[2024 Luqu Attraction] Travel Guide for Langmu Temple (Updated Sep)
No.4 of Best Things to Do in Gannan
Towns
Address:
Langmusizhen, Luqu, Gannan, Gansu, China, 747205
Opening times:
Opens at 08:00-19:30(Admission ends at 19:30)Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 days
Langmu Temple | Gannan must pass the pilgrimage site
Some people say "Do not come to Langmu Temple, equal to not to Gannan", which shows the importance of this Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Gannan. Langmu Temple is generally planned to travel in Gannan or North Sichuan. It is close to the Gannan Labrang Monastery to the north and the Zoige Grassland to the south.
[Recommended travel itinerary]
arrive at Langmu Temple at noon on the first day. In the afternoon, visit the Gedi Temple in Sichuan, then walk to the Bailongjiang Gorge and stay in the town at night. The next morning, I went to the Gandan Sai Chi Temple in Gansu. After that, you can take the Noons shuttle bus to leave Langmu Temple and go to other attractions in Gannan.
[What can I experience here?
1 Langmu Temple Riding
Langmu Temple There is a horse-riding tour nearby. The horse team has a consultation shop in the town. The price ranges from 150-400 yuan. The horse-riding destination includes the source of Bailongjiang and Hongshi. Cliffs, flowers and other places.
2 Langmu Temple celestial burial
is biased toward Gansu in Langmu Temple. There is a celestial burial platform on the back hill of Saiji Temple. The celestial burial in this area is more open and can be viewed by tourists. If you have the consent of your family, you can take pictures.
3 Turning the mountains and turning the water to the stupa
Tibetan people's devout faith is the snow lotus in the sky, full of pure to pure. They are kind and simple, and they only turn for the faith. An ancient turn of the road outside Xiahe Labrang Monastery is a lap I have to go to the Labrang Monastery every time. This is also one of my favorite temples.
Tango.
Langmusi.
Langmusi is built on a mountain. Unlike Labrang Monastery, the surrounding natural scenery is more beautiful. The nearby temple is golden and magnificent, with incense curling up and many believers. The distant mountains are lush and green. A small stream runs through Langmu Village, adding a sense of vitality and agility.
Samuel Hill23
Gannan 4-Day Tour Guide Sisters, hurry up and save it
Babies, here comes the Gannan 4-day tour guide! Essential attractions, must-eat delicacies, all in one article, hurry up and collect it! 🌈
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Travel Route:
DAY1: Huangtao Confluence Viewing Platform - Ganga Secret Realm - Labrang Monastery
On the first day of exploration, admire the spectacular confluence of Huangtao, explore the wonders of Ganga Secret Realm, and finally visit the solemn and majestic Labrang Monastery to experience the profound Buddhist culture.
DAY2: Sangke Grassland - Gansu Gahai Zecha Nature Reserve - Gahai Lake - Langmu Temple Town
On the second day, stroll through Sangke Grassland, appreciate the vastness and natural beauty of the grassland; visit Gahai Lake to feel the tranquility and harmony of nature; arrive at Langmu Temple Town in the evening to experience the unique charm of the Tibetan town.
DAY3: Ruoergai Flower Lake Ecotourism Area
On the third day, spend the whole day touring Ruoergai Flower Lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains, and experiencing the joy of ecotourism and the gifts of nature.
DAY4: Zhagana - Anduo Cooperation Temple Milarepa Buddha Pavilion
On the last day, explore the mysterious land of Zhagana, appreciate its unique natural scenery and cultural landscape; then visit the Milarepa Buddha Pavilion of the Anduo Cooperation Temple to feel the profound heritage of Tibetan Buddhism and the beauty of architecture.
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Little tips:
- Food: Gannan's Tibetan yogurt and zanba are a must-try, with unique flavors, don't miss them! 🍶🥣
- Airport transportation: Xiahe Airport is close to the scenic spots, but there are few flights, so plan your trip in advance. ✈️🚗
- Specialty prices: When buying specialties in Gannan, compare several stores, as prices may vary. 🛍️💰
- Altitude sickness: Gannan has a high altitude, so be aware of altitude sickness and prepare medicines. 💊🏔️
- Sun protection and warmth: The sunlight is strong and the temperature difference between day and night is large, so be well prepared for sun protection and warmth. ☀️🧣
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The secret realm of Gannan is waiting for you to explore, don't miss it! Click to follow for more exciting travel guides, all at your fingertips!
Aiden91 Simmons - Ace
Gannan
Gannan, officially known as Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is located in the southwestern part of Gansu Province. It lies at the transitional zone between the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the western part of the Loess Plateau. It is the junction of Tibetan and Han cultural regions, known as the "Window of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau" and the "Springboard for Tibetan Modernization".
Gannan is the best travel destination for a first experience of the Tibetan region. In this area, with an average altitude of only 3000 meters, you won't be troubled by altitude sickness. The pleasant climate allows you to fully enjoy the blue sky, green grass, and the soul-stirring devout faith. Gannan is a paradise lost on earth.
Hezuo: The capital of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, with multiple buses directly to Lanzhou, Xiahe Labrang Monastery, and Luqu Langmu Monastery.
Xiahe: It holds a very important position in Gannan tourism, being the location of the famous Labrang Monastery. The vast majority of tourists to Gannan choose to transit through Xiahe.
Labrang Monastery: Labrang Monastery is a representative of tourism in Xiahe County, Gannan Prefecture. It is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect and the religious center of the Amdo Tibetan region, housing the world's largest Tibetan academic institution.
Langmu Monastery: Langmu Monastery is the name of a small town, known as the "Little Switzerland of the East." The town is divided by the Bailong River (a small stream) into two parts: the northern bank belongs to Luqu, Gansu, and the southern bank belongs to Ruoergai, Sichuan.
The best time to travel to Gannan is from June to August. During this period, the average temperature in Gannan is 10-20°C, the warmest time of the year. The green grass, wildflowers, lush pastures, and vibrant colors make it the best time to appreciate the plateau scenery. It is a time not to be missed.
Gannan is located on the plateau, with significant temperature differences between day and night. Even in the warmest months of July and August, you need to wear fleece jackets, light sweaters, or coats in the morning and evening, while long and short-sleeved T-shirts are suitable for noon. The plateau's strong ultraviolet rays make sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and umbrellas essential.
NomadSoul
A temple you must visit in this lifetime, every casual shot is like National Geographic
Langmu Temple is not just a temple, but a sacred place located in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It gathers two famous monasteries—Geerdi Monastery in Sichuan and Saichi Monastery in Gansu, serving as an important religious activity center for the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the golden roofs and red walls shine brightly in the sunlight, as if they are the gateway to heaven.
🏞️【Itinerary】🏞️
Day 1: Arrive at Langmu Temple Town, check into a characteristic Tibetan guesthouse, and experience the rich Tibetan style.
Day 2: In the morning, head to Saichi Monastery, listen to the monks chanting, and feel the purification of the soul; in the afternoon, explore Geerdi Monastery and admire the exquisite murals and sculptures.
Day 3: Hike to the source of the Bailong River, enjoy the magnificent natural scenery along the way, and choose to camp or return to the town in the evening.
🍽️【Food Recommendations】🍽️
1. Tibetan Yogurt: Rich and fragrant, a must-try delicacy in Langmu Temple.
2. Tsampa: A traditional food made from barley flour, with a unique taste and rich nutrition.
3. Highland Beef: Fresh and delicious, the best choice to replenish energy.
🛣️【Transportation Guide】🛣️
Depart from Lanzhou, take a long-distance bus directly to Langmu Temple, the whole journey takes about 8 hours. You can also first reach Hezuo City or Diebu County, then transfer to a local bus or rent a car to get there, enjoying the magnificent scenery of the Gannan grassland along the way.
📸【Photography Tips】📸
The best shooting times are early morning and dusk, when the light is soft and the colors are saturated, capturing the most touching moments of the temples and mountains.
✨【Travel Tips】✨
1. Respect local cultural customs, take off your hat when entering the temple, and do not make loud noises.
2. In high-altitude areas, pay attention to sun protection and warmth, and carry high-altitude reaction medications.
3. Protect the environment, do not litter, and respect nature.
Langmu Temple, a place where the soul can be purified, awaits every heart longing for exploration. Come here and find your own peace and inspiration!
WandererSpirit
Wow! Gannan, rated as a must-visit by , is absolutely amazing!
🙆♂️Lately, I've been pondering which places in China are worth revisiting. Flipping through the photos I took in Gannan last summer, it's just too incredible! Not many people know about this hidden gem, and I discovered it from a recommendation in !
🧳Pre-trip preparation:
1⃣️Few people: Hardly anyone around me knows , easy to avoid crowds.
2⃣️Great value: A bowl of noodles for 15 yuan, loaded with beef, very satisfying. Last year, I bought a Tibetan outfit for 🌸15 yuan, perfect for taking photos🎥.
