Must-Visit This Summer: Step into the Dreamlike Realm of Gannan
🌞This summer, be sure to add Gannan to your travel list! Gannan, a land brimming with endless charm and mystery, where vast grasslands contrast with azure skies, and ancient temples bear the marks of time. Setting foot here feels like entering a dreamscape, where your heart becomes enchanted, embarking on a wondrous journey for the soul.
💫Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, located in the southwest of Gansu Province, boasts stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique folk customs. Here are some must-visit attractions in Gannan:
1. **Labrang Monastery**: Situated in Xiahe County, Gannan, it is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, renowned as the "World's Tibetan Studies Center." It features the world's longest prayer wheel corridor, where visitors can participate in the prayer wheel ritual, experiencing the solemnity and mystique of religion.
2. **Langmusi**: Langmusi is actually the name of a small town straddling the borders of Sichuan and Gansu provinces, often called the "Switzerland of the East." A narrow creek called the Bailong River, less than 2 meters wide, runs through the town. On the north bank is the Sertri Monastery in Luqu County, Gansu, while the south bank is home to the Kirti Monastery under Ruoergai County, Sichuan.
3. **Zagana**: Zagana is a natural "stone city," colloquially known as the "Palace of the King of Hell." Its terrain resembles both a grand palace and a complete ancient city built by natural rock walls. Here, you’ll find unique Tibetan villages and breathtaking natural scenery, with sunrise and sunset views not to be missed.
4. **Sangke Grassland**: Located in Xiahe County, Gannan, this is a natural alpine meadow grassland. Surrounded by mountains and traversed by the gentle Daxia River, the land is lush with water and grass, supporting thriving herds of cattle and sheep. Summer is the most beautiful season, with blooming flowers, verdant grass, and flocks of sheep dotting the undulating green expanse like a poetic painting.
5. **Gahai Lake**: As the largest plateau lake in Gannan, Gahai Lake is like a jewel on the grassland. The water is pure and clear, surrounded by vast wetlands teeming with birds. The reflection of blue skies and white clouds on the lake’s surface, along with the fresh air and serene scenery, makes it a must-visit.
6. **Ganjia Secret Land**: This is an undeveloped, off-the-beaten-path gem in Gannan, with picturesque landscapes. Along the way, you’ll encounter many mysterious sights, including the Octagonal Ancient City, Zuohai Temple, White Cliff Temple, and the Denisovan Cave Ruins—perfect for a road trip.
7. **Maqu Grassland**: Maqu Grassland is a pristine wetland grassland and the closest to any city. With well-preserved ecology, abundant water and grass, and herds of cattle and sheep, it’s where local Tibetan communities have lived for generations. It’s also famous as the birthplace of the "Hequ Horse" and an ideal summer retreat.