Dreamy Gannan Seven Day Tour: Exploring the Human Wonderland on the Plateau

In addition to the northwest self driving tour route, there is also a paradise on earth in Gansu, which is Gannan. It is also known as an outdoor paradise that allows life to feel free. The scenery here is beautiful, the air is fresh, and there are rich local customs and traditions. It is a popular destination for leisure and sightseeing tourism, and is very worth visiting

The best route for a seven day tour in Gannan

DAY 1: Generally, self driving from Gannan departs from Chengdu. If you are coming to Chengdu from other places, you can first visit and eat Chengdu on the first day

DAY2: Chengdu - Vachetalin - First Bay of the Yellow River - Tangke Town; Departing from Chengdu, passing through the Miyaluo Forest area, visiting the holy land of Vachetalin, arriving at the first bay of the Yellow River in the afternoon to watch the sunset, and staying in Tangke Town in the evening

DAY3: Tangke Town - Ruoergai Grassland hinterland - Flower Lake - Heta Hot Spring Valley - Zagana

Depart from Tangke to Ruoergai Grassland, then go to Flower Lake, which is a plateau lake located in the core area of the Re'ergai Grassland;

; In the afternoon, arrive at the earthly fairyland of Zagana, and in the evening, stay at Zagana Homestay

DAY 4: Zagana - Fairy Beach - Fairy Lake - Saichi Temple (Gansu Temple) - Langmu Temple Town

Depart early in the morning and head to Fairy Beach where Dad is going. Walk for 40 minutes to reach Fairy Lake; In the morning, check the time and leave Zagana. In the afternoon, arrive in Langmu Temple Town to visit Saichi Temple (Gansu Temple) in Gansu Province

Stay at Langmu Temple Hotel in the evening

DAY5: Langmu Temple Town - Geldi Temple (Sichuan Temple) - Namo Grand Canyon - Awancang Wetland - Aba County

In the morning, go to Geldi Temple, pass through Geldi Temple, and start a light hike in Namo Grand Canyon; Depart in the afternoon to Maqu Awancang Wetland, and check into Aba County Hotel in the evening

DAY 6: Aba County - Andou Temple - Lianbao Yeze - Gemo Temple - Aba County

Depart in the morning to visit the historic temple Andou Temple in Aba Prefecture, arrive in Lianbao Yeze in the morning, have fun, return to Aba County in the afternoon, and check into the Aba County Hotel

DAY7: Gelug Monastery - Chengdu

In the morning, go to Gelug Monastery, which is one of the three major Gelug monasteries in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province. After visiting, return to Chengdu

Recommended attractions

Zagana

Zagana is located in the north of the city of Diebu County, within the territory of Yiwa Township. In Tibetan, it means "in a stone box" and is a complete natural stone city. It is like a grand giant palace, a true paradise on earth

Langmu Temple

Langmu Temple is a place name, a small town jointly under the jurisdiction of Luqu County in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province and Ruoergai County in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. This small town, embraced by the sunshine of the plateau, is also known as the "Little Switzerland of the East"

Ruoergai Grassland

Ruoergai County is under the jurisdiction of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, where the people are simple and the tourism resources are abundant. It is a magnificent emerald embedded in the northwest boundary of Sichuan, known as the "oasis of the northwest plateau of Sichuan", and is one of the three major wetlands in China

1. Gannan Seven Day Tour: Embark on a Dream Journey

Gannan, this mysterious and beautiful land, is like a brilliant pearl embedded in the northwest of China. The charm of a seven day tour lies in its ability to fully appreciate the unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage of Gannan

2. Wonderful Route Planning

(1) Day 1: Gather in Lanzhou

Arriving in Lanzhou, this city where the Yellow River passes through the city, marks the beginning of the upcoming seven day tour in Gannan. Everyone gather at the designated location to collect travel materials and equipment, while getting to know their fellow travelers. The team leader will provide a detailed introduction to the arrangement and precautions of the entire itinerary, making everyone look forward to the future journey. In Lanzhou, you can also taste authentic Lanzhou Lamian Noodles noodles to save energy for the next trip. Everyone excitedly exchanged their longing for Gannan and looked forward to the upcoming dream journey

