Gannan: A Four-Day, Three-Night Spiritual Journey

🌲 Gannan, a Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture with both stunning scenery and spiritual significance, is located in the southwestern part of Gansu Province, China. Situated on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and the western Loess Plateau, it is known as the "Window to the Tibetan Plateau" and the "Springboard for Tibetan Modernization." 🍀 Gannan is often described as having "nine colors of beauty" and is praised as a pure and holy wonderland—Shambhala. With an average elevation of 2,900 meters, the risk of altitude sickness is lower here than in Tibet. Moreover, Gannan offers all the natural wonders found in Tibet, including lakes, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and forests, making it a photographer's paradise. Locals often say that Gannan has everything Tibet has, except for altitude sickness. 🚏 While the Great Northwest Loop of Gansu and Qinghai is well-known, the smaller, spiritually rich loop through Gannan is often overlooked, resulting in fewer tourists. 🕹 I booked a four-day tour that covered most of the must-see spots. Here's a sample itinerary: D1: Lanzhou - Milarepa Monastery - Guomang Wetland - Zhagana D2: Zhagana Sunrise - Flower Lake - First Bend of the Yellow River - Langmusi D3: Langmusi - Sangke Grassland - Horseback Riding - Labrang Monastery - Xiahe D4: Xiahe - Ganjia Secret Realm - Bajiao City - Lanzhou 🔖 Recommended attractions and photo spots: 🔵 Labrang Monastery Labrang, meaning "residence of the Living Buddha," is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Known as the "World Tibetan Academy," it is considered the "Tsinghua and Peking University" of Tibetan Buddhism. 🟢 Langmusi Langmusi is not a single monastery but a town spanning the border of Sichuan and Gansu provinces. Nicknamed the "Switzerland of the East," it is divided by the Bailong River, with a Langmusi town on each side. Visiting one is sufficient, and the Gansu side is recommended as it's free, while the Aba Prefecture side charges an entrance fee. 🟡 Zhagana This Tibetan village, nestled among mountains, features Tibetan-style wooden houses built on a hillside. Surrounded by undeveloped peaks and often shrouded in mist, it offers breathtaking views. 🟠 First Bend of the Yellow River While Bayinbuluk is said to have China's most beautiful sunset, the most stunning sunset in Sichuan is at the First Bend of the Yellow River in Tangke. Few know that the Yellow River flows through Sichuan. The sunset view from the observation deck is truly awe-inspiring! 🔴 Sangke Grassland ☁️ In summer, Sangke Grassland is a vibrant tapestry of green grass, grazing livestock, and colorful wildflowers. 🆘 Tips: 🟨 Avoid strenuous activity and refrain from washing your hair to prevent catching a cold, which can worsen altitude sickness. 🟩 Protect yourself from the strong UV rays and be prepared for significant temperature differences between day and night. 🟦 If you're visiting Flower Lake, consider skipping Sangke Grassland as they offer similar scenery. 🟧 The best time to visit Gannan is from June to September.