Wanggertang Township, Xiahe County. The temple is named after the name of the valley, which means "Treasure Valley", here is the famous female esoteric master in Tibetan history, Mamela, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism's Nengchuan School, buried outside the "Treasures".

Day 5 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting De'erlong Temple, don’t forget pay a visit to Red Religion Temple.

Red Religion Temple

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 20-30 Minutes

Location: West of Labrang Temple, West of Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Hongjiao Temple is one of the few Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma monasteries in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and it believes in Guru Rinpoche. The monks wear white cassocks with red edges and braids on their heads. They settle down and establish businesses, marry wives and have children. The building scale is large, the number of monks is large, the religious influence is extensive, and the inheritance system is complete. The Hongjiao Temple belongs to the sub-monastery of Labrang Monastery, and the seventh of the six colleges - the Great Secret Mantra College. The thousand statues of Guru Rinpoche enshrined in the main hall of the temple are worth seeing, but you must go before 10 am to see it. In addition to normal religious activities, the performance of Tibetan opera is also a major activity in Labrang Red Sect. Every year, Tibetan operas are performed during major festivals such as the Lunar New Year Festival. The temple's performance team was founded in 1955 and the first play was "Chimei Gendeng", and the performances included "Ada Lamao", "Chisong Dezan", "Sam" and so on.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.