Recommended Gannan Six-Day Self-Drive Tour: The Road to Zhagana Rock

Here is an optimized six-day self-drive tour route in Gannan, with practical advice and tips to make your trip smoother: D1: Lanzhou → Huangtao Confluence → Liujiaxia Bridge → Hezuo City Highlights Huangtao Confluence: Recommended for drone photography, a spectacular confluence of two rivers (navigate to 'Longhui World' viewing platform). Liujiaxia Bridge: Stop at the viewing platforms along the way for photos, and pay attention to safety. Tips Hezuo City is at an altitude of about 3000 meters, avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival. For dinner, try Tibetan cuisine, such as Tsampa or Yak Meat Hotpot. Accommodation: Stay in Hezuo City. D2: Hezuo → Milarepa Buddha Pavilion → Rock Road → Zhagana Highlights Milarepa Buddha Pavilion: The only nine-story pavilion dedicated to the founders of various Tibetan Buddhist sects, shoes must be removed to enter. Rock Road (G248): The journey takes 5-6 hours, with the best section from 'Guanggaishan' to Zhagana, mostly gravel roads, SUVs are preferred. Tips Book accommodation in Zhagana in advance, recommended in Yeri Village or Dari Village scenic homestays. There is no signal on Rock Road, download offline maps in advance and bring enough food. D3: Zhagana → Xiao Duku → Ruoergai Flower Lake → First Bend of the Yellow River → Tangke Highlights Zhagana Sunrise: Capture the morning light at Dari Viewing Platform. Xiao Duku (550 County Road): Traverse canyon pastures, be cautious on narrow sections. First Bend of the Yellow River Sunset: Take the elevator to the viewing platform (ticket + elevator 105 yuan). Tips Ruoergai Flower Lake is most beautiful in summer (June-August), scenery is less impressive in other seasons, adjust stop time accordingly. Tangke Town is at an altitude of 3500 meters, choose a hotel with oxygen supply. D4: Tangke → Lianbaoyeze → Gemo Temple → Jiuzhi County Highlights Lianbaoyeze: A magical stone mountain scenic area, drive to 'Zhagaer Lake' entrance, hike 20 minutes (altitude 4200 meters, bring oxygen tank). Gemo Temple: Houses the world's largest indoor Maitreya Buddha statue (37 meters), free admission. Tips Weather in Lianbaoyeze is unpredictable, bring windproof jackets and rain gear. Accommodation in Jiuzhi County is limited, recommended hotels in Zhiqingsongduo Town. D5: Jiuzhi → Niangma Temple → Langmu Temple → Gahai Lake → Xiahe Highlights Niangma Temple: The world's largest prayer wheel (50 meters high), you can participate in turning the wheel. Langmu Temple: Divided into Sichuan (Gerti Temple) and Gansu (Saichi Temple), you can hike Namo Canyon from the Sichuan temple. Gahai Lake: If the reserve is closed, you can view the wetland scenery from G213. Tips Stay near Labrang Monastery in Xiahe. D6: Xiahe → Labrang Monastery → Ganga Secret Land → Lanzhou Highlights Labrang Monastery: The world's longest prayer corridor (3.5 kilometers), the best experience is during morning prayers. Ganga Secret Land: Baishiya Canyon + Bajiao Ancient City, drone photography is more impressive. Tips Labrang Monastery guide fee is about 50 yuan per group, for an in-depth understanding of Tibetan culture. Ganga Secret Land has narrow and winding roads, drive carefully, return to Lanzhou before dusk. ⚠️ General Tips 1. Vehicle: Preferably SUV/off-road vehicle, bring snow chains (rainy season/winter). 2. Altitude Sickness: High altitudes in Lianbaoyeze, Tangke, etc., avoid running, bring Rhodiola. 3. Road Conditions: Check with local hotels or 'Gansu Traffic' WeChat public account before departure to confirm if Rock Road is passable. 4. Cultural Respect: No photography inside temples, turn prayer wheels clockwise. 5. Environmental Protection: Do not litter, protect the grassland ecosystem. Alternative Plan If Rock Road is closed, take G316 via Min County to Zhagana. If time permits, add a short stop at 'Guomang Wetland' on D5. This route balances nature and culture, and can be adjusted flexibly to cope with weather changes. Have a pleasant trip! If you have any other needs, feel free to ask.