Gannan—One of the must-visit places in a lifetime

Rated by National Geographic as one of the must-visit places in a lifetime June 5-9 is not the best season for Gannan, but we still set off on our journey, turning all the places we longed for into paths we have walked. Here is the itinerary: Day 1: Lanzhou Airport - Meiren Grassland - Hezuo Accommodation on 6/5: Vienna International Hotel Xiangbala Plaza Branch Day 2: Hezuo - Rock Road - Zhagana Accommodation on 6/6: Zhagana Yunshang Ejie Homestay Day 3: Zhagana (Fairy Beach hiking) - Langmu Temple - (via National Highway 345) Maqu County Accommodation on 6/7: Maqu Xueyu Jin Zhu Hotel (We made a mistake in the travel plan here; we should have stayed in Xiaqu, so the next day’s trip to Labrang Monastery wouldn’t be so long and would save a lot of time. We stayed in Maqu, so the next day’s visit to Bingling Temple was too late. It’s possible to just view it from outside, but it’s a pity.) Day 4: Maqu - Labrang Monastery - Huangtao Confluence - Bingling Temple Grottoes - Lanzhou Accommodation on 6/8: Lanzhou Days Wyndham Hotel Day 5: Casual stroll in Lanzhou, buy some local specialties and return to Hangzhou Notes for traveling in Gannan: 1) The weather in early June is still a bit cold, be sure to bring a windbreaker or a thin down jacket. The temperature difference is large, so use the onion layering method and carry layers all year round. 2) Pay attention to sun protection; the ultraviolet rays on the plateau are very strong. 3) It is recommended to hire a car with a driver in Gannan. The road conditions are special, and it is safer to find a local driver. We rented a five-day Buick seven-seater for 5600 RMB. 4) The distances between attractions are quite long, so be mentally prepared. Rock Road is very exhausting with poor road conditions. It is not recommended to take this route in early June; the scenery is not as beautiful as imagined. 5) The heating in Gannan is already turned off in June. When booking hotels, ask if there is air conditioning. The hotel we stayed at in Maqu had no air conditioning, only electric blankets. 6) If you are afraid of altitude sickness, it is recommended to buy an oxygen pillow or get oxygen refills at local hospitals. This has a higher oxygen content and is convenient to use in the car during the trip. 7) Temple taboos: ask for permission before photographing monks, and turn prayer wheels clockwise. Finally finished organizing my notes on Gannan, haha Gannan is a place that lacks oxygen but not faith.