3⃣️Beautiful scenery: Snow mountains, the Milky Way, grasslands🌴, highways, cattle and sheep, the Yellow River, and misty secret realms - all the beautiful scenes you can think of are here.
4⃣️Driving is not tiring: Compared to Xinjiang, 🌦 about 3 hours of self-driving each day.
🗓Itinerary:
D1: Lanzhou - Gannan Secret Realm - Dazong Lake - Stay in Xiahe
D2: Xiahe - Sangke Grassland - Zhagana - Stay in Zhagana
D3: Zhagana - Ruoergai Grassland - First Bend of the Yellow River - Stay in Tangke
D4: Tangke - Lianbaoyeze - Stay in Jiuzhi
D5: Jiuzhi - Ningma Temple - Maqu - Stay in Langmusi
D6: Langmusi - Gahai Lake - Lanzhou
🏨Hotel environment:
Xiahe: , conveniently located, beautiful surroundings, clean and tidy rooms, attentive service.
Zhagana: , where you can enjoy the stunning scenery of Zhagana, rooms are warmly decorated, great value.
📝Attention tips:
▶️Strong UV rays, bring an umbrella, which can protect against both sun and rain.
▶️The food here is spicy, remember to bring medicine for stomachaches, and ask the owner to put less spice when ordering.
▶️❗️Be sure to book the B&B one month in advance❗️
▶️Carry some cash, in case of poor signal in some places.
✅Must experience:
Lanzhou Western Great Wall Film and TV City🌟🌟🌟🌟
Many people only know about Lanzhou noodles, but there's a film and TV city just 5 minutes away from Lanzhou airport, with Egyptian and Greek architecture recreated at 1:1 scale. If you're transferring through Lanzhou, it's recommended to take a look.
Ticket: 50 yuan
Time: Half a day
Gannan Secret Realm🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
It's recommended to stay in a nearby B&B, where you can watch the Milky Way at night and the cliff sunrise in the morning, the view from God's perspective is simply breathtaking!
Ticket: Free
Time: Half a day if not staying at a B&B
Sangke Grassland🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Highly recommended! The whole way is filled with stunning Windows wallpaper-like scenery, absolutely gorgeous!
Ticket: Free
Time: 2 hours
Zhagana🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Enshrouded in mist, it's like a fairyland on earth. The moment you open the curtains in the morning, you feel as if you're in heaven.
Ticket: Free
Time: 1 day
Lianbaoyeze🌟🌟🌟🌟
China's own 'Devil's Land', deep in the secret realm is a lake as blue as a sapphire, comparable to Daocheng.
Ticket: Free
Time: 1 day
Labrang Monastery/Ningma Temple/Langmusi🌟🌟🌟
A paradise for Tibetan culture enthusiasts, home to the world's largest and longest prayer wheel, also the filming location of 'A World Without Thieves'.
Ticket: Free
Time: Half a day each
says_vasquez
Langmu Temple in Oriental Switzerland
🌿Langmu Temple is both a place name and a temple name, located at the junction of Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai provinces.
🧩In the middle of Langmu Temple Town, there is a small creek of Bailong River less than 2 meters wide. To the north of the creek is Saichi Temple in Gannan, also called Langmu Temple. With large areas of golden roofs and yellow and white walls, it looks magnificent under the sunlight, and the entrance is free. To the south of the creek is the gray and white Geerdi Temple, also known as Sichuan Langmu Temple, with an entrance fee of 30 yuan per ticket.
🧩Gannan's Langmu Temple leads to the direction of the sky burial platform. Many crows hover in the sky here and often perch in rows on the eaves of the temple. On the surrounding rocky mountains, you can see many eagle nests, and eagles often soar in the sky. The scenery is very spectacular.
🧩On the Sichuan side of Langmu Temple, there are many attractions such as Tiger Cave, Fairy Cave, Langmu Temple Grand Canyon, and the relics of the flesh Buddha.
🧩The two temples are different from each other but very close, and you can visit both to experience them. Inside, there are many exquisite murals, Buddha statues, and you can also see the daily life of Tibetan monks.
🧩The two temples face each other across the river, surrounded by grasslands, forests, hills, and red cliffs, making the scenery very beautiful.
🧩The altitude here is above 3000 meters, so avoid strenuous activities during the visit to prevent altitude sickness.
⛰️Attraction: Langmu Temple
📍Address: Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province
North of Ala's Home Folk Hotel, Provincial Road 313, Luqu County
🎫Ticket: 30 yuan
✈️Transportation: Self-driving is recommended
🅿️Parking: 5-10 yuan per time for small cars
OutdoorOasisOdyssey
Gannan | Let me take this first step
Recommended my Gannan 6-day small loop:
Lanzhou—Labrang Monastery—Ganjia Secret Realm—Baishiyagou Canyon—Xiahe
Accommodation: Xiahe County
Xiahe—Sangke Wetland—Guomang Wetland—Namo Grand Canyon—Langmu Temple Accommodation: Langmu Temple Town
Langmu Temple—Gongsaierkamu Road—World's Largest Prayer Wheel—Lianbao Yezhe—Aba Accommodation: Aba County
Aba—Hongyuan Grassland—Waqie Tashilhunpo—First Bend of the Yellow River—Tangke Accommodation: Tangke Town
Tangke—Zoige Grassland—Zhagana Accommodation: Zhagana Scenic Area
Zhagana—Dari Viewing Platform—Watershed—Lanzhou
Overall, the trip is quite relaxing and comfortable.
Calm Isabella~Cook32
Langmusi | The source of the Bailong River favored by the light of the sky and the shadows of the clouds
| The source of the Bailong River favored by the light of the sky and the shadows of the clouds. Langmusi | The source of the Bailong River favored by the light of the sky and the shadows of the clouds
👍Most recommended:
🌟Highlights:
The White Dragon emerges from the tiger's lair, still hiding the myriad landscapes within the countryside.
Traveling south from Lanzhou to the deepest part of Gannan Prefecture, one can hear the roaring sound of the source of the Bailong River from afar, and this beautiful mountain basin is Langmusi Town.
The ethnic groups living on both sides of the Die Mountains are very complex, and Langmusi Town is no exception. Here, compared to the pure Tibetan cultural areas, there is more of a Hehuang cultural flavor, which can be seen from the Hezhou-style mosque with strong ethnic features standing in the center of the town. However, the heart of the town is still the Dacang Namocui Gerdeng Temple and the Sich Temple, both of which belong to the Gelug sect, but there are very complex differences between them.
The rich folklore, the atmosphere that is not overly commercialized, and the unique scenery make Langmusi Town uniquely charming. Leaving the temple, walking into the deep Namocui Gorge amidst the curling smoke, one can ponder the ultimate destination of this stream — Chongqing Chaotianmen.
Gerdeng Temple
The name Langmusi is the alias of this temple on the Sichuan side. Compared to the glittering Sich Temple on the opposite bank, Gerdeng Temple is more restrained. However, the influence of this temple should not be underestimated; it has a significant impact in both Aba and Gannan prefectures, with eighteen branch temples and hundreds of monks. Although there are many halls in the temple, not many are open to the public, only the Langmusi Cultural Museum and the Zunsheng Hall are available for visiting. Inside the Zunsheng Hall, there is a revered flesh body relic.
Walking to the back mountain of the temple, one can overlook the town, where many monks and locals stroll, and many deer play among them, adding a touch of wilderness. If you know a local, you can ask them to lead you into the temple, which can save you the ticket price.
Sich Temple
This temple, belonging to Gansu, is probably the first impression most people have of Langmusi. This temple is a branch of the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Lhasa. The magnificent halls stretch down the hillside, with the golden hall echoing the small town under the sunlight and the distant red cliffs, solemn and beautiful. There are more halls open here, and one can spend an entire afternoon touring.
Namocui Gorge
Walking into the deep mountains in the direction of the Sichuan temple, one reaches the source of the Bailong River in the gorge. Not far into the valley, one can see a tower with arrows, marking the location of the Fairy Cave. The name 'Langmu' originates from a peculiar stalactite in the Fairy Cave that resembles a fairy. Legend has it that fierce tigers once roamed here, and after being enlightened by the Guru Rinpoche, they transformed into fairies to guard the area and gained the faith of the people. Going deeper into the gorge, one enters a local pasture, where one can also ride horses and enjoy the gorge, making it suitable for a leisurely day of hiking.
The town of Langmusi is equally lively and harmonious, with a mosque from the late Qing Dynasty.
The 313 provincial road runs through the town, and at the fork of the provincial road and the main street of the town, one can wait for buses to Lanzhou, Xiahe, and other places.
