Summer Vacation Self-Driving Route｜Gannan, with Scenery Comparable to Xinjiang

From July to September each year, Gannan is at its most splendid season. Vast green grasslands, blooming wildflowers, herds of cattle and sheep leisurely grazing, and distant towering snow-capped mountains. Mysterious Tibetan temples, like sanctuaries for the soul, invite you to embark on a journey of spiritual purification! We set off from Lanzhou, renting a car for a 6-day, 5-night trip through Gannan. The detailed itinerary is as follows: D1: Lanzhou - Ganjia Secret Land - Labrang Monastery, overnight in Xiahe D2: Xiahe - Sangke Grassland - Gahai Lake - Namo Grand Canyon, stay in Langmusi Town D3: Langmusi - First Bridge of the Yellow River - Awancang Wetland - Ningma Monastery, stay in Jiuzhi D4: Jiuzhi - Lianbaoyeze - Gemo Monastery - Nine Bends of the Yellow River, stay in Tangke D5: Tangke - Ruoergai Grassland (Flower Lake) - Zhagana, stay in Zhagana D6: Zhagana - Rock Road - Gongba Monastery - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou After returning, we organized the itinerary and recommended several must-visit spots: ✅Labrang Monastery: As one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, it is known as the "World Tibetan Academy." The world's longest prayer wheel, stretching 3.2 kilometers, attracts devout Tibetans and tourists alike. It was also a filming location for Feng Xiaogang's movie "A World Without Thieves." ✅Langmusi: Known as the "Little Switzerland of the East" and "Gannan Shangri-La." Langmusi is divided into two parts: Saichisi in the north, belonging to Luqu County, Gansu, and Gerdeng Monastery in the south, belonging to Ruoergai County, Sichuan. Climbing the nearby hills offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Langmusi Town. Gerdeng Monastery also houses a relic of a mummified Buddha, which is definitely worth seeing! ✅Lianbaoyeze: Known as Lianbaoyeze in Sichuan, while the Gansu side's Nianbaoyeze is permanently closed for environmental protection. It features unique peaks, glacial relics, snow-capped mountains, and lakes, with the highest altitude reaching 5141 meters. On the day we visited, it was snowing heavily! You can park your car at the Heiyuan Visitor Service Station and take the scenic shuttle bus to the 4520-meter viewing platform. The snowy Lianbaoyeze is uniquely beautiful! ✅First Bend of the Yellow River: The confluence and bend of the Yellow River and its tributary, the Bai River, offers spectacular scenery, earning the nickname "West Lake Beyond the Great Wall." The best time to visit is at sunset, when the beauty of the Yellow River is unparalleled. It is recommended to take the escalator to the viewing platform for a breathtaking view from above! ✅Zhagana: A naturally formed "stone city," its terrain resembles a grand palace or an ancient city built from natural rock walls. It is home to four Tibetan villages: Dongwa, Yeri, Dari, and Daiba. Be sure to stay overnight in one of the villages to enjoy the sunset in the evening and the morning mist, feeling like a paradise on earth. 🥣Food Guide: There are many local Tibetan restaurants, and if you are not accustomed to the food, you can choose Sichuan restaurants. Opt for non-spicy dishes in Sichuan restaurants, which are quite generous in portion size. A meal costs around 60-70 yuan per person, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. Precautions: 1. The climate in Gannan is variable, with significant temperature differences between morning and evening. It is recommended to bring warm clothing, such as a windbreaker or fleece jacket. 2. Some attractions are at high altitudes, which may cause altitude sickness. Prepare some anti-altitude sickness medication in advance. 3. Bring sun protection items, such as sunglasses and sunscreen, to protect your skin from UV rays. 4. When turning prayer wheels, rotate them clockwise. Also, follow the clockwise direction when moving within temples.