Here, you'll find the poetry and distance you've been longing for.

Zhagana, meaning "stone box" in Tibetan, is located in Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. It is a natural stone city surrounded by mountains and is known as a "paradise on earth." Here, you'll find not only magnificent natural scenery but also rich Tibetan culture, making it a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Below is a comprehensive guide to Zhagana, covering **Fairy Beach**, hiking routes, unique homestays, and food recommendations to help you plan the perfect trip. --- 🌄 Must-See Scenery: Fairy Beach Fairy Beach is Zhagana's landmark attraction. Located on the hillside opposite Dongwa Village, it is an open alpine meadow with excellent views overlooking the entire Zhagana village and the mist-shrouded peaks. 📸 Best Photo Spots - **Fairy Beach Meadow**: Ideal for sunset photography, the village and snow-capped mountains complement each other beautifully in the soft light. - **Fairy Lake** (1-hour hike): The clear lake reflects the snow-capped mountains and forests, perfect for morning photography. - **Dari Viewpoint**: Overlooking the entire Zhagana panorama, it's a classic spot for sunrise photography (although the actual sunrise is obscured by mountains, it's more suitable for capturing morning mist). 🚶‍♀️ Recommended Hiking Routes 1. **Easy Hike (2-3 hours)**: Dongwa Village → Fairy Beach → Fairy Lake (round trip approx. 5 km). 2. **In-depth Hike (1 day)**: Dongwa Village → Runwu Valley → Locke Viewpoint → Fairy Beach (suitable for photography enthusiasts). 3. **Backpacking Hike (2 days)**: Explore the stone forests and alpine lakes in the back mountains of Zhagana (guide or horse rental required). **Tips**: - The altitude is about 3,000 meters, avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness. - Wooden walkways are well-maintained, but some sections are steep, so wear non-slip shoes. --- 🏡 Recommended Unique Homestays Zhagana's four villages (Dongwa, Yeri, Dari, and Daiba) are distributed from low to high altitude, offering a variety of accommodation options: 1. Dongwa Village (most lively, with many restaurants) - **Bifucun Inn**: Cost-effective, well-regarded restaurant, around 100 yuan per person. - **Home Away From Home Inn**: Excellent viewing location, offers Tibetan breakfast. 2. Dari Village (best views, ideal for sightseeing) - **Tiancheng Gana Meiduo Homestay**: Overlooking the entire Zhagana, perfect for photography. - **Xuri View Hotel**: Close to the wooden walkway entrance, convenient for hiking. 3. Daiba Village (quietest, stargazing spot) - **Cloud Dwelling Tibetan Homestay**: Away from light pollution, perfect for capturing the Milky Way at night. **Tips**: Book 1 month in advance during peak season (July-August). Some homestays allow direct booking with the owner by phone. --- 🍲 Recommended Tibetan Cuisine 1. **Tibetan Hot Pot**: Yak beef, Tibetan pork with plateau vegetables in a rich broth. 2. **Lulang Stone Pot Chicken** (Linzhi specialty, but also available in some Zhagana restaurants): Stewed with medicinal herbs, nourishing and warming. 3. **Butter Tea & Tsampa**: Traditional Tibetan food, butter tea can alleviate altitude sickness. 4. **Scrambled Eggs with Nostoc**: Gansu specialty wild vegetable, unique taste. 5. **Hand-Grabbed Mutton**: Tender meat, seasoned with pepper and salt, bursting with flavor. **Recommended Restaurants**: - **Bifucun Restaurant** (Dongwa Village): Sichuan-Tibetan cuisine, around 70 yuan per person. - **Nomad's Tibetan Bar**: Tibetan decor, offers butter tea and yak beef. - **Mai Qingxiang Warm Pot** (controversial, confirm if it offers scenic views beforehand). --- 📅 Best Time to Visit - **June-September**: Lush grasslands, pleasant climate, ideal for hiking. - **October**: Brilliant autumn colors, the golden season for photography. --- 🚗 Transportation Guide - **By Air**: Fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, then transfer by bus or chartered car (approx. 6 hours). - **Self-drive**: Lanzhou → Hezuo → Diebu → Zhagana (good road conditions, but some mountain roads are narrow). - **By Train**: To Lanzhou/Hezuo Station, then transfer by bus. **Tips**: Zhagana is currently free of charge, but some attractions (such as Fairy Lake) may charge an environmental fee. --- 🌟 Summary Zhagana is a hidden gem that combines natural scenery, Tibetan culture, and outdoor adventure. Whether it's the sunset at Fairy Beach, the morning mist in the Tibetan villages, or the authentic Tibetan cuisine, you'll be immersed in the unique charm of this "stone box." **Recommended Itinerary (3 days, 2 nights)**: Day 1: Arrive in Zhagana, check in to Dongwa Village, stroll along Fairy Beach, and capture the sunset. Day 2: Hike to Fairy Lake or Runwu Valley, visit Dari Viewpoint in the afternoon. Day 3: Capture the morning mist, visit Lasang Temple, and depart. If time permits, combine your trip with the Gannan loop (Labrang Monastery, Langmusi Temple, and Lianbao Yeze). **📌 Important Notes**: - Respect Tibetan customs, photography is prohibited inside temples, and circumambulation should be clockwise. - High-altitude UV rays are strong, take sun protection measures. - The signal is weak in some areas, download offline maps. The beauty of Zhagana is worth exploring yourself! 🌄✨