Gannan Travel Guide

Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is located in the southwestern part of Gansu Province, bordering Qinghai and Sichuan. It is part of the Amdo Tibetan region, with its capital in the city of Hezuo. As an important section of the Silk Road and the ancient Tangbo Road, Gannan boasts stunning plateau landscapes alongside rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

In the heavenly realm of Gannan, the aroma of butter tea wafts across the grasslands, and the sounds of debate from Labrang Monastery rise with the cooking smoke. Langmusi, a hidden gem, feels like a paradise untouched by the outside world.

The best time to visit Gannan is from June to August, when the average temperature ranges from 10 to 20°C, making it the warmest time of the year. The region is lush with green grass and vibrant wildflowers, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the plateau. Additionally, from the third to the seventeenth day of the first lunar month, various traditional Tibetan festivals are celebrated, providing a fantastic opportunity to experience Tibetan culture and customs.

Most Popular Lanzhou Attractions

Labrang Temple Xiahe County
Labrang Monastery - Place of Auspiciousness and Happiness
Labrang Monastery (拉卜楞寺, Labrang Temple, Labuleng Monastery), located in Xiahe County, Gansu Province, China, was founded by the First Jamyang Zhepa, Ngawang...
Langmu Temple Gannan
Langmu Temple - Housing over 1,000 Monks
Langmu Temple (郎木寺), located at the intersection of Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan provinces, was established in 1748 during the Qianlong Emperor’s...
Zhagana Tibetan Village
Zhagana Tibetan Village (The Stone Box), Gannan
Zhagana Tibetan Village (扎尕那), known in Tibetan as “Stone Box,” is nestled in a natural stone citadel that resembles both a grand palace and...

Other Attractions in Gannan

Damgzhou Grassland Gannan
Dangzhou Grassland, Gannan - A Diverse Topography
Nestled in the heart of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu Province, Dangzhou Grassland (当周草原) is a stunning natural destination offering a...
Chanding Temple Gannan
Chanding Temple, Gannan - A Blend of Tibetan and Han Styles
Chanding Temple (禅定寺), also known as Zhuoni Grand Temple, has its full name in Tibetan as Gadan Xiezhou Dangzeng Dajilong. It is situated on a highland...
Gahai Lake Gannan
Gahai Lake - The Largest Freshwater lake in gannan
Gahai Lake (尕海湖), the largest freshwater lake in Gannan, is an important wetland located on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Revered as a...
Zecha Stone Forest
Zecha Stone Forest - A Geological Marvel
The Zecha Stone Forest (则岔石林), located in Luqu County, Gannan Prefecture, stretches over 22 kilometers with an area of 20,000 hectares. It ranges from...
Daerzong Lake Gannan
Dazong Lake, Gannan - A Picturesque Retreat
Dazong Lake (达宗湖), also known as Da’erzong lake (达尔宗湖), is situated approximately 10 kilometers along the Wangxia Highway in Gannan Prefecture. This...
Ganjia Grasslands Xiahe
Ganjia Grasslands - A Vital Pastoral Base
Ganjia Grasslands (甘加草原), located in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is a picturesque alpine meadow characterized by its expansive vistas and rich...
Milariba Buddha Pavilion
Milariba Buddha Pavilion - A Grand Nine-Story Building
The Milariba Buddha Pavilion (米拉日巴佛阁) is located in Hezuo City, Gansu Province. It was originally built in 1777 during the 42nd year of Emperor Qianlong’s...
Sangke Grassland Gannan
Sangke Grassland - One of the Primary Livestock Bases in Gannan
Sangke Grassland (桑科草原), located in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province, is a vast meadow grassland with an average elevation of over...
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Dr. Katherine Morales MD
17 days ago

Winter in Gannan Aside from being a bit cold, there’s nothing else wrong with it. —————————— During the off-peak season, because there are fewer people, wherever you go feels like a private venue. The vastness of the land is awe-inspiring, with endless snow-capped mountains. ️ —————————————— Day 1: Lanzhou – Labrang Monastery – Sangke Prairie – Gahai Lake – Langmu Temple Day 2: Langmu Temple – Namo Daxian Canyon – Zhagana Day 3: Zhagana – (Rok Road, depending on weather)… Read more »

Kenneth Beard
1 month ago

There are fewer tourists on the road in Gannan now. All the tickets are off-season prices. With continuous sunny days, there’s no snow accumulation on the roads. In winter, it’s important to allocate more time for daytime activities.

Michael Mendez
2 months ago

We visited in mid-September, and the weather was a mix of rain and sunshine, offering different scenery with each change. One of my favorite spots was the Flower Lake of Ruoergai and the Lianbaoyeze. Along the way, we encountered many temples, and in the Tibetan College, there were students specifically assigned to provide explanations. It was a bit disappointing that we encountered rain while in Zhagana and on the Road of Lock, but it cleared up later. However, we descended… Read more »

Oscar Brady
3 months ago

Despite the heavy traffic and numerous negative reviews at Zhagana, we decided to head to Awan Cang. From there, we could still enjoy a panoramic view of the entire town, along with the picturesque winding curves of the Yellow River. It was simply beautiful!

Jessica Morrow
5 months ago

The autumn in Gannan lasts from September to October. During this time, there is no summer heat and no winter chill. Prices during this period are significantly lower compared to July and August, and most importantly, there are fewer people around, allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery all to yourself. Even without a filter, your phone can capture beautiful autumn landscapes.

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Feel free to ask any question about this place ^_^x