JamesonBrennan74
Gannan tourism, regret knowing too late! Crossing the Lork Road|||
|||. Gannan tourism, regret knowing too late! Crossing the Lork Road|||🍀🍀🍀 In early summer in Gannan,
snow may occasionally fall,
which is a bit of a pleasant surprise
~
🌸🌸🌸 For friends planning to visit Gannan this year:
1. The grass on the prairie has started to turn green, and the scenery will become more and more beautiful as time goes on, so you can plan your holiday now;
2. The period up to early September is a good time to visit Gannan, with July and August being the peak season, so you need to prepare in advance;
3. The average altitude of Gannan is over 3000 meters, so altitude sickness is relatively mild, no need to worry too much;
4. If you want to escape the summer heat, Gannan is a good choice, as the temperature is very cool and comfortable;
~
🎈🎈🎈 Snow-capped mountains stand tall, lakes are scattered like stars, and majestic peaks and strange rocks form a temple of art. A strong cultural atmosphere, a land of faith. Gannan has a magical color of Middle-earth.
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🎬🎬🎬 Temperature & Accommodation & Clothing
1. There is a big temperature difference, so be prepared for sun protection and warmth, even in summer, you should have a thick coat for the morning and evening;
2. Accommodations along the way are quite convenient and not expensive; in terms of dining, Tibetan, Halal, or Sichuan cuisine are the main options, which are very convenient~
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👉👉👉 Places in Gannan worth checking in:
1. Labrang Monastery
2. Zhagana
3. Langmu Temple
4. Lianbao Yeze
5. Tangke Yellow River First Bend
6. Meiren Grassland
7. Lork Road
8. Ganjia Secret Land
9. Seda
10. Guan'e Valley
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🆘🆘🆘 Departure & Transportation:
1. The general route in Gannan is to enter and exit through Lanzhou, and it's better to take a loop. You can also consider entering and exiting through Lanzhou and Chengdu, but a single line might mean missing some scenery;
2. Public transportation is not recommended, as it is very inconvenient. Self-driving or carpooling is the main way.
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🎬🎬🎬 Gannan 4-day loop:
Day 1 Lanzhou--Ganjia Secret Land--Labrang Monastery--Xiahe Stay
Day 2 Sangke Grassland--Zhagana--Diebu Stay
Day 3 Zoige Grassland--Flower Lake--Langmu Temple Stay
Day 4 Langmu Temple-Gahai-Mila Ri Ba Buddha Pavilion-Lanzhou
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🌟🌟🌟 Gannan 5-day loop:
Day1 Lanzhou-Ganjia Secret Land-Labrang Monastery-Xiahe
Day2 Labrang Monastery-Sangke Grassland-Zhagana
Day3 Flower Lake-Zoige Wetland-Yellow River First Bend-Tangke
Day4 Tangke-Suo Ke Tibetan Monastery-Gahai Lake-Langmu Temple
Day5 Langmu Temple-Mila Ri Ba Buddha Pavilion-Lanzhou
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👉👉👉 Gannan 6-day loop:
D1. Lanzhou—Ganjia Secret Land—Labrang Monastery—Xiahe
D2. Labrang Monastery—Sangke Grassland—Zhagana
D.3 Zhagana—Zoige Flower Lake—Yellow River First Bend—Tangke
D4. Tangke—Waqie Pagoda Forest—Lianbao Yeze—Aba
D5. Awan Warehouse Wetland—Gahai Lake—Langmu Temple
D6. Langmu Temple—Mila Ri Ba Buddha Pavilion—Linxia to Lanzhou
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❤️❤️❤️ Gannan classic 7-day (Seda version):
D1 Lanzhou-Ganjia Secret Land-Labrang Monastery-Xiahe
D2 Xiahe-Langmu Temple-Zhagana
D3 Flower Lake-Zoige Grassland-Yellow River First Bend-Tangke
D4 Waqie Pagoda Forest-Lianbao Yeze-Jiuzhi
D5 Tibetan Zebra County-Seda Wuming Buddhist Institute
D6 Seda in-depth tour-Jiuzhi-Maqu
D7 Maqu-Mila Buddha Pavilion-Lanzhou
~
ZAVIER HALE
A must-visit temple in this lifetime, any casual snapshot is National Geographic worthy
I personally think it's even more photogenic than Labrang Monastery. Although Labrang Monastery has a strong background and reputation, in terms of scenery and photography, I prefer Langmu Temple (of course, Labrang Monastery is also beautiful~)
Langmu Temple is located at the border of Gansu and Sichuan. There are two Langmu Temples, one in Sichuan (which is where my photo was taken), and another in Gansu (due to time constraints, I arrived on the evening of the first day🌇 and left early the next morning, so I didn't have time to visit the one in Gansu). The two Langmu Temples are very close to each other, within walking distance. (In picture 2, the golden roofs in the distance are the Gansu Langmu Temple)
The Sichuan Langmu Temple🎫 entrance fee is 30 yuan per person, and there is also a canyon inside, which is worth visiting if you have enough time.
Right upon entering the Sichuan Langmu Temple, you can see a hillside, which I think offers the best views (there is also a slope on the Gansu side that is very beautiful, so if you have time, you can go to the one in Gansu). Photography tips: These pictures were taken with a 24-200 lens or a drone. Wide-angle lenses below 24mm were rarely used
I personally feel that the Sichuan side of Langmu Temple is suitable for shooting sunsets, while the Gansu side is suitable for sunrises, and of course, drones can also capture stunning shots. A casual snap is a National Geographic picture, but if you're short on time, I recommend the Langmu Temple in Sichuan.
Accommodation🏠 There are many options near the scenic area, but book online in advance as there are not many hotels with elevators.
Dining🍚 There are many Sichuan and Chongqing restaurants nearby that taste quite good.
OliviaMcPhee29
The ultimate summer retreat! My top pick for a niche hidden gem travel destination, I absolutely love Gannan
🔸 'Langmusi' is the general name for this area where Sichuan and Gansu meet, mainly featuring two temples, the Sichuan side's Gerdi Temple and the Gansu side's Sech Temple.
🔸 Both temples have their own unique charm, but personally, I feel that for photographing the temples themselves, the Sech Temple in Gansu stands out more with its iconic large gilded roofs and yellow-white walls that shine brilliantly under the sunlight.
🔸 For the Gerdi Temple on the Sichuan side, after entering the scenic area's main gate, I directly climbed the hill on the left. From there, you can overlook the entire scenic area, capturing both the Sech Temple in Gansu and the Gerdi Temple in Sichuan in all their beauty‼️
📍Location | Langmusi Town, Luqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu
🚘Transport | The roads along the way are national highways and are good to drive on, but the traffic can get congested when entering the small town
🎫Ticket | Normally, both temples do not charge for admission, but they may do so during holidays
🍱Food & Lodging | There are many accommodations and restaurants in the town, and you can stay directly in the town
⏳️Touring Suggestions | You can take a small path from the back mountain to Sech Temple, then exit through the main gate, so you don't have to backtrack
⭕Caution | The altitude here is around 3480 meters, so you may experience altitude sickness. Remember to walk slowly during your visit and avoid running vigorously
Z1pp3r_3n1gm@t1c
For a unique Labor Day travel experience, consider visiting an underrated and less crowded city
This destination is cheaper than Tibet and has a lower risk of altitude sickness.
The endless meadows stretch to meet the distant snow-capped mountains.
Colorful jungles spread across canyons and hillsides.
Beneath the sacred mountain lies the hidden village of Zhagana.
Forests, snow mountains, valleys, grasslands, and temples,
This place has its own memorable name📍Gannan.
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Generally, seven days is enough.
Day 1-3 Lanzhou-Linxia-Hezuo-Zhagana
Day 4-5 Langmusi-Sangke Grassland-Labrang Monastery
Day 6-7 Xiahe-Baishiya-Ganjia Secret Land
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✈️Fly to Zhongchuan Airport, then take the city rail to Lanzhou Station.
There are many direct flights, ✈️with fares as low as 800+ offering great value for money.
Alternatively, 🚄taking a direct train to Lanzhou is very convenient, with a journey time of about 10 hours.
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🌟6 must-visit highlights
📍Ganjia Secret Land
Drive through the sprawling grassland roads to enter a cloud-top secret land where ancient cities, monasteries, villages, grasslands, canyons, pastures, and caves merge into one.
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📍Langmusi
Known as the 'Little Switzerland of the East,' this town is where a small stream brings together the peacefully coexisting Tibetan and Hui ethnic groups. You can hike into the Namu Canyon to seek the source of the Bailong River and delve into the area's mystical legends.
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📍Zhagana
A hidden paradise known as 'Earth's Eden,' and one of the '50 places to go in your lifetime' as rated by 'Chinese National Geography.' It consists of four Tibetan-style villages and a scenic area. Stay in a small village at the foot of the sacred mountain, take an early morning stroll through the stone city, and hike to a viewpoint to await the sunrise🌅.
