Labrang Monastery

In Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, known as the 'Highland Jiangnan', I experienced the tranquil beauty away from the worldly noise. In the month of April, Labrang Monastery is brimming with spring vitality , and all things are reviving . Here, I lingered among the ancient and quaint temple buildings , feeling the charm of religious culture . After a spiritual cleansing, I couldn't help but ponder the meaning of life. Against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, Labrang Monastery appears even more mysterious and majestic. Life is like a journey, we need to slow down to appreciate different landscapes , and experience different cultures.

Gannan, this secret realm praised by 'National Geographic' as a 'must-visit in a lifetime', what charm does it hold? It's not Tibet, yet it has a similar Tibetan culture, stunning natural scenery, and few tourists. 📍 Location: Southwest Gansu Province 🚗 Travel Guide: First arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, then transfer to various places in Gannan. 🔍 Tour Route: 1. Lanzhou → Gannan Secret Realm → Labrang Monastery → Xiahe 2. Labrang Monastery → Sangke Grassland → Zhagana 3. Zhagana → Ruoergai Flower Lake → Nine-Bend Yellow River → Tangke 4. Tangke → Wache Tower Forest → Hongyuan, Moon Bay → Jiuzhi 5. Jiuzhi → Lianbaoyuze → Aba 6. Jiuzhi → Awan Warehouse Wetland → Gahai Lake → Langmu Temple 7. Langmu Temple → Milarepa Buddha Pavilion → Linxia → Lanzhou 🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions: 1. Gannan Secret Realm: The greenery here can heal the soul, with Bajiao City, Baishi Cliff, and Baishi Cliff Temple, each spot is breathtakingly beautiful. 2. Labrang Monastery: One of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, known as the 'World's Tibetan Academy'. Remember to rent a set of Tibetan clothes and experience this sanctity. 3. Sangke Grassland: A plateau at an altitude of 4000 meters, step on the grassland and look up at the sky. 4. Self-drive Rock's Road: Follow Joseph Rock, cross the Guanggai Mountain, and explore Diebu Zhagana. 5. Zhagana: Pure, primitive, and tranquil, the beauty here is unforgettable. 🍜 Food Recommendations: Milk tea, fried dough sticks, Zanba, yogurt, meat dumplings, meat buns, noodles, and hand-grabbed mutton, etc. 📝 Travel Tips: 1. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, bring a jacket, and cold protection in the morning and evening is essential. 2. Equipment: Thermos, power bank, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, rain gear, etc. 3. Medicines: Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, band-aids, etc. Are you ready? Let's embark on the secret journey of Gannan together and feel the magic and beauty of this land! 🧳🌄

One must take a trip to Gannan, right? To cross the life's tribulations, To feel the winds of the secret realms of Ganjia, To spin the prayer wheels at Labrang Monastery, To wait for the sunset in Zoige, To see the prayer flags fluttering in Luqu, Carrying blessings with the wind, the devout faith in our hearts, This is the journey through the pure land of Tibet. 🚩Collection of Routes: 🚗【Gannan 3 Days】 D0: Gather in Lanzhou D1: Lanzhou — Milarepa's Buddha Pavilion — Rock's Road — Zhagana D2: Zhagana — Little Duku — Zoige Flower Lake — Langmu Temple D3: Langmu Temple — Sangke Grassland — Labrang Monastery — Lanzhou 🚗【Gannan 4 Days】 D0: Gather in Lanzhou D1: Lanzhou — Milarepa's Buddha Pavilion — Rock's Road — Zhagana D2: Zhagana — Fairy Beach — Flower Lake — First Bend of the Yellow River — Tangke D3: Tangke — Langmu Temple (Sichuan Temple) — Sangke Grassland — Xiahe D4: Xiahe — Labrang Monastery — Lanzhou 🚗【Gannan 5 Days】 D0: Gather in Lanzhou D1: Lanzhou — Milarepa's Buddha Pavilion — Rock's Road — Zhagana D2: Zhagana — Fairy Beach — Flower Lake — First Bend of the Yellow River — Tangke D3: Tangke — Lianbao Yezhe — Gemu Monastery — Jiuzhi D4: Jiuzhi — Langmu Temple (Sichuan Temple) — Sangke Grassland — Xiahe D5: Xiahe — Labrang Monastery — Lanzhou 🚗【Gannan 5 Days】【Lesser-Known】 D0: Gather in Lanzhou D1: Lanzhou — Dayugou — Qibu Linka/Zhuoni County D2: Qibu Linka/Zhuoni County — Rock's Road — Zhagana D3: Half-day in Zhagana — Cuomei Peak — Langmu Temple D4: Langmu Temple — Sichuan Temple (Namo Gorge) — Zecha Stone Forest — Luqu D5: Luqu — Through Sangke Grassland — Labrang Monastery — Lanzhou 🚗【Gannan 6 Days】 D0: Gather in Lanzhou D1: Lanzhou — Dayugou — Zhuoni D2: Zhuoni — Rock's Road — Zhagana D3: Zhagana — Little Duku — Zoige Flower Lake — First Bend of the Yellow River — Tangke D4: Tangke — Lianbao Yezhe — Gemu Monastery — Jiuzhi D5: Jiuzhi — Langmu Temple (Sichuan Temple) — Sangke Grassland — Xiahe D6: Xiahe — Labrang Monastery — Ganjia Secret Realm — Lanzhou 🌹【Gannan 6 Days】【Lesser-Known】 D0: Gather in Lanzhou D1: Lanzhou — Dayugou — Qibu Linka/Zhuoni County D2: Qibu Linka/Zhuoni County — Rock's Road — Zhagana D3: Half-day in Zhagana — Cuomei Peak — Diebu County D4: Diebu County — Zoige Flower Lake — First Bend of the Yellow River — Tangke D5: Tangke — Langmu Temple (Namo Gorge) — Zecha Stone Forest — Luqu County D6: Luqu County — Labrang Monastery — Lanzhou For detailed itinerary and more routes, click to consult me 🍊