(2) The next day: Lanzhou to Langmu Temple

Starting from Lanzhou, on the way to Langmu Temple, the first stop will be the Amdo Cooperation Mirarepafo Pavilion. This Buddhist pavilion is magnificent, with nine floors and numerous Buddha statues and murals enshrined, showcasing the rich Tibetan * * culture. Continuing to the Sutra Banner Tunnel, the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind on the Meiren Grassland seem to be telling ancient stories. Saichi Temple in Gansu Province is located in Langmu Temple Town, where there are solemn temple buildings and a strong religious atmosphere. The Heavenly Burial Platform makes people feel the cycle and sanctity of life. Along the way, everyone was attracted by these unique attractions and deeply felt the profound cultural heritage of Gannan region

(3) Day 3: From Langmu Temple to Zagana

In the morning, head to Geldi Temple in Sichuan, which has a long history and unique architectural style. The scenery of Namo Grand Canyon is beautiful, with gurgling streams, like a beautiful landscape painting. Zagana Fairy Beach is a beautiful grassland, with distant peaks and villages complementing each other, making it an excellent location for capturing beautiful scenery. Here, everyone can fully appreciate the beauty of nature and culture, and feel the tranquility and peace of nature

<112. Then cross the Gannan Xiaoduku Highway (Y550), which is picturesque and offers breathtaking views of mountains and grasslands along the way. Ruoergai Flower Lake has clear water, with various flowers blooming on the surface, complementing the blue sky and white clouds. In the evening, come to the first bend of the Yellow River and enjoy the beautiful sunset scenery. As the sun sets in the west, the Yellow River presents a golden glow in the afterglow, making people intoxicated

(Fifth) Day: Tangke to Jiuzhi County

Manzetang Wetland is a vast grassland wetland with abundant water and grass, herds of cattle and sheep, and an ecological treasure trove of nature. The architecture of each temple is magnificent, and the temple preserves numerous precious cultural relics and classics. The Lianbao Yeze Scenic Area has unique mountain peaks and clear lakes, resembling a fairyland on earth. Here, everyone can fully experience the magic and beauty of nature

(Sixth) Day 6: From Jiuzhi to Xiahe County

The Awancang Wetland is vast and boundless, with the Yellow River meandering here, forming a unique landscape. Niangma Temple is solemn and sacred, attracting many believers to come. The Guomang Wetland has a beautiful ecological environment and is a habitat for migratory birds. As the most famous Tibetan temple in the Gannan region, Labrang Monastery has a profound historical background and a solemn atmosphere. On the Sangke grassland, cows and sheep are leisurely, and under the blue sky and white clouds, a beautiful picture of the grassland is displayed before my eyes

(Seventh) Day: From Xiahe to Lanzhou

Ganjia Secret Realm has unique landforms and ancient cultural relics. Scenic spots such as Bajiao City and Baishi Cliff make people feel the vicissitudes of history. Linxia Bafang Shisanxiang is a neighborhood full of ethnic characteristics, featuring traditional architecture, cuisine, and handicrafts. Donggongguan is a building with historical value, showcasing a unique architectural style. The Liujiaxia Dam is magnificent and one of the important water conservancy projects in China. Finally, returning to Lanzhou marks a successful conclusion to this seven day trip to Gannan

III. Analysis of Charming Scenic Spots

(1) Zagana

Zagana, known as the "Eastern Eden", is a brilliant pearl in Gannan. There are different characteristics throughout the four seasons here. Summer is the best tourist season in Zagana, with a pleasant climate and an average temperature between 15-30 ℃. At this moment, the green grass is lush, wildflowers are everywhere, and Gesang flowers are in full bloom, adding brilliant colors to the entire scenic area. The mountains are shrouded in clouds and mist, like a fairyland on earth. In autumn, the Zagana forest is dyed with layers of colors, with golden leaves and emerald green pine and cypress trees complementing each other, forming a colorful picture. In winter, Zagana is covered with white snow, as peaceful and beautiful as a fairy tale world

(II) Labrang Monastery

Labrang Monastery, located in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect in Tibetan Buddhism in China. It was founded by the First Panchen Lama in 1709. Labrang Monastery has a long history and profound cultural value, and is known as the "World Tibetan Academy"

(III) Langmu Temple

Langmu Temple is located at the border of Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan, and is a pure small town. Langmu Temple is divided into two parts, one is Sichuan Dachang Langmu Temple (Geldi Temple), and the other is Gansu Temple (Saichi Temple), facing each other across the White Dragon River

(IV) Mulberry Grassland

Mulberry Grassland is located in Xiahe, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, with an average altitude of over 3000 meters. It is one of the main animal husbandry bases in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