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📍Labrang Monastery
The 'Harvard and Peking University of Tibetan Buddhism,' the outer walls of Labrang Monastery are made up of more than 2,000 prayer wheels, holding the Guinness World Record for the 'world's longest prayer wheel corridor.' On the way to Labrang Monastery, the golden domes are visible from afar, with Tibetan incense swirling around and Buddhist devotees prostrating devoutly on the ground, praying for happiness.
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📍Sangke Grassland
The most beautiful pasture in Gannan, where herds of cattle and sheep roam freely. Lead a gentle pony and gallop forward on horseback, listening to the melodious Tibetan folk songs, purifying the soul.
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📍Baishiya
The lesser-known 'Dolomites' of Gannan, Baishiya, where a natural mountain screen divides the Ganjia Grassland into two high-altitude pastures with a 1000-meter elevation difference. Clouds hang like jade belts over the cliffs, and the temples and villages nestled in the mountains seem to tell endless stories.
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✅Tips
🌟The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is significant, so bring warm clothing; the night sky is beautiful🌃.
🌟Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, as the UV radiation is strong in high-altitude areas!
🌟There are many cattle and sheep on the grassland, so drive carefully.
aelin_6778
Experience the classic Gannan mini-tour this May Day, four days and three nights for around 1k+ per person
📣 If you don't know where to go for the May Day holiday, head to Gannan!
Grasslands, lakes, 🏔️ snow-capped mountains, 💐 seas of flowers, wetlands, 🌲 forests, rivers, temples, ☁️ blue skies with white clouds, fluttering prayer flags, and Tibetan charm—all your beautiful imaginations can be found in Gannan.
❓❗ Is it worth going to Gannan for May Day?
✅ Fewer people→ Gannan has relatively fewer people during May Day, so you won't be stuck in crowds of people everywhere you go👩👩👦👦
✅ Tibetan culture→ Rich in Tibetan culture, the world-renowned Tibetan academy 'Labrang Monastery' is located here. You can experience Tibetan specialty foods🍲, take Tibetan-style portraits, and more
✅ Low altitude→ The average altitude is around 3000 meters, which is considered a 'low altitude' area in Tibet, 👍🏻 and most people will not suffer from altitude sickness
✅ Low cost→ Prices increase slightly during May Day, but are much lower compared to July and August
❓❗ What can you see in Gannan during May Day?
✅ Only in May can you see the half snow-capped mountains🏔️ and half green lands!
✅ Secluded and leisurely Tibetan villages, sacred and solemn temples, fewer noisy tourists, making this land peaceful and quiet, allowing you to calm down, contemplate life, and feel the devout Tibetan faith
✅ The beauty lies in the landscape, and when you're at the scenic spot, the feeling of having the mountains and waters all to yourself is undoubtedly a pleasure
💫 First stop of the journey—Lanzhou city walk, check in with the taste of the Northwest
💫 Sangke Grassland—Endless meadows where you can ride horses🐴
💫 Zhagana—Natural stone city, God's Eden
💫 Flower Lake—Ruoergai Wetland, encounter the distant Black-necked Cranes
💫 Labrang Monastery—World-renowned Tibetan academy, appreciate the profound Tibetan culture
💫 Langmu Temple—The Eastern Switzerland, a miniature version of Shangri-La
💫 Milarepa Buddha Pavilion—A resplendent Tibetan cultural museum
💫 Select comfortable accommodations along the way, 🏨 stay comfortably, relax and rest
💫 38 degrees users are mostly young people aged 16-39, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere
🌈 This route is suitable for friends who are visiting Gannan for the first time!
👍🏻 First encounter with Gannan >> Lanzhou distribution >> 3+1 days
D1 Nationwide - Free travel to Lanzhou
D2 Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland - Diebu
D3 Diebu - Zhagana - Flower Lake - Langmu Temple
D4 Langmu Temple - Guomang Wetland - Milarepa Buddha Pavilion - Lanzhou
📣PS: The itinerary includes buses & cars, two different ways to play, choose your travel style freely based on your schedule
Tips:
1⃣️ The grassland has a large temperature difference between day and night, ☔ the weather is changeable, bring a thick coat, the night sky is beautiful
2⃣️ Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, 🌞 the UV rays are strong in the plateau areas
3⃣️ Although the altitude is not very high, altitude sickness varies from person to person, it is recommended to bring altitude sickness medicine, as well as some chocolate🍫, glucose
4⃣️ There are many cattle and sheep on the grassland, be careful when driving
Liam.Perez^49
Langmu Temple | Exploring the Mysterious Tibetan Culture
| Exploring the Mysterious Tibetan Culture.🏯 Langmu Temple | Exploring the Mysterious Tibetan Culture
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"Exploring the mysterious Tibetan culture, appreciating the sacred Buddhist faith, all of this can be perfectly experienced at Langmu Temple."
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Langmu Temple town is situated at an altitude of 3500 meters, located between Gannan Luqu County in Gansu and Aba in Sichuan, with the Bailong River running through the town. There are two temples in Langmu Temple town, one in Gansu, called 'Dacang Langmu Saichi Temple', and one in Sichuan, called 'Gerdi Temple'; both temples belong to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Gansu temple is larger in scale, built against the mountain, with more magnificent architecture, resplendent in gold, especially dazzling when the sun shines, glittering with gold; the Sichuan temple mainly features the natural landscape - Namo Grand Canyon.
🎆Little Tips:
Langmu Temple town really has everything, convenience stores, restaurants (barbecue, Tibetan meals, Sichuan cuisine are all available, and extremely popular, all requiring waiting, haha), and even pharmacies where you can buy oxygen bottles for backup. It's worth mentioning that the weather in Luqu is noticeably colder than in Xiahe, so cold that I immediately put on a down jacket, feeling like entering winter overnight.
💰Ticket Price:
🎫The ticket for Dacang Langmu Saichi Temple (Gansu Temple) is 30 yuan per person, parking is 5 yuan per time. Overall, Saichi Temple feels more relaxed compared to Labrang Monastery.
GARRETT COPELAND
Recommended five-day self-driving tour from Xi'an to Gannan!
👍Most recommended:
There are many travel routes from Xi'an to Gannan, and here is a popular five-day tour itinerary:
🗓Itinerary:
Day 1: Xi'an—Sangke Grassland. The whole journey is about 790 kilometers.
Depart from Xi'an, take the Lianhuo Expressway westward, with almost no traffic after Baoji, exit the expressway at Wushan County, and then drive for an hour and a half to reach Langdaban Grassland. Watch the sunrise here, camp and rest.
Depart at noon to reach Min County for lunch, then continue west along National Highway 316, passing through the terraced fields of thousands of acres, the viewing platform of Zhuoni County, and arrive at Hezuo City. The Duohe'er Temple and Zhayou Temple along the way can be visited for free.
If you don't want to camp, you can stay in the city. For camping, navigate to Zhayou Township, follow the road to the mountain pass, which is part of the Sangke Grassland, sparsely populated, and an excellent spot for camping and stargazing.
Day 2: Sangke—Langmu Temple. The whole journey is about 160 kilometers.
Wake up naturally in the morning on the grassland, have breakfast, and then enter the Sangke Grassland. Even on the boundless grassland road, the beauty of Guomang Wetland and the tenderness of Gahai Lake touch people's hearts. Arrive at Langmu Temple in the afternoon, the only place in the town that may get congested, where you can gather in the town or visit the temples.
Langmu Temple has two temples, belonging to Ruoergai County in Sichuan and Luqu County in Gansu. If you want to see rippling blue waves, you can go to the Namo Grand Canyon in Sichuan's Langmu Temple, which is the source of the Bailong River. The clear stream flows past the caves on the cliff edge, where you can throw stones for good luck, and of course, feeding pigeons is also a good choice.
Day 3: Langmu Temple—Zhagana. The whole journey is about 330 kilometers.
Leave Langmu Temple and take the U13 county road into Ruoergai. This is a city of grasslands, where you will pass the winding Heihe Ranch, see cattle and sheep running freely, galloping horses, and also pass the Yellow River's Great Bend, where you can listen to the low cry of the mother river.
Drive north from Tangke on National Highway 248, and you can reach Zhagana Village by evening, where you can choose to stay in the village or camp at the viewing platform.
Day 4 Zhagana—Lintan County. The total length is about 140 kilometers.
Catch the sunrise over Zhagana in the early morning, and start the essence of this journey, the Loke Crossing—Zhagana to Zagulu Town, 100 kilometers of unpaved road, 40 kilometers of bomb craters, which will shake you to doubt life, but it does not affect your anticipation of the beautiful scenery.
In the middle of the crossing, a new hiking trail has been built, where you can walk a short distance and stand high to overlook the entire valley. If you can only go to one place in Gannan by self-driving, then the Loke Road is the best answer. When the car reaches Zagulu Town, you finally escape the bumpy road section and stay in Lintan County in the evening.
