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 an ancient city constructed from natural rock formations. Located in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, China, Zhagana is renowned for its breathtaking landscape.
To the north rise the majestic and resplendent Guangai Mountain peaks, formerly known as Shijing Mountain for their reflective gray-white rocks that glitter in the sun. Eastward, sheer cliffs soar into the sky, often shrouded in swirling mists, creating a dramatic backdrop. To the south, two towering stone peaks stand side by side, forming what locals call the Stone Gate. Further south towards Dongwa and Nagya, steep cliffs overlook rushing streams and waterwheels, adding to the area’s picturesque charm.
Within the village, ancient wooden Tibetan houses cling to the mountainside, blending harmoniously with the surrounding hilltops and streams, creating a serene pastoral landscape. The local Tibetan people engage in quiet, simple agricultural work amid the slopes and rivers, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Tibetan rural life.
Zhagana Village is divided into four smaller villages: Dongwa, Yeri, Dari, and Daiba. These villages are connected by a winding road, with Dongwa and Daiba being approximately 5 kilometers apart. Visitors can explore and photograph these villages by either walking or driving, with a hike from the lowest to the highest village taking about an hour.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Best Time to Visit Zhagana
- Highlights of Zhagana Tibetan Village
- Vlog about Zhagana Tibetan Village
- Iconic Attractions in Ganna
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | 80 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0941-5668678 |
Location and Transportation
Zhagana is located in Yiwu Township, about 30 kilometers northwest of Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. To reach Zhagana, you can take a bus from Lanzhou South Bus Station to Diebu (迭部), with three daily departures at 08:40, 09:40, and 10:20. From Diebu County town, you can hire a car to Zhagana, which is approximately a 30-kilometer journey taking around 40 minutes. Paved roads provide access to all the villages within Zhagana, making travel convenient.
Best Time to Visit Zhagana
The best time to visit Zhagana is from July to August. During these months, the grasslands are lush green and the scenery is exceptionally beautiful, making it ideal for sightseeing and photography. Most visitors come as part of their journey through the northern Gannan Tibetan region, often stopping over from nearby Langmusi, which is about a 2-hour drive away.
A typical itinerary involves arriving in Zhagana in the afternoon, leisurely strolling through the village to admire the stunning landscapes. Visitors usually stay overnight in traditional Tibetan homestays to experience local hospitality. Early morning is perfect for capturing the misty clouds and sunrise scenes before departing the next day.
The journey from Diebu County town takes about 1 hour by car, while it takes around 2 hours from Langmusi. For travelers on the Gannan-Chuanbei route, Zhagana serves as a serene and picturesque stopover.
Highlights of Zhagana Tibetan Village
Dongwa Village
Starting from the village entrance, the first village you reach is Dongwa, situated at the base of the mountain. A notable landmark here is the “Big Stone Gate,” a large rock near a small hill that’s perfect for photography. This spot offers a picturesque view of the village built along the mountainside, framed by towering cliffs. At the top of the village is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, adding to the enchanting scenery. Dongwa Village, being the largest and most populated, is an ideal place to find accommodation. Visitors can settle into a local farmhouse here and then explore the higher villages either on foot or by car, with a hike to the top taking about an hour.
Yeri Village
Continuing up the mountain road, you reach Yeri Village. Adjacent to Yeri is a broad barley field where you can often see local Tibetans working, providing a serene and bucolic scene. Yeri Village is also home to the house where the renowned explorer Joseph Rock once lived for over a year, although it can only be viewed from the outside.
Dari Village
Further up the road, after passing through Dari Village, you come to a wide observation deck. This spot offers a panoramic view of the entire village and the magnificent cliffs behind it. The traditional wooden roofs and earthen walls of the houses create a quaint and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect location for capturing beautiful photos. After taking in the panoramic views, visitors can return to Dongwa Village for the night. Due to its more remote location and less striking scenery, Daiba Village is often skipped by tourists.
Exploring Dongwa Village and Beyond
If time allows, visitors should take 1-2 hours to hike up the hill behind Dongwa Village to visit the mountaintop monastery. The path is lined with ancient wooden houses, showcasing unique wedge-and-tenon structures. Along the way, you might encounter friendly locals who might invite you into their homes to enjoy traditional Tibetan delicacies like tsampa and butter tea, offering a genuine taste of local hospitality.
For the more adventurous, there’s a two-day trekking route behind the village that leads to secluded lakes and stone forests, featuring pristine and beautiful landscapes. This route is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts and involves camping overnight. Hikers can rent horses and hire local guides, typically costing around 150 yuan per day for a horse.
Crossing through the small Duku (小独库) to get here, Zhagana is definitely in the off-season. The entrance fee is waived, and there are so few people. When I arrived yesterday, I estimate there were only four tourists across all four villages. It was simply delightful! I could shout into the mountains and no one would respond to my craziness.
Today was my second day in Zhagana. I felt like I was the only traveler using public transportation here. In the morning, I went to three lookout points. The view from the Rock Lookout was the best, but unfortunately, it started to snow lightly, creating a foggy atmosphere. I then walked all the way to the Dari Lookout and managed to catch a ride to the entrance of the One Line Sky scenic area. I began trekking with the intention… Read more »
The winter in Zhagana is extremely cold!
The wind is really fierce.
Every night, I sleep in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius!
Even going to the restroom requires a half-hour prayer!
Moreover, several camps have their water sources frozen!
At night, we have to repeatedly dig snow to melt it for hot water!
Be very cautious if you’re planning to visit in winter; it’s dangerous, so please do not imitate casually!
Despite the controversies, I still recommend including Zhakana in your trip to Gannan. It would be even better if you could go hiking there. Don’t forget to try the yak hotpot – it’s a must!
The day before yesterday was so joyful, but yesterday was a total mess. It started raining as soon as we arrived in Zhagana, and we had no chance to see its true beauty. With a sense of regret, we continued south to Ruoergai, where it was really cold and quite unbearable.
Before heading to Zha Ga Na, make sure to use the restroom and prepare in advance to prevent motion sickness. The journey is long and there are no places to stop.