Located in Xiahe County, Gannan Prefecture, Gansu Province, Labrang Monastery has a history of more than three hundred years and is one of the largest monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Standing on the top of the Gongtang Pagoda and the Buddha Sunning Platform, one can overlook the panoramic view of Labrang Monastery from different directions. The entire monastery faces south with its back to the north, comprising over 90 halls and more than 10,000 rooms, with the Daxia River flowing around it. Under the blue sky and white clouds, against the red walls and green trees, the beauty of Labrang Monastery is truly stunning.

🚆 How to get there: ✈ Plane: It is recommended to fly to Lanzhou, car rental or group is convenient 🚄 Train: Lanzhou West Station is a high-speed rail station, Lanzhou Station is a train station, choose according to personal preference ✨ Travel guide: Sun protection: long clothes, trousers, hat👒, sunglasses🕶 Washing and care: facial cleanser, moisturizer, hydrating mask Electrical appliances: charger, power bank, camera📷, drone Medicine: motion sickness patch, high altitude sickness prevention💊, and other daily necessities Others: thermos cup🥛, U-shaped pillow, etc. Documents🎫: ID card, student card ⭕ Itinerary planning - First encounter with Gannan Four days and three nights: D1: Gathering day-Lanzhou city walk D2: Lanzhou-Labrang Monastery-Sangke Grassland-Diebu D3: Diebu-Zhagana-Flower Lake-Langmu Temple D4: Langmu Temple-Guomang Wetland-Milariba Buddha Pavilion ⭕ Xi'an departure bus tour Five days and four nights: D1: Xi'an-Wolf Crossing Wetland Grassland-Dangchang D2: Dangchang-Guan Goose Gully-Lazikou-Diebu D3: Zhagana-Ruoergai Grassland-Flower Lake-Langmu Temple D4: Langmu Temple-Sangke Grassland-Labrang Monastery-Lanzhou D5: Lanzhou-Lianhuo Expressway-Xi'an ⭕ Punch in the first bend of the Yellow River Five days and four nights: D1: Gathering day-Lanzhou city walk D2: Lanzhou-Labrang Monastery-Ganji Mystery-Xiahe D3: Xiahe-Sangke Grassland-Langmu Temple-First Bend of the Yellow River-Tangke Town D4: Tangke Town-Ruoergai Grassland-Flower Lake-Zhagana D5: Zhagana-Guomang Wetland-Bafang Thirteen Lanes-Lanzhou 🌟 Tips: Keep hydrated during the journey: Gannan's climate is relatively dry, carry a water cup with you Prevention of altitude sickness: Some areas of Gannan have a higher altitude, pay attention to the prevention of altitude sickness Ethnic costumes: Try local costumes in the scenic area and leave beautiful photos Car sharing: If you need to rent a car, consider sharing the cost Local food: Try local special food and experience the local flavor May every step you take in Gannan be an encounter, and every scenery be a heartthrob.🏞✨