Day 5 Lintan—Xi'an. Return to Xi'an via the expressway. If you have more time, you can also detour to Liuba to experience the passion of red leaves.
Gannan has rich scenery and many options, you can adjust according to your time.
🚗🚗🚗Travel Itinerary:
Day1: Labrang Monastery→Sangke Grassland→Ganjia Secret Land
Day2: Baishiya→Red Sect Temple→Daxia River
Day3: The First Bend of the Yellow River→Awan Cang Wetland→Maqu The First Bend of the Yellow River Scenic Area
Day4: Niangma Temple→Ximeiduo He Tang→Maqu Grassland
Day5: Langmusi→Bailong River Grand Canyon→Aba Prefecture Namo Grand Canyon
Day6: Zhagana→Dari Viewing Platform→Lazikou
Day7: Milarepa Buddha Pavilion→Meiren Grassland→Hezuo Monastery
zara_8799
Planning early for a budget-friendly trip during the mini-holiday can really save money
The May Day mini-holiday should be arranged in advance❗️Already looking forward to the May Day holiday🙆 The weather is getting better and better🌞, and the desire to go out and play can't be contained anymore👨👨👦👦
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If you want to have fun without the crowds, then I suggest you visit Gannan🌈 It offers great value for money, with few people and beautiful scenery!
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🚗4-day and 4-night itinerary:
🎈D0: Gather in Lanzhou (make your own way to the hotel and check in)
🎈D1: Lanzhou — Milarepa's Grotto — Laojun Mountain — Zhagana
🎈D2: Zhagana — Xiaodukou — Flower Lake — First Bend of the Yellow River — Tangke
🎈D3: Tangke — Langmu Temple — Sangke Grassland — Xiahe
🎈D4: Xiahe County — Labrang Monastery — Ganjia Secret Land — Lanzhou
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📷Must-visit attractions📷
🔥Labrang Monastery
🐾Recommendation Index: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture🔍 One of the six main monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism; home to the world's longest prayer wheel corridor; stunning architecture🏠 A great spot for cultural and scenic photography🎥
🔥Zhagana
🐾Recommendation Index: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
One of China's top ten lesser-known peaks🗻 Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets🌇 Great hiking scenery🚶 A snapshot here is like a masterpiece📷
🔥Langmu Temple
🐾Recommendation Index: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Langmu Temple is actually the name of a town🏰 The Bailong River runs through the town🌊 The Sertri Monastery is located north of the river in Gansu👈 The Gerdeng Monastery is located south of the river in Sichuan👈 The morning mist and cooking smoke envelop the town🌃 The temple complex soars through the clouds, perched on the hillside⛺
🔥Sangke Grassland
🐾Recommendation Index: 🌟🌟🌟
From Langmu Temple to Xiahe, you must cross the Sangke Grassland🍃 The meadow grassland stretches as far as the eye can see🎄 This is the natural pasture of the Tibetan people🐮 The grassland is dotted with herds of cattle and sheep🐑 A pure and beautiful natural landscape
🔥Ruoergai Flower Lake
🐾Recommendation Index: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
China's most beautiful wetland, Flower Lake on the grassland💐 Every summer, the grasslands are lush, the sky is blue, and the lakeside is filled with colorful flowers🌺
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⚠️Transportation & Accommodation & Clothing:
1⃣The Gannan route generally starts from Lanzhou🎈 and eventually returns to Lanzhou🎀
2⃣Typically, a 3-7 day trip is recommended🎡 In this area, self-driving or carpooling is common, as public transportation is very inconvenient🚏🚏
3⃣There is a big temperature difference🎪 Be prepared for sun protection and warmth, even in summer, you should have a thick coat for the mornings and evenings👔
4⃣Accommodation along the way is quite convenient🏤 and not expensive; in terms of dining, Tibetan meals, halal meals, or Sichuan cuisine are the main options, and they are very convenient~
SamuelWolfe58
The charm and dignity of the golden dome
Seeing the tall and solemn Hehao Tower, the architectural structure is simple, the lower part is round, the treasure bottle and the tower are dazzling scenery. We walked into the square base part, inside is the scripture corridor. Turning the scriptures in the "belly" of the white tower is my first time.
(Dehe Warehouse) Langmu Temple has good feng shui, surrounded by red rocks, overlapping peaks, green pines and cypresses in the mountains, green grass at the foot of the mountains, clear river water, unique scenery, coupled with unique architectural style, golden and brilliant, making the natural landscape here even more magnificent and charming.
Walking up the slope on the east side, we saw the Great Cathedral, sitting north to south, with a larger platform in front, which is one of the main buildings here; the south side of the Great Cathedral is a small hill, full of trees on the hill, known as "Debate Forest".
The top of the Great Cathedral has three layers of golden domes, a large pillar on one layer of steps, with curtains on top, the background is a gray-blue bottom flower pattern, in the middle of the pattern is a small pattern of Dharma instruments in the large white bottom central part, this row of patterns is nine pictures, the middle is the typical Tibetan Buddhism Logo of the double sheep kneeling Dharma.
The outer eaves of the second floor are also curtains hanging down, the patterns on top are interesting, nine arrangements, each one is a "ten-phase freedom" picture; I searched online: this picture is composed of 10 symbols (3 shapes and 7 Sanskrit letters), which can be understood as the symbols of Mount Sumeru and various parts of the human body symbolized by 10 symbols, such as: half a sun pattern represents wisdom, a red dot represents the body, and a flame-like shape represents emptiness; in short, it has the highest sacred meaning and incomparably huge mysterious power, I think it's mysterious!
The "rooms" on both sides of the hall are small in scale, and the curtain patterns are white and blue, which look good.
All the color combinations here look very harmonious, solemn and quiet, and they look like new decorations.
There seems to be a large row of red stones on the small hilltop in the distance on the east side of the hall, arranged like "city walls" or "screens", which are rare Danxia landform red cliffs, the color of which varies with the angle of the shining sunlight, which is also magical! Very suitable for taking pictures.
There are relatively few tourists here, we went up close, admired the murals at the entrance of the Great Cathedral, recognized including: the Four Great Heavenly Kings, and the "Four Combination Picture" composed of elephants + monkeys + rabbits + birds, another picture is the "Ten Elephant Picture" often seen in Tibetan Buddhist temples - a monkey leading the way in front, followed by an elephant and a monk, winding up the road, interestingly, the color of the elephant gradually lightens with the height, finally the elephant at the high place becomes completely white, and the monk? Finally, he rode on the back of the white elephant and ascended along the rainbow road! This represents the nine stages of learning Buddhism, too vivid!
Enter the interior of the hall to take off your shoes, no photography allowed.
The decoration inside the shop is the same as the hall of Labrang Monastery, with pillars, hanging sutra umbrellas, and the carpet seats where the monks sit, and the high master's seat in the middle.
This hall is relatively bright, compared with Labrang Monastery, the reason is that a large part of all the decoration colors is orange, and the rest are mixed with gold ribbons, the carpet seats are not only ocher, but also orange, the decoration wrapping of the pillars is also orange as the base color, so it appears vibrant and not so dim.
Next to the Living Buddha's seat are exquisite statues of the Living Buddhas of all generations, as well as large photos of the ninth, tenth, and eleventh Panchen Lamas, for believers to pay their respects.
It is said that the first Living Buddha of this (Saiche) temple, Jiang Can Sang Ge, was intelligent and virtuous, and he obtained the highest degree and honor in the Buddhist world--Chewa. Although the scale and fame of Langmu Temple are not as great as those of Labrang Monastery, the prestige of the presiding officer is very great, and his status among the Living Buddhas in Tibet is second only to the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama.
The northwest side of the Great Cathedral is a high ground, where several halls are located, built according to the slope, with a strong sense of hierarchy.
We got up to the first level platform, looking up at the five large golden dome buildings above, very beautiful and majestic, adding to the sacredness of Langmu Temple.
I like to take pictures in front of the Bianma Wall, because the first time I saw this kind of wall was in the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, so for me, this is a prominent feature of Tibetan Buddhist architecture.
From here down to the Debate Forest on the south side of the Great Cathedral, around a circle is a tall cypress tree, in the sun, the open field is sitting more than 70 monks wearing ocher robes, they are listening to the master's lecture; the master sits in a sunshade pavilion, next to a "secretary"-like monk.
There is a hall under the slope on the south side - the Hall of the Horse-headed Ming King; the main merits of the Horse-headed Ming King are: subduing Rakshasa, ghosts, gods, and all the demons of the Eight Parts of the Heavenly Dragon, eliminating the ignorance of karma, plague, suffering, avoiding all evil curses and evil methods, etc.; it is said that his face is very fierce.
Before leaving Langmu Temple, I went to the scripture room outside to turn the scripture drum again! Not for entertainment, but a physical "goodbye"! Compared with Labrang Monastery, I still like Langmu Temple to see this "miniature" temple, coupled with the surrounding natural scenery, it is not too much to call it "Little Switzerland".
