Traveling Through Gannan's Mini Duku Highway｜Comprehensive Guide to Avoid Pitfalls

Gannan's Mini Duku Highway — Y550 County Road Dubbed the "Condensed Version of Duku Highway," this hidden gem connects canyons, grasslands, and forests. Every snapshot here is wallpaper-worthy. Here's a meticulously compiled guide—you're welcome! 🌟 Core Route: Zhagana → Tiebu Town → Flower Lake (Total: 54km) ▪️ Navigation: Input "Donglie Village, Tiebu Town → Bengba Village → Flower Lake" ▪️ Road Conditions: 70% asphalt + 30% gravel; sedans are passable but SUVs are recommended. Some single-lane sections require cautious passing. ▪️ Signal Coverage: No signal in canyon sections; download offline maps on Amap in advance. 📸 Photography Tips 1️⃣ Cliffside Road Shots: Navigate to "7km northwest of Bengba Village" for wide-angle shots of winding roads and canyons. Wear bright-colored outdoor jackets for standout photos. 2️⃣ Grassland Wildflower Vibes: Near Re'er Township, wildflowers are abundant. Capture running shots in a white dress and sunhat, or use wildflowers as props. 3️⃣ Tibetan Village Cultural Scenes: Use a telephoto lens to capture elderly women spinning prayer wheels. Tibetan-style houses and prayer flags in Bengba Village create a story-rich backdrop. 4️⃣ Aerial Views: After drone registration, capture the full view of the Mini Duku Highway. Key spots include "One-Line Sky Canyon" and "Pass Prayer Flags." 🍽️ Food Recommendations ✅ Must-Try Dishes Zhagana: Tibetan yogurt (5 RMB/bowl at roadside stalls), yak meat hotpot ("Zhagana Tibetan Homestay") Langmusi: Tibetan dumplings ("Lisa Restaurant"), butter tea (freshly made at a local's home near "Saichisi") Ruoergai: Homemade yogurt ice cream by locals (5 RMB/cup at the Flower Lake entrance) ❌ Avoid These Restaurants near the First Bend of the Yellow River are overpriced; bring your own snacks. Some restaurants inside Zhagana Scenic Area charge tourist prices—confirm the menu beforehand. 📌 Essentials Before Departure Vehicle: SUVs preferred; carry snow chains (rainy season from June to August can make some sections muddy) Clothing: Outdoor jacket + light down jacket (temperature difference exceeds 15°C between day and night), sun hat + sunglasses (UV rays are very strong) 💊 Supplies: BLF (for altitude sickness), PTT oral solution, motion sickness pills Others: Oxygen canisters (15 RMB/can at pharmacies), thermos, power bank (some guesthouses lack charging facilities) ⚠️ Important Notes Some sections of the Mini Duku Highway lack guardrails. Parking is prohibited on cliff sections (K15-K22); use the mountaintop viewing platform instead. Zhagana's north gate will start charging admission fees in August 2024. Tickets are required regardless of the direction of travel. Respect local customs: photography is prohibited inside temple halls, and prayer wheels should be spun clockwise. Gannan's Mini Duku Highway is a paradise for the eyes, a challenge for the body, and a sanctuary for the soul. Every curve on this road holds surprises and emotions.