|||. Gannan tourism, regret knowing too late! Crossing the Lork Road|||🍀🍀🍀 In early summer in Gannan, snow may occasionally fall, which is a bit of a pleasant surprise ~ 🌸🌸🌸 For friends planning to visit Gannan this year: 1. The grass on the prairie has started to turn green, and the scenery will become more and more beautiful as time goes on, so you can plan your holiday now; 2. The period up to early September is a good time to visit Gannan, with July and August being the peak season, so you need to prepare in advance; 3. The average altitude of Gannan is over 3000 meters, so altitude sickness is relatively mild, no need to worry too much; 4. If you want to escape the summer heat, Gannan is a good choice, as the temperature is very cool and comfortable; ~ 🎈🎈🎈 Snow-capped mountains stand tall, lakes are scattered like stars, and majestic peaks and strange rocks form a temple of art. A strong cultural atmosphere, a land of faith. Gannan has a magical color of Middle-earth. - 🎬🎬🎬 Temperature & Accommodation & Clothing 1. There is a big temperature difference, so be prepared for sun protection and warmth, even in summer, you should have a thick coat for the morning and evening; 2. Accommodations along the way are quite convenient and not expensive; in terms of dining, Tibetan, Halal, or Sichuan cuisine are the main options, which are very convenient~ - 👉👉👉 Places in Gannan worth checking in: 1. Labrang Monastery 2. Zhagana 3. Langmu Temple 4. Lianbao Yeze 5. Tangke Yellow River First Bend 6. Meiren Grassland 7. Lork Road 8. Ganjia Secret Land 9. Seda 10. Guan'e Valley - 🆘🆘🆘 Departure & Transportation: 1. The general route in Gannan is to enter and exit through Lanzhou, and it's better to take a loop. You can also consider entering and exiting through Lanzhou and Chengdu, but a single line might mean missing some scenery; 2. Public transportation is not recommended, as it is very inconvenient. Self-driving or carpooling is the main way. - 🎬🎬🎬 Gannan 4-day loop: Day 1 Lanzhou--Ganjia Secret Land--Labrang Monastery--Xiahe Stay Day 2 Sangke Grassland--Zhagana--Diebu Stay Day 3 Zoige Grassland--Flower Lake--Langmu Temple Stay Day 4 Langmu Temple-Gahai-Mila Ri Ba Buddha Pavilion-Lanzhou - 🌟🌟🌟 Gannan 5-day loop: Day1 Lanzhou-Ganjia Secret Land-Labrang Monastery-Xiahe Day2 Labrang Monastery-Sangke Grassland-Zhagana Day3 Flower Lake-Zoige Wetland-Yellow River First Bend-Tangke Day4 Tangke-Suo Ke Tibetan Monastery-Gahai Lake-Langmu Temple Day5 Langmu Temple-Mila Ri Ba Buddha Pavilion-Lanzhou - 👉👉👉 Gannan 6-day loop: D1. Lanzhou—Ganjia Secret Land—Labrang Monastery—Xiahe D2. Labrang Monastery—Sangke Grassland—Zhagana D.3 Zhagana—Zoige Flower Lake—Yellow River First Bend—Tangke D4. Tangke—Waqie Pagoda Forest—Lianbao Yeze—Aba D5. Awan Warehouse Wetland—Gahai Lake—Langmu Temple D6. Langmu Temple—Mila Ri Ba Buddha Pavilion—Linxia to Lanzhou - ❤️❤️❤️ Gannan classic 7-day (Seda version): D1 Lanzhou-Ganjia Secret Land-Labrang Monastery-Xiahe D2 Xiahe-Langmu Temple-Zhagana D3 Flower Lake-Zoige Grassland-Yellow River First Bend-Tangke D4 Waqie Pagoda Forest-Lianbao Yeze-Jiuzhi D5 Tibetan Zebra County-Seda Wuming Buddhist Institute D6 Seda in-depth tour-Jiuzhi-Maqu D7 Maqu-Mila Buddha Pavilion-Lanzhou ~