CuriosityTrail
4-Day Pure Play in Gannan in Winter | A Small Secret Place for the Spring Festival
In winter Gannan, 4 days and 3 nights, take you to feel the vastness of Sangke Prairie, the style of Zhagana, the faith of Langmu Temple, the color of Ganjia Secret, start a pilgrimage journey...
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⭐️Essential Scenic Spots
✔️Ganjia Secret
The scenic area includes Baishiyao, Octagonal Ancient City, Baishiyao Cave, after the snow in winter, it's another world, pure and vast snow mountain🏔️
✔️Sangke Prairie
This is probably a fairy tale, full of vast prairies, the accumulated snow under the sun is dazzling, it's a picturesque scenery, the free-range cattle and sheep add a touch of agility to the scenery
✔️Zhagana
In the early morning of winter, the clouds are misty, snow mountains, holy lakes, blue sky, wilderness, villages, cattle and sheep, climb up to the Fairy Beach to view the snow scene, when the weather is clear, you can see the golden snow mountain top
✔️Langmu Temple
"Eastern Switzerland", "Gannan Utopia", Langmu Temple is a small town, a blend of Tibetan, Han and Hui ethnic groups, there are Buddha Sunning Festival, Treasure Festival, Butter Lamp Festival during the Spring Festival, monks gather, very lively
✔️Labrang Monastery
Known as the "World Tibetan Academy" has the world's longest prayer corridor, many people during the Spring Festival, attracting Tibetans and believers to participate
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📝Daily Itinerary🚗
1️⃣Lanzhou—Cooperation (Mila Ribafoge)—Zhagana
Depart from the hotel around 8:00
✅Visit the Buddha Pavilion, you can check in at the red wall at the door, the scenery on the hillside behind is better for taking pictures
Arrive at 【Zhagana】 around 18:00 for free activities
【Today's Journey🚌】: 420 kilometers, about 6.5h by car
【Today's Accommodation⛺】: Zhagana Scenic Area
【Recommended Food🍱】: Tibetan Hot Pot
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2️⃣Zhagana Fairy Beach—Langmu Temple (Gedan Temple-Namo Grand Canyon)
✅Zhagana Fairy Beach: The morning mist makes you feel like you are in heaven. Here you can see the whole view of Zhagana Village, the grassland here is undulating, the bushes are dense, it is the ceiling of the scenery in Zhagana Scenic Area
Coming out of Zhagana Goukou, you will enter the 248 National Road Scenic Section, cross Jiabu Gorge to Ruoergai Prairie, and finally enter Langmu Temple Town
✅Langmu Temple Town: Half in Gansu and half in Sichuan, Jiangnan is Gedan Temple belongs to Ruoergai County, Sichuan, Jiangbei is Saich Temple belongs to Luqu County, Gansu
✅Namo Grand Canyon and Bailong River Source are in Gedan Temple, Saich Temple is located on the hillside of Langmu Temple, you can see the whole view of Langmu Temple Town, suitable for taking large scenic photos. Due to time constraints, only one of the two attractions can be visited
【Today's Journey🚌】: 95 kilometers, about 2h by car
【Today's Accommodation⛺】: Langmu Temple
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3️⃣Langmu Temple-Gahai-Sangke Prairie-Labrang Monastery-Xiahe
✅【Gahai】Play time: 2h Ticket: 50 yuan Section car 20 yuan
Gahai, a natural sea on the Gannan Prairie, is a habitat for birds, the ecological environment is super excellent, although it will be desolate in autumn and winter, but it is indeed a paradise for many small and popular scenic spot enthusiasts, super out of the picture
tips: After entering the scenic area, there is a distance from the wooden plank road to the lake, the grassland on both sides of the wooden plank road, walk and take pictures, about 1h to reach the double-decker viewing platform, the view is wider, bird nesting season, you can watch birds by the lake, you can enjoy the whole Gahai Lake, from the top to shoot the wooden plank road, blue sky, lake water, mountains, grassland out of the picture is very good! In winter, the grassland covered with white snow and the green lake water, like a natural curved water flowing banquet jade platform, the overhead shot is very out of the picture
✅【Sangke Prairie】The prairie in winter is quiet and warm, cattle and sheep are free and loose, it is another scenery
✅【Labrang Monastery】Here is the purest Buddhist paradise, between the mountains, under the blue sky, the crimson monk's robe, the golden stupa, all this will make you unconsciously look up
【Today's Journey🚌】: 195 kilometers, about 3h by car
【Today's Accommodation⛺】: Xiahe
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4️⃣Xiahe— Ganjia Secret—Eight Squares Thirteen Lanes— Lanzhou (Ends around 17:00)
✅Ganjia Secret
Go straight: Octagonal Ancient City—Baishiyao—Baishiyao Cave (separate ticket 40 yuan/person), the car can drive directly into the scenic area
Arrive at Ganjia Secret before 9:00, play for about 2h
✅【Linxia Eight Squares Thirteen Lanes】And have lunch, check in food, return to Lanzhou, arrive around 17:00 in the afternoon
If you want to return, you need to buy a plane after 20:00✈️
RevitalizeAndTravel
Langmusi | The source of the Bailong River favored by the light of the sky and the shadow of the clouds
| The source of the Bailong River favored by the light of the sky and the shadow of the clouds. The White Dragon begins to hide in the tiger's den, still hiding the pastoral scenery.
🗺From Lanzhou all the way south to the deepest part of Gannan Prefecture, you can hear the rumbling sound of the source of the Bailong River from a distance, and this beautiful small mountain basin is Langmusi Town.
✨The ethnic groups living on both sides of the Die Mountain are very complex, and Langmusi Town is no exception. Here, compared to the pure Tibetan cultural area, there is more Hehuang culture. The Hezhou-style mosque Bunk building standing in the town center can be seen. But the center of the whole town is still Dacang Namogel Temple and Saich Temple, although these two temples belong to the Gelug Sect, there are still very complex differences.
💫The rich folk customs, the atmosphere without too much commercial development, and the unique scenery make Langmusi Town unique. Leaving the temple, walking into the deep Namu Grand Canyon in the curling mulberry smoke, thinking about the final destination of this stream in the gurgling water-Chongqing Chaotianmen.
📿Gelden Temple
The name of Langmusi is the alias of this temple on the Sichuan side. Compared with the golden and brilliant Saich Temple on the opposite bank, Gelden Temple is more introverted. However, the influence of this temple should not be underestimated. It has a great influence in Aba and Gannan, with 18 branch temples and hundreds of monks. However, although there are many halls in the temple, not many are open, only the Langmusi Culture Museum and Zunsheng Hall can be visited. The Zunsheng Hall enshrines the extraordinary physical Dharma body.
📸Walking to the back mountain of the temple, you can overlook the small town, and there are many walking masters and locals, and many deer frolicking in it, quite wild. If you know the locals, you can ask them to lead into the temple and avoid the entrance fee.
💡Saich Temple
This temple belonging to Gansu, I think it is the first impression of most people on Langmusi. This temple is a branch of Zhebang Temple in Lhasa. The magnificent halls descend from the hillside, and the golden hall echoes the small town under the sun and the red stone cliff in the distance, solemn and wonderful. There are more open halls here, and you can spend an afternoon visiting.
🗻Namu Grand Canyon
Walking into the deep mountains in the direction of the Sichuan temple, it is the source of the Bailong River in the canyon. Not far into the valley, you can see a arrow tower, marking the location of the Fairy Cave. The name "Langmu" comes from a strange stalactite in the Fairy Cave that looks like a fairy. It is said that there were tigers here, and after the tiger was transformed by the lotus master, it turned into a fairy and guarded one side, gaining people's faith. Continue to go deep into the canyon, you will enter a local grassland, you can also ride a horse to play in this canyon, it is very suitable for a day of leisure hiking.
🚗Langmusi Town is also lively and peaceful, and there is a mosque left in the late Qing Dynasty. Provincial Highway 313 passes through the town, and at the three-way intersection of the provincial highway and the main street of the town, you can wait for buses to Lanzhou, Xiahe and other places.
TheCraftyCorner
It's not just in Tibet, there's also such a Tibetan style in southern Gansu
Langmu Temple is located at the junction of Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan, Langmu Village, Langmu Temple Town, Luqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. It is located at an altitude of 3480 meters and covers an area of 55 hectares. Langmu Temple is divided into two parts, one is the Sichuan Dachang Langmu Temple, also known as Gerdi Temple, Tiger Cave, Fairy Cave, Langmu Temple Grand Canyon and the Buddha's Relics are all located in Sichuan Langmu Temple. The other is the Gansu Temple, also known as Saichi Temple, the direction to the sky burial platform, the two temples watch each other across the stream.
