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.
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 »
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.
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 »
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!
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.