Gannan, a secret paradise praised by 'National Geographic' as a must-visit destination in one's lifetime, what exactly is its charm? Although it is not Tibet, it is better than Tibet, without the daunting high altitudes or the treacherous roads. Here, you can experience the rich Tibetan culture, feel the simplicity and mystery; you can also enjoy the stunning natural scenery, as if you are in the midst of a magnificent painting. What's more precious is that the place is not crowded with tourists, allowing you to fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this secret land. Coming to Gannan is like entering a fairyland on earth, making people linger and yearn for more. Indeed, it is a place one must visit in their lifetime. Location of the scenic area: Southwest of Gansu Province Transportation guide: Fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport from all over the country 🚀 🌄🎒 🌄 DAY 1: Lanzhou ➜ Labrang Monastery ➜ Sangke Grassland ➜ Langmusi Town 🏨 Overnight: Langmusi Town 🌅 DAY 2: Langmusi Town ➜ Zhagana ➜ Dangchang 🏨 Overnight: Dangchang 🌤 DAY 3: Dangchang ➜ Guan'e Valley ➜ Lanzhou ⚠️Travel Tips for Gannan ❗️Gannan is located on the plateau, with a large temperature difference between day and night, so you need to wear fleece, thin sweaters or jackets in the morning and evening! ❗️Due to the high altitude, the ultraviolet rays are strong, so be sure to bring sun hats, sunglasses, and other sun protection items! It's also best to wear long sleeves and pants in the summer!

🌈Gannan, a place known as the 'Oriental Little Switzerland', where you see mountains as mountains⛰️, see water as water🌊, under the unpolluted blue sky🌎, stepping on the earth with a strong natural atmosphere, blowing the wind of freedom, and going to see the distance👀 . ✅Gannan 4 days and 3 nights 🚘Day1 Lanzhou—Hezuo (Mila Ribafoge)—Zha Ga Na ⭕Today's itinerary: 420KM, about 6.5h by car 📍Mila Ribafoge, Mila Ribafoge is a nine-story pagoda known as the Tibetan Studies Museum. ❗❗Tip: You need to take off your shoes👞 when you enter the pagoda, the scenery on the hill behind the temple is more beautiful, you can walk around in the village and watch the starry sky✨ at night in Zha Ga Na . 🚘Day2 Zha Ga Na—Xiaoduku—Flower Lake—Gerd Temple (Canyon)—Langmu Temple ⭕Today's itinerary: 320 kilometers, about 5h by car 📍 : The morning mist makes you feel like you are in heaven, you can see the whole view of Zha Ga Na village, the grassland here is undulating, it is the sky🌸board of the scenery in Zha Ga Na scenic area 📍 Ruoergai Lake is surrounded by colorful unknown flowers, like clouds falling from the sky🥳 📍 The temple enshrines the body of the living Buddha that has not decayed for hundreds of years after death, you can walk into the Namo Grand Canyon to enjoy the natural beauty here🍁 . 🚘Day3 Langmu Temple—Ga Sea—Sangke Grassland—Labrang Monastery—Xiahe ⭕Today's itinerary: 280 kilometers, about 5h by car 📍 A natural sea on the Gannan grassland, this is a habitat for birds, the ecological environment is very superior. 📍 The water and grass here are rich and the cattle and sheep are fat, the autumn is golden and has a different flavor💯 📍 The most complete Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Tibetan studies system . 🚘Day4 Xiahe County—Gan Jia Secret Realm—Lanzhou ⭕Today's itinerary: 300 kilometers, about 5h by car 📍 It is a small grassland that integrates grassland, white stone cliff, octagonal ancient city, karst cave, and temple💚 ❗❗Today's itinerary ends early, arriving in Lanzhou at about 17:00 in the afternoon, buddies can choose a suitable flight to return✈ . ⚠Some small tips ✔Try not to wear skirts to the Gan Jia grassland, you need to climb a cliff in the middle ✔The Locke viewing platform in Zha Ga Na can see the whole view ✔Bring a climbing stick to Lian Bao Ye Ze, there are very steep slopes ✔There are almost no catering facilities around and inside the Gan Jia Secret Realm scenic area, be sure to bring some snacks ✔Take the elevator to the top of the main viewing tower 2 hours before the sunset of the Nine Bends of the Yellow River, and find a place to take pictures ✔The most comfortable way to visit the Nine Bends of the Yellow River is to take the elevator up and walk down the plank road .