Langmu Temple is not a temple, but a small town. The Langmu Temple Grand Canyon near the temple is known as the Swiss of the East. The Grand Canyon is a primitive Grand Canyon, the combination of the stream and the tall pine trees, really has a bit of Swiss feel!
⛰【Attraction Guide】
📍Detailed address: Langmu Village, Langmu Temple Town, Luqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province
🚗Traffic Guide: Stay in Langmu Village, you can walk directly, walk separately for two days, it is very comfortable.
🕙Opening hours: 7:00--19:30
💰Ticket price: 30 yuan in summer, no one sells tickets in winter
🌟Visiting feelings:
1. There are temples, you can slowly experience the power of people's devout faith
2. Although there are living Buddhas in the temple, the living Buddha in Buddhism is just a title, which is not the same as what we think of as a living Buddha, so if you want to find a living Buddha to consecrate, it is actually not necessary.
3. The scenery of the Grand Canyon is very good, you can take a tour.
📌Small Tips:
1. If you visit in a single day, it may be a bit rushed, it is better to stay in Langmu Village and then slowly play.
2. The temple is quite large, it takes a long time to walk, you need to walk slowly.
LEILA MAY
Langmusi: A Town, Two Provinces, Three Ethnic Groups
Langmusi, is a temple, but not just a temple, it is also a small town located at the junction of Sichuan and Gansu. A small town, divided into two by the Bailong River, belongs to Gansu and Sichuan provinces; a temple, divided into Gansu Temple and Sichuan Temple; in the middle of the two temples, there is also a mosque; Han, Tibetan, Hui, three ethnic groups live together in this small town.
Langmusi has been a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhism in Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet to worship the Black Tiger Goddess since ancient times. The history of temple construction here has been thousands of years. The meaning of Langmusi is 'Tiger Cave Fairy Temple'. Langmusi is a Gelugpa monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, divided into two parts, one is Sichuan Dachang Langmusi, also called Gerdi Temple, and the other is Gansu Saichisi, the two temples are across the river, less than a hundred meters apart.
The town is very small, everywhere is typical Tibetan architecture, Hada, prayer flags, Tibetan-style painted beams can be seen everywhere. The distant Red Rock Cliff surrounds the town, tall and sharp, under the contrast of the surrounding green grassland, like a red wall guarding this land.
It takes about ten minutes to walk to Sichuan Temple. The entrance is very simple, with two lamas in charge of selling tickets. Following the entrance, the low Tibetan-style red houses near the entrance are the monks' rooms. In the afternoon, there are not many monks in the temple, very quiet.
The biggest Buddhist event of Gerdi Temple every year is the Buddha Viewing Festival on the 13th day of the first month, the huge Buddha image scroll is slowly unfolded on the Buddha Viewing Platform along the hillside, very magnificent, unfortunately we can't see such a magnificent scene now. The Great Hall of Sutras across from the Buddha Viewing Platform, with red walls and golden roofs, is solemn and magnificent. In front of the hall, the butter lamps are always bright, the Dharma is always present, and the Sanskrit sounds in the hall are quiet and solemn.
Across the Bailong River Road is Gansu Temple, where you can step across two provinces.
Saichisi is built along the mountain, at this altitude, the slope is still a bit challenging.
As soon as you enter the gate, a golden-domed white tower stands tall, this is where people turn the scriptures daily. With the mountain, the grandeur and magnificence of Saichisi are more prominent. Golden dome, white wall, red window, under the sunshine, glittering, layer upon layer, don't know how many layers. Compared to the Sichuan Temple across the river, the temples are all very magnificent and exquisite.
Saichisi was founded in 1748, and has a history of more than 250 years. After more than 200 years, with the careful protection and continuous expansion of successive Saichisi Living Buddhas, the Golden Hall, Buddha Hall, Buddha Palace, and monks' houses are well-arranged, large in scale, and Saichisi has also become the Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Duoma Tibetan area, second only to Ta'er Temple and Labrang Temple.
From the highest Buddha Hall, you can overlook the panoramic view of Langmusi Town and the Sichuan Temple across the river, as well as the distant Red Rock Cliff and snow-capped mountains, can't help but sigh at the insignificance of human beings, and can't help but sigh at the greatness of human beings.
Fork in the Road
2024 Gansu Culture and Tourism First Ray of Sunshine - Gannan Chapter
The sound of debating in Labrang Monastery rises with the cooking smoke
The buttery fragrance on the grassland lingers in the heart
Langmu Monastery stands alone like a paradise
The rugged stone city of Zha Ga Na appears and disappears in the mist
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This is the shining beauty of Gannan
Fly high with the wind as wings, cross Gannan with clouds as cabin. Gannan is the most compatible place between heaven and earth, a step away from the mainland's snow-capped plateau, Gannan is the paradise and fairy tale world hidden around us. Gannan is also the diverse Gannan, with lush grass, robust cattle and sheep, and melodious pastoral songs...
The surging and heroic 'Looking back at the first bend of the Yellow River, the sunset dyes the Kunlun Mountains red', the clear waves and curves of 'The heavenly Yaochi Ga Sea Lake, the earthly fairyland Awan Cang'... The colorful Gannan always attracts the world's attention with its unique charm.
As early as the 1920s, the famous American-Austrian scholar Joseph Rock passed through Diebu County's Zha Ga Na and deeply exclaimed: 'I have never seen such beautiful scenery in my life, if the author of Genesis saw the beauty of Diebu, he would place the birthplace of Adam and Eve here.' It is worth mentioning that today's Zha Ga Na, riding on the east wind of creating a 'comprehensive tourism waste-free demonstration zone', has become a spiritual habitat for tourists from all over.
Entering the hinterland of Gannan is like entering a primitive secret realm that restores the past and dialogues with history. There is no smog, no pollution, no scars left by industrial civilization, many ecological landscapes and animal and plant species still retain their original appearance and form. This dreamlike sense of being in another world, the mysterious sense of winding paths leading to secluded spots, and the astonishing sense of difference, always surprise people with a fresh perspective, satisfying people's curiosity to explore the mysteries of nature.
The magnificent Yellow River, the endless Daxia River, the surging Tao River, and the undulating Bailong River, like the Jingwei veins laid out on the land of Gannan, brilliantly interpret the ruggedness and heroism of each grassland, the towering and upright of each foothill, the majestic and dangerous of each mountain range, the graceful and beautiful of each mountain and river, truly pushing the geographical and humanistic art to the extreme.
Experience Gannan, the magical historical culture, the wonderful folk culture, the sacred red culture, the mysterious Buddhist culture, always let the soul find its home in returning to the original, let the nostalgia find its sustenance when the prosperity is gone.
CipherWhisperer
Gannan Travel Guide丨National Day Gannan 4 days and 3 nights Zha Ga Na Labrang Monastery Gannan Secret Realm
🌈Gannan, a place known as the 'Oriental Little Switzerland', where you see mountains as mountains⛰️, see water as water🌊, under the unpolluted blue sky🌎, stepping on the earth with a strong natural atmosphere, blowing the wind of freedom, and going to see the distance👀
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✅Gannan 4 days and 3 nights
🚘Day1 Lanzhou—Hezuo (Mila Ribafoge)—Zha Ga Na
⭕Today's itinerary: 420KM, about 6.5h by car
📍Mila Ribafoge, Mila Ribafoge is a nine-story pagoda known as the Tibetan Studies Museum.
❗❗Tip: You need to take off your shoes👞 when you enter the pagoda, the scenery on the hill behind the temple is more beautiful, you can walk around in the village and watch the starry sky✨ at night in Zha Ga Na
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🚘Day2 Zha Ga Na—Xiaoduku—Flower Lake—Gerd Temple (Canyon)—Langmu Temple
⭕Today's itinerary: 320 kilometers, about 5h by car
📍 : The morning mist makes you feel like you are in heaven, you can see the whole view of Zha Ga Na village, the grassland here is undulating, it is the sky🌸board of the scenery in Zha Ga Na scenic area
📍 Ruoergai Lake is surrounded by colorful unknown flowers, like clouds falling from the sky🥳
📍 The temple enshrines the body of the living Buddha that has not decayed for hundreds of years after death, you can walk into the Namo Grand Canyon to enjoy the natural beauty here🍁
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🚘Day3 Langmu Temple—Ga Sea—Sangke Grassland—Labrang Monastery—Xiahe
⭕Today's itinerary: 280 kilometers, about 5h by car
📍 A natural sea on the Gannan grassland, this is a habitat for birds, the ecological environment is very superior.
