—Meeting the Pastoral Song at the Edge of Qinghai-Tibet

🌤️ Best Time to Visit - June-August: Grassland is at its greenest, wildflowers bloom, cool climate (15-25°C), perfect for horseback riding and camping. - September-October: Golden autumn grass, first snow on mountains, fewer tourists, excellent for photography. - Avoid rainy season: Occasional showers in late July-August, bring waterproof gear. --- 🚗 Transportation 1. Self-driving (recommended): - From Lanzhou (about 4 hours) via Linxia to Xiahe County, then 20 minutes drive to reach the grassland. - Gannan circuit can connect attractions like Labrang Monastery, Langmusi Temple, and Zhagana. 2. Public transportation: - Take a bus from Lanzhou South Bus Station to Xiahe County (about 3.5 hours), then hire a car to the grassland (about 50 yuan/car). --- 🎫 Tickets and Fees - Entrance: Free (some herdsmen's pastures require 10-20 yuan environmental protection fee). - Horse/yak riding experience: 50-100 yuan/hour (negotiable). - Tibetan tent accommodation: About 80-150 yuan/person (including simple meals). --- 📸 Must-Try Experiences 1. Horseback riding across the grassland: Led by local herdsmen, explore wetlands and flower seas (2-hour route recommended). 2. Tibetan tent camping: Overnight on the grassland, stargazing, bonfire parties, drinking butter tea. 3. Visit herdsmen's homes: Experience milking yaks, making butter, wearing Tibetan robes for photos. 4. Prayer flag blessing: Hang prayer flags at viewpoints overlooking the entire grassland. 5. Photography spots: - Sunrise/sunset: Light shining on the winding Xiahe River. - Black yak herds: Moving "ink dots" on the grassland. - Tibetan Buddhist white pagodas: Creating stark contrast with the green wilderness. --- 🏕️ Accommodation Recommendations - Grassland tent camps: - Sangke Wetland Camp: Near wetlands, offers Tibetan meals (150 yuan per person including breakfast). - Norden Camp (high-end): Luxury tents, advance booking required (3000+ yuan/night during peak season). - Xiahe County: - Budget hotels (200-400 yuan/night), convenient for visiting Labrang Monastery the next day. --- 🍜 Food Recommendations - Must-try Tibetan cuisine: Tsampa, yak meat hotpot, yogurt (with white sugar), butter tea. - In Xiahe County: - Snowman Palace Tibetan Restaurant: Authentic hand-pulled lamb, Tibetan buns. - Gensang Quzhen Tibetan Bar: Good value, recommended ginseng fruit rice. --- ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Altitude sickness: Elevation over 3000m, avoid strenuous activities, bring oral glucose solution. 2. Sun protection and warmth: Strong UV rays, large temperature differences between day and night, bring jacket, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 3. Respect customs: - Circle white pagodas/prayer flags clockwise. - Don't photograph herdsmen or monastery interiors without permission. 4. Eco-friendly travel: Don't trample grasslands, take your trash with you. --- 📅 Recommended Itinerary (2 days, 1 night) Day 1: Lanzhou → Xiahe (lunch) → Sangke Grassland horseback riding → Tibetan dinner → Camping and stargazing Day 2: Grassland sunrise → Labrang Monastery visit → Return to Lanzhou --- ✨ The beauty of Sangke Grassland lies in its pristine tranquility. Whether galloping on horseback or sitting quietly listening to the wind, this place will help you forget the hustle and bustle of city life.