Labrang Monastery is located in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. It is a transliteration of the Tibetan 'Labrang', meaning the residence of the living Buddha master. Labrang Monastery is also one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, known as the 'World's Tibetan Academy'. At its peak, there were more than 4,000 monks. During my trip to Gannan, I passed by this place and walked a full circle around the perimeter of the temple. Although I am not a devout Buddhist, I still felt a sense of reverence. In the process of walking, I felt my restless heart gradually calm down, contemplating the essence of my existence, experiencing a rare sense of relaxation. When I was young, I didn't understand why so many people in the world have religious beliefs. As I grew up, I realized that all beings suffer, and everyone inevitably falls into the trap of greed, hatred, and delusion. There are too many things in life that we desire but cannot obtain and cannot let go of. Through religious faith, one can find solace and liberation for the soul. The architecture of Labrang Monastery is exquisite, exuding a sense of dignity. No one speaks loudly here, for fear of desecrating the divine. It is said that it was built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, and the monastery houses more than 10,000 pieces of ethnic artifacts and Buddhist art. There are sixteen large Buddhas over 8 meters tall, made of gilded bronze or sandalwood carvings, in various halls. The variety of medium and small-sized Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, stupas, and ritual instruments is countless. As you walk and observe, whether it's the white pagodas in the temple or the prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, they all stir a ripple in your heart, evoking a subtle sense of Zen. On this day, I circumambulated mountains, waters, and stupas, all to encounter you along the way. As a paradise for pilgrims, Labrang Monastery is worth your visit to savor in detail.

|| Labrang Monastery. Labrang Monastery, located in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, and is acclaimed as the "World's Tibetan Studies Center". Labrang Monastery is acclaimed as the "World's Tibetan Studies Center". The monastery faces south from the north and covers a total area of 866,000 square meters, with a building area of more than 400,000 square meters. During its heyday, there were more than 4,000 monks. Take a walk around the world's longest prayer wheel. Inside, there are great deities, and the crowded throng fills the inner chamber, listening quietly to the guide's detailed explanation. Photography is not allowed inside the chamber, but you are free to take pictures of the exterior architecture.

After experiencing the earthquake, our convoy continued to Ruoergai in Sichuan, passing through Linxia near the earthquake zone, passing through Labrang Monastery, passing through Sangke Prairie, Ruoergai Flower Lake... We also asked the locals in Linxia about the earthquake. The local shaking was quite severe, but fortunately, there were no casualties or damage to buildings. This travel route in Gannan is very popular. The scenery of Labrang Monastery and Sangke Prairie is picturesque, with a deep cultural heritage. Then to Ruoergai, a place famous for the Red Army's Long March, it is hoped that the scenery is beautiful. Summer here is the peak tourist season, with more self-driving tourists. Winter adds a bit of bleakness, which is a different kind of scenery.

In this land with an average altitude of 2900 meters, you can encounter grasslands, lakes, snow-capped mountains, seas of flowers, wetlands, forests, rivers, temples, blue skies and white clouds, fluttering prayer flags, and Tibetan charm. All your beautiful imaginations can be met in Gannan. The itinerary includes options for coach & car, two different ways to enjoy the trip, and you can freely choose the way to play according to your schedule. 🌈First stop on the itinerary is a city walk in Lanzhou, checking in with the Northwest flavor🌈Sangke Grassland - an endless meadow where you can ride horses 🌈Zhagana - a natural stone city, God's Eden Flower Lake🌈Ruoergai Wetland, encountering the distant Black-necked Crane 🌈Labrang Monastery - a world center of Tibetan studies, experiencing the profound Tibetan culture 🌈Langmu Temple - the Oriental Switzerland, a miniature version of Shangri-La 🌈Anduo Hezuo Monastery's Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - a resplendent Tibetan studies museum 🏨Carefully selected comfortable accommodations along the way, ensuring a comfortable stay. 💰Admission fees: A: Labrang Monastery 40 yuan (entrance to the hall)|Students 20 yuan B: Zhagana 80 yuan|Students 40 yuan C: Flower Lake 105 yuan|Students 75 yuan D: Langmu Temple 30 yuan|Students half price E: Milarepa Buddha Pavilion 20 yuan|Students 10 yuan ⚠️Warm tips for essential items: 1️⃣Gannan is a plateau region with strong ultraviolet radiation, remember to protect yourself from the sun, and be aware of the large temperature difference between day and night, around 5-18°C! 2️⃣Clothing: For travel between April and May, it is recommended to prepare clothes for both spring and winter, lightweight down jackets, windbreakers, and thin outerwear with long sleeves for the daytime 3️⃣Shoes: Comfortable sports shoes/hiking shoes are both suitable 4️⃣Thermal water bottle: When going out for a trip, it is recommended to drink hot water throughout the journey 5️⃣Electronic payment is available, but also carry a small amount of cash 6️⃣Sun protection: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, face masks