📍 The water and grass here are rich and the cattle and sheep are fat, the autumn is golden and has a different flavor💯
📍 The most complete Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Tibetan studies system
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🚘Day4 Xiahe County—Gan Jia Secret Realm—Lanzhou
⭕Today's itinerary: 300 kilometers, about 5h by car
📍 It is a small grassland that integrates grassland, white stone cliff, octagonal ancient city, karst cave, and temple💚
❗❗Today's itinerary ends early, arriving in Lanzhou at about 17:00 in the afternoon, buddies can choose a suitable flight to return✈
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⚠Some small tips
✔Try not to wear skirts to the Gan Jia grassland, you need to climb a cliff in the middle
✔The Locke viewing platform in Zha Ga Na can see the whole view
✔Bring a climbing stick to Lian Bao Ye Ze, there are very steep slopes
✔There are almost no catering facilities around and inside the Gan Jia Secret Realm scenic area, be sure to bring some snacks
✔Take the elevator to the top of the main viewing tower 2 hours before the sunset of the Nine Bends of the Yellow River, and find a place to take pictures
✔The most comfortable way to visit the Nine Bends of the Yellow River is to take the elevator up and walk down the plank road
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GAGE ONEAL
If you don't want to be in crowded places during the National Day, come to Gannan! Few people, beautiful scenery, and lots of fun!
The footsteps of autumn have quietly arrived, and the autumn colors of Gannan will amaze you. The prairie and snow-capped mountains embrace each other, the colorful forests dot the canyons and slopes, and the golden wheat waves roll beside the Zha Ga Na village. During the National Day, if you want to avoid the crowd and choose a beautiful scenery, Gannan is undoubtedly the best choice.
During this National Day holiday, there are fewer people in Gannan and the prices are more favorable. You can explore according to this carefully prepared 7-day tour itinerary. Starting from the free activities in Lanzhou, to the Liujiaxia Reservoir, the Road of Rock, Zha Ga Na, Xiao Du Ku, Flower Lake, the First Bay of the Yellow River, Tangke, Lianbao Yeze, Ge Mo Temple, Jiu Zhi, A Wan Cang Wetland, Langmu Temple, Sangke Prairie, and then to Xiahe, Labrang Monastery, Ganjia Secret Realm and Lanzhou. If you come here for the first time, just follow this route; if you are not familiar with the route or worry about traveling with your family, you can choose to join a group or customize a tour, and the driver can help take pictures, which is more cost-effective than playing by yourself!
In terms of accommodation, the accommodation conditions in the Tibetan area of Gannan are generally not as good as those in first- and second-tier cities. If you are not satisfied with the local toothbrush, toothpaste, and towel, it is recommended to bring your own. Local delicacies include pazi, yak yogurt, Tibetan buns, hand-grabbed mutton, butter tea, and beef pie. If you are not used to it, you can go to a local Sichuan restaurant.
In terms of clothing, Gannan has entered deep autumn in September and October, and it will be a bit cold in the morning and evening. Remember to bring a windproof down jacket or stormtrooper for warmth.
Worth mentioning attractions include Ruoergai Flower Lake, Ruoergai Prairie, Zha Ga Na, Labrang Monastery, Sangke Prairie, and Langmu Temple, etc.
Tourism precautions are as follows: 1. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, remember to bring a stormtrooper and long-sleeved jacket, you can wear a skirt when the sun comes out at noon. 2. Pay attention to sun protection, the plateau ultraviolet rays are strong. 3. Observe local regulations when visiting temples. 4. Prevention of altitude sickness is very important. Smoking and strenuous exercise are prohibited before the trip. You can take Rhodiola and other drugs in advance, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, maintain adequate sleep and relax. Patients with heart disease and hypertension are not suitable to go.
The beauty of Gannan, waiting for your discovery!
JORDYN BENSON
Langmu Temple in Gannan Luqu in the sleet
In the cold winter, I embarked on a journey to Gannan Luqu Langmu Temple. This is a journey to find inner peace, and also a journey to explore my own soul. In this unfamiliar place, I saw Tibetan temples different from those in the mainland, and their unique charm deeply fascinated me.
Luqu, a small county town located in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, although geographically remote, it has a rich cultural heritage. And Langmu Temple is the cultural treasure of Luqu, it is one of the important temples of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and it is also a symbol of Luqu.
In the sleet, I came to Langmu Temple. The architectural style of this temple is unique and completely different from the temples in the mainland. Its architectural colors are bright, the form is unique, and it is full of strong Tibetan style. Every brick and tile of the temple seems to be telling an ancient story, which makes people want to understand deeply.
I walked in the courtyard of the temple in the sleet, feeling the tranquility and peace here. The rain hit me, it was cold, but I felt a comfort that I had never had before. This comfort comes from inner peace, and also from love for this place.
I stopped in front of the main hall of the temple, watching those devout believers, their faces filled with peaceful smiles, and their eyes shining with firm faith. I was deeply moved by them, and I was also shocked by their persistence in faith.
I checked in in the sleet, recording this special moment. I know that this moment will become a part of my life and a part of my memory. I will remember this moment, remember this place, remember this temple, remember this city.
This trip allowed me to see a culture different from the mainland, and I felt a charm different from the mainland. I know that I will come here again and feel everything here again. Because, I have fallen in love with this place, fallen in love with its culture, and fallen in love with its people.
DavidPowell789-
My 2023 - Ganchuan Qing Travel Notes (Six) Eastern Switzerland - Langmu Temple Town
Following G248, parallel to the Bailong River, shuttling between mountains, canyons and villages, passing through the Gannan Diebu border into the Aba Prefecture of Sichuan Province. The terrain gradually rises, the view suddenly opens up, and under the sun is a prairie that extends to the horizon. One of China's three major wetlands, the Ruoergai Grassland, is in sight. Continue for another hour to reach Langmu Temple Town, with numerous shops, lamas walking everywhere on the roadside, and even sporadic snowflakes in the sunny day. This is a magical town, with the Bailong River as the boundary, the town spans two provinces, the north of the river belongs to Gansu Ludian County, and the south is Sichuan Ruoergai County, with a Tibetan Buddhist Gelug temple on each side. The one in Gansu on the north side of the river is called 'Dacang Langmu Saichi Temple', and the one in Sichuan on the south side of the river is 'Dacang Langmu Gerdi Temple'.
Choose to visit the Gerdi Temple in Sichuan, drive in, the temple is very large, composed of many temples, the red walls and golden roofs set off the distant snow-capped mountains, the main hall is under repair, can only be admired from the outside. Walk to the source of the Bailong River, follow the stream upstream, on the way see a few little lamas washing their robes by the stream in the sun, and four or five younger ones playing on the lawn, a scene of tranquility in seclusion. Not far away is a naturally formed cave engraved with 'Tiger Cave Fairy Cave', outside the cave is a pile of Mani with five-color wind horse flags, full of Hada, and the smoke of mulberry is curling. Continue to enter the canyon, the clear stream flows out between the lush forest and the cliff, and if you trace the stream upstream, you can see a flat land in the canyon. The strong religious atmosphere...
lyrielle_1730
Global Autumn Pursuit | Gannan Endless Prairie
🌟Highlight Features: The debating sounds of Labrang Monastery rise with the cooking smoke, the buttery fragrance on the prairie lingers, Langmu Monastery stands alone like a paradise, the towering stone city of Zha Ga Na appears and disappears in the clouds... This is Gannan, with the vastness and desolation we imagine about the "Northwest", but also with the lush water grass nourished by rivers and lakes, the unique Tibetan culture permeates, the prairie, mountains and rivers and the melodious chanting of temples, let various bright and dazzling colors collide here, together forming this desirable "Nine-Color Gannan".
👍Most Recommended: Sangke Prairie
❤Reason for Recommendation: The 70 square kilometers Sangke Prairie is one of the main livestock production areas in Gannan, not only are there herds of cattle and sheep on the vast prairie, from July to September, you can also see tents set up sporadically, preparing local specialty fresh milk tea, hand-grabbed meat and other delicacies for visitors from afar.
✅Must Experience: The fifteenth day of the sixth lunar month is the best sightseeing time for Sangke Prairie. At this time, it is the local traditional festival Xianglang Festival, people dress up to pray for the coming year, and also carry out various folk ceremonies.
🚉Transportation Strategy: You can take a car to there after visiting Labrang Monastery, the journey is about 15 minutes
Ticket Price: Open all day for free
HarmoniousHolidays
Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province is known as the Little Tibet. Gannan Langmu Temple, just look at the name, friends who don't know will probably think that this is a temple. In fact, Langmu Temple is not just a temple, but a geographical name. This area is located in a narrow river valley surrounded by mountains and hills. The southeast is a bare red rock cliff; the southwest is a lush forest with evergreen forests; the west is a gently rolling hill; To the north is a mountain with steep mountains and rocks. In the middle of the valley, a Bailong River rushes through, and the Langmu Temple is divided into two. Each of the Jiangbei Jiangnan has a Tibetan Buddhist Gelugpa Temple. The entire Langmu Temple area is beautiful and beautiful. The devout faith can be seen everywhere. It is known as the pure land of the world.