Gannan: A Hidden Gem Rivaling Tibet, Named a Must-See Destination by National Geographic

Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, located in the southwest of Gansu Province, sits on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. It offers a wealth of attractions. This Gannan travel guide will help you plan your trip: Best Time to Visit • June–September: This is Gannan's peak tourist season, with average temperatures of 10–20°C (50–68°F). The pleasant climate, lush green grasslands, and blooming wildflowers create picturesque scenery, making it an ideal choice for summer getaways and family trips. • April–May: As the weather warms, the grasslands revive, wildflowers bloom, and temperatures remain moderate. This period is perfect for outdoor activities and photography. With fewer tourists, you can better enjoy the tranquil natural beauty. • September–October: Crisp air, golden autumn leaves, and clear blue skies make this an excellent time to capture the beauty of Tibetan culture and natural landscapes. Labrang Monastery and Sangke Grassland take on a unique charm during this season. Recommended Attractions • Labrang Monastery: Located on the north bank of the Xiahe River, Labrang Monastery is one of the world's largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. It boasts the world's longest prayer wheel corridor and served as a filming location for the movie A World Without Thieves. The red walls and golden roofs shimmer in the sunlight, showcasing the beauty of Tibetan architecture and its rich cultural heritage. • Zhagana: Situated over 30 km northwest of Diebu County in Yiwa Township, Zhagana is known as the "Garden of Eden of the East." Tibetan villages and stone houses complement each other, and the village beneath the sacred mountain offers a prime spot for sunrise viewing. • Langmusi: Located on the border of Luqu County and Ruoergai County in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, Langmusi is called "Little Switzerland of the East." The Bailong River flows through the town, dividing it into Gansu and Sichuan sections. Each side has a temple: Sai Chi Temple in Gansu and Gerdi Temple in Sichuan. • Gahai Lake: Gannan's largest freshwater lake, Gahai Lake, is a highland gem and a provincial bird sanctuary. Known to Tibetans as the "place where yaks roam," the lake shimmers with blue waves, surrounded by grasslands teeming with cattle and sheep, and birds soaring freely in the sky. • Milarepa Buddha Pavilion: Located in Hezuo City, this pavilion was built to commemorate Milarepa, a famous Tibetan Buddhist master. It is one of the representative Gelugpa monasteries in the Amdo Tibetan area, featuring magnificent architecture and housing numerous Buddha statues and cultural relics. Recommended Food • Tibetan Momo: Made with wheat or barley flour dough filled with beef or mutton, and seasoned with onion, ginger, and Sichuan pepper, these dumplings are steamed or boiled and served in triangular or round shapes. They offer a savory and delicious taste. • Butter Tea: This traditional Tibetan beverage is made from butter, tea leaves, and salt. It has a rich milky and tea aroma, known for its invigorating and warming properties. • Hand-Grabbed Mutton: Large chunks of mutton are boiled and served without any seasoning. Eaten by hand, the meat is tender and flavorful. • Yogurt: A specialty of Gannan, this yogurt is made from fermented cow or goat milk. It has a smooth texture, a sweet and sour taste, and is rich in protein and calcium. • Fern Root Rice: Fern roots are washed and cooked with rice, resulting in a soft, sweet, and fragrant dish known for its nourishing properties. Accommodation Options • Hezuo City: As the capital of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Hezuo offers a wide range of accommodation, including star-rated hotels, budget hotels, and homestays. • Xiahe County: The tourist center of Gannan, Xiahe is home to famous attractions like Labrang Monastery. Accommodation options are plentiful, mainly Tibetan-style hotels and homestays. • Zhagana: This beautiful Tibetan village offers numerous homestays and inns. Staying in the village allows you to enjoy the stunning natural scenery and Tibetan architecture. • Langmusi: A small town on the border of Gansu and Sichuan, Langmusi is known for its namesake temple. Accommodation mainly consists of Tibetan-style hotels and homestays. Transportation Guide • External Transportation: Gannan's transportation is not very convenient. It is recommended to fly or take a train to Lanzhou, then take a bus or hire a car to travel within Gannan. • Internal Transportation: Gannan's attractions are scattered and relatively far apart. Hiring a car or joining a carpool is recommended for flexible itinerary planning and convenient travel.