(V) Other attractions

1. Ganjia Secret Realm: Ganjia Secret Realm has unique landforms and ancient cultural relics. The octagonal city is mysterious and unpredictable, and its unique architectural style makes people feel the vicissitudes of history. Baishi Cliff is magnificent and magnificent, complementing the surrounding grassland scenery<
2. Manzetang Wetland: Manzetang Wetland is a vast grassland wetland with abundant water and grass, herds of cattle and sheep, and is an ecological treasure trove of nature. Various rare bird species inhabit here, adding vitality and energy to the wetland
3. Lianbao Yeze: Lianbao Yeze Scenic Area has unique mountain peaks and clear lakes. The mountain peaks here come in various shapes, some resembling swords piercing into the clouds, while others resemble magnificent castles. The lake is like a gemstone embedded in the mountains, with clear water that reaches the bottom and complements the surrounding mountains, like a fairyland on earth

IV. Travel Tips

(1) High altitude sickness

The average altitude in Gannan is over 3000 meters, and tourists may experience high altitude sickness such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, etc. To alleviate altitude sickness, tourists can take appropriate anti altitude sickness medications such as Hongjingtian before departure. After arriving in Gannan, avoid vigorous exercise, maintain good rest, drink plenty of water, and gradually adapt to the plateau climate. If the symptoms of altitude sickness are severe, seek medical attention promptly

(II) Weather Changes

The climate in Gannan is unpredictable, with large temperature differences between morning and evening. Tourists need to prepare clothes according to the weather forecast to prevent catching a cold. The temperature is higher in summer, but it may be cooler in the morning and evening, so it is necessary to bring a long sleeved jacket and pants. In winter, the temperature is relatively low, so it is necessary to prepare warm clothing such as thick cotton jackets and down jackets. In addition, there is more rainfall in the Gannan area, and tourists also need to bring rain gear

(III) Respect local customs

Gannan is a Tibetan settlement area, and tourists need to respect local customs and habits when visiting temples, residences, and other places. When entering the temple, take off your hat and sunglasses, and do not make loud noises. Do not touch religious objects such as Buddha statues, scriptures, bells and drums. For religious objects such as amulets and prayer beads that lamas carry with them, they are not allowed to touch them with their hands. Be quiet inside the temple, sit upright when seated, and avoid sitting on the seat of a living Buddha. When encountering religious facilities such as temples, manidui, pagodas, etc., one must detour from left to right. Offering Hada is the highest etiquette for Tibetan hospitality. When receiving Hada, tourists should take it with both hands and express gratitude

(IV) Food Safety

During your travels in Gannan, try to choose clean and hygienic restaurants and food to avoid food poisoning. Due to the high-altitude environment, try to avoid consuming foods that are too greasy and spicy. The characteristic cuisine of Gannan region includes Tibetan buns, butter tea, and hand pulled lamb. Tourists can taste these delicacies, but they should pay attention to food hygiene. At the same time, we should respect the local dietary habits and not force Tibetan people to eat foods such as fish, shrimp, chicken, and eggs that they do not eat

(V) Sunscreen and Moisturizing

The climate in Gannan is relatively dry, with strong ultraviolet radiation. Tourists need to do a good job of sun protection and moisture preservation, and carry sunscreen, lipstick, sunglasses, sun visors and other protective articles to keep their skin moist. When engaging in outdoor activities, it is important to replenish water in a timely manner to avoid dehydration

(VI) Environmental Awareness

During the tour, tourists need to take care of the environment, not litter, and protect the local ecological environment. The natural scenery in Gannan region is very beautiful, and we should work together to maintain its original appearance. At the same time, it is necessary to comply with the regulations of the scenic area, not to damage grassland vegetation, not to pick wildflowers, etc

V. Summary and Prospect

The seven day tour in Gannan is a journey full of surprises and emotions. During these seven days, we experienced the magnificent natural scenery of Gannan, from the vast and boundless Sanko grassland to the mysterious and unfathomable Ganjia secret realm, from the fairyland like Zagana to the solemn and sacred Labrang Temple, and then to the Langmu Temple, known as the "Little Switzerland". Each scenery was like a magnificent painting, making people intoxicated

We have experienced the profound cultural heritage. As the "World Tibetan Academy", Labrang Monastery's rich cultural heritage and long historical traditions make people full of awe towards Tibetan * * culture. The cultural integration of Langmu Temple showcases a beautiful scene of harmonious coexistence among different ethnic groups. The Tibetan customs on the Sangke grassland allow us to deeply experience the unique ethnic culture