Gannan

All of the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, bringing together Labrang Monastery, Langmusi, Zhagana and the First Bend of the Yellow River grasslands, the best of Amdo Tibetan country.

This region corresponds to "Gannan" among Gansu's five regions, namely the whole of the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, including Hezuo City and the counties of Xiahe, Luqu, Maqu, Diebu, Zhuoni, Lintan and Zhouqu. Note that the Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, also known for its ethnic culture, is counted under Central Gansu here and is not part of Gannan. Gannan lies on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and is an important part of Amdo Tibetan country. The top attraction is Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, whose prayer-wheel corridor and Buddha-unfurling ceremonies are deeply moving. The Milarepa Buddhist Pavilion in Hezuo is also worth a look. Langmusi straddles Gansu and Sichuan, with its monasteries set against the Bailong River gorge, and Zhagana in Diebu is ringed by mountains, with a distinctive landscape of stone fortress and Tibetan village farmland. In Maqu the Yellow River forms its "First Bend Under Heaven", surrounded by vast grassland wetlands, while Yeliguan in Lintan is known for forests, lakes and Danxia landforms and is a summer retreat near Lanzhou. The classic route is a self-drive loop from Lanzhou: Lanzhou–Xiahe–Hezuo–Luqu–Langmusi–Zhagana–Maqu, recommended for 5–7 days, with possible stops at Gahai Lake in Luqu and Lazikou in Diebu. For transport, Gannan Xiahe Airport has a few flights, and most visitors come by bus or self-drive from Lanzhou. Elevations are generally around 3,000 m, so guard against altitude sickness and strong ultraviolet radiation, and bring warm clothes for the big temperature swings between morning and evening in summer. In monasteries, respect religious customs, walk clockwise around prayer circuits, and ask permission before taking photos.

Destinations

Itineraries