Gannan: A Secret Realm Closest to Heaven

This is not Tibet, yet it holds the same devout faith; this is not Inner Mongolia, yet it boasts equally vast grasslands. Gannan, a pure land forgotten on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, reveals the purest beauty of nature and humanity in its own unique way. [Labrang Monastery] The Morning Bells and Evening Drums of the World Academy of Tibetan Studies The first rays of morning sunlight illuminate the golden roof of Labrang Monastery, as the chanting of thousands of lamas at morning prayers drifts into the distance with the smoke of burning juniper. As one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, with a history spanning over three hundred years, it preserves the world's most complete Tibetan Buddhist teaching system. Spin prayer wheels and follow in the footsteps of pilgrims along the 3.5-kilometer-long prayer corridor, immersing yourself in the power of faith. [Zagana] Eden in a Stone City Hidden among the mountains of Diebu County, Zagana, meaning "stone box" in Tibetan, features four Tibetan villages nestled within steep limestone mountains. Morning mist swirls through the mountains, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland. Hike along the Locke Trail, encountering alpine meadows, primeval forests, and crystal-clear streams in this sanctuary, recognized by *China National Geographic* as one of the "Top Ten Unknown Mountain Peaks." [Sangke Grassland] Gesar's Pasture Summer transforms the Sangke Grassland into a sea of flowers. Across the 70-kilometer stretch of meadow, Gesang flowers, dandelions, and various unnamed wildflowers bloom in vibrant profusion. Ride a horse across this most beautiful grassland in Gannan, stay in a black tent guesthouse, dance the Guozhuang around a bonfire at night, watch the herders milk their cows in the morning, and experience the authentic nomadic life of the Amdo Tibetans. [Lake Gahai] A Four-Season Scroll of a Birdwatcher's Paradise Gahai, the largest freshwater lake in Gannan, resembles a sapphire inlaid on the grassland. In spring and summer, nearly a hundred species of migratory birds, including black-necked cranes and swans, inhabit the area. During autumn, the golden reeds along the lake shore reflect the blue sky and white clouds. In winter, the frozen lake surface transforms into a fairytale world of ice and snow. Cycle around the lake, where every step reveals a picturesque view. [Langmusi] A Buddhist Town on the Banks of the Bailong River The town of Langmusi, straddling Gansu and Sichuan provinces, is bisected by the Bailong River. Sai Chi Monastery on the north bank and Gerdi Monastery on the south bank face each other across the river, where Tibetan, Hui, and Han communities coexist harmoniously. From the morning sky burial ceremony and the sunset at Red Stone Cliff to the apple pie at Lisa's Cafe, this town, known as "Little Switzerland of the East," offers countless reasons to linger. In Gannan, time slows down. Every snow-capped mountain tells ancient myths, every prayer flag chants the six-syllable mantra, and every scenic spot awaits your arrival. When you set foot on this land, you will understand why some say, "Gannan is the closest place to heaven."