Just Returned from Gannan - Here's the Honest Truth

Hey everyone 👋! I'm that travel enthusiast who loves wandering around the world 😎. I just got back from Gannan, and this April journey was like a beautiful dream I never wanted to wake up from. Let me share this detailed travel guide with you. 📍 Gannan, located on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in southwestern Gansu, is like a pure land forgotten by the world. Here you'll find vast endless grasslands, lush with greenery that seems to heal all fatigue. Sacred snow-capped mountains glisten in the sunlight, exuding mystery and majesty. Deep lakes mirror the blue sky and white clouds, creating dreamlike scenes. Tibetan Buddhist culture is deeply rooted here - from golden temple roofs to fluttering prayer flags and devout believers - the religious atmosphere permeates everything. Gannan is truly a profound dialogue between soul and nature. 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ Most people choose to fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport first, then transfer by plane or bus to Gannan. You can also fly directly to Xiahe Airport - though there are fewer flights, it's closer to some attractions. From there, take a taxi or airport shuttle to quickly reach the scenic areas. 🚌 If time allows and you want to enjoy the scenery along the way, take a long-distance bus from Lanzhou to Gannan. You'll see beautiful alpine meadows and forested valleys, though be prepared for a long journey. 🚕 Within Gannan, there are buses between counties but with limited schedules. Hiring a private car is more flexible and convenient, allowing you to stop at scenic spots whenever you want for photos. 🗺 Recommended Itinerary Day 1: Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland Morning: Visit Labrang Monastery, known as the "World Institute of Tibetan Studies." This massive monastery has endless prayer wheel corridors, devout pilgrims, and stunning architecture, murals, and butter sculptures. Noon: Try Gannan Tibetan dumplings with their thin skin and juicy lamb filling 😋. Afternoon: Head to Sangke Grassland, where April brings fresh green grass like a velvet carpet. Go horseback riding, feel the wind and freedom, and take endless photos 📷. Day 2: Langmu Temple - Namo Grand Canyon Morning: Visit Langmu Temple, which straddles Gansu and Sichuan provinces, separated by a small stream. The peaceful town features temple golden roofs gleaming in the sunlight. Noon: Enjoy yak hot pot in Langmu town - delicious and nourishing. Afternoon: Explore Namo Grand Canyon with its deep valleys, strange rocks, and mysterious Fairy Cave, like entering a paradise. Day 3: Zhagana - Return Daytime: Visit Zhagana, a stone city hidden in deep mountains, mystical in the clouds. Walk along the plank roads among steep peaks and Tibetan villages, breathing the fresh mountain air. Afternoon: Pack up and head home with wonderful memories. 🌟 5 Must-Visit Spots 📍 Labrang Monastery: One of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, rich in religious culture and architectural art. 📍 Sangke Grassland: Representative of Gannan's grasslands, rich in vegetation and ethnic customs. 📍 Langmu Temple: Blends Sichuan and Gansu styles, with a leisurely town and majestic temple. 📍 Namo Grand Canyon: Natural wonder combining canyons, forests, and caves. 📍 Zhagana: A mysterious "stone city" paradise with stunning scenery and unique folk customs. 📌 Practical Tips 🎫 Book tickets online in advance to avoid queues. Some areas of Labrang Monastery are free. 👗 April is still cold in Gannan. Bring down jackets, hiking clothes, thermal pants, and non-slip waterproof hiking boots. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen - UV rays are strong at high altitude. 📸 For stargazing photos, find a place without light pollution like hotel rooftops and bring a tripod. For mountain sunrise shots, check timing and secure spots early. 🍜 Local Food Recommendations 🥘 Gannan Tibetan Dumplings: Mainly lamb filling, handmade with thin skin and juicy filling. 🍜 Yak Hot Pot: Made with premium yak bones and meat, rich broth with local wild vegetables. 🥣 Butter Tea: Traditional Tibetan drink, salty and rich, warms the body and helps with altitude sickness. 🐟 Tibetan Grilled Fish: Uniquely spiced, tender with crispy skin. 🥔 Tuo Tuo Meat: Large chunks of cooked pork with dipping sauce. 🏨 Accommodation 📍 Near Labrang Monastery: Xiahe Labrang Civil Aviation Hotel, great location, spacious rooms. 📍 Langmu Temple Town: Langmu Temple Hotel, central location with town views. 📍 Zhagana: Zhagana Cloud Stay Guesthouse, Tibetan style with natural views. 💖 Travel Impressions These three days in Gannan felt like entering a secluded paradise. The mighty snow mountains, clear lakes, vast meadows, and warm hospitality of Tibetan people touched my heart deeply. Despite the challenging journey and altitude sickness, the breathtaking scenery made it all worthwhile. Gannan is like a dream you never want to wake from. Everyone, you must experience it - you'll surely fall in love with it too 💕.