6-Day Gannan Highlights Tour: Labrang, Sangke Grassland, Zhagana & Yellow River First Bend

Lanzhou – Xiahe Labrang Monastery – Langmusi

Heading toward the morning sun of Western China, we drive into the wild beauty of Northwestern Sichuan. Traveling along the Lanzhou–Langmusi Highway, we pass the natural border between the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.
Arriving in Xiahe around noon, we visit the renowned Tibetan Buddhist Labrang Monastery, home to the world’s longest prayer corridor featuring more than 2,000 prayer wheels. Join local Tibetans in traditional attire and walk along the prayer corridor, quietly offering blessings for family and loved ones.

At the southwest corner of the monastery stands an ancient wooden bridge across the Xia River. Crossing the bridge and hiking uphill, you’ll reach the giant Thangka platform—the best panoramic viewpoint of Labrang Monastery.

In the afternoon, we continue to Langmusi, known as “Little Switzerland of the East.” Photography lovers may explore the town before sunset, set up a tripod, and capture the golden hour from your favorite angle.

Meals: Not Included

Accommodation: Langmusi Hotel





Langmusi – Sangke Grassland – Gahai Lake – Zhagana

Early risers may enjoy the peaceful morning light in Langmusi. This small border town sits between Gansu and Sichuan, with two Tibetan monasteries standing on both sides of the White Dragon River. Each has its own unique charm:

• The Sichuan monastery offers access to the sacred canyon and the river’s source.

• The Gansu monastery allows a hike to the traditional sky burial site on the mountain.

After lunch, we depart for Zhagana, a village surrounded by dramatic cliffs, scattered wooden houses, terraced fields, and drifting clouds. When mist rises, the scenery resembles a fairyland untouched by time, earning Zhagana the nickname “pure land on earth.”

Tonight, we stay at a Tibetan-style lodge inside the scenic area. Please note that local accommodations are simple due to environmental restrictions.

Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own

Accommodation: Zhagana Hotel





Zhagana Deep Exploration

After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring the sacred land of Zhagana, a Tibetan village encircled by steep rocky cliffs. Morning weather is ever-changing—mist drifting among the peaks creates a dreamlike atmosphere, making Zhagana a true Shambhala paradise.

Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own

Accommodation: Original Tibetan Guesthouse in Zhagana





Diebu – Ruo’ergai – Tangke

After breakfast, we drive to the Ruo’ergai region of Sichuan to visit the breathtaking Flower Lake (Huahu). Reflections of blue sky and white clouds dance on crystal-clear water. The lake is located within China’s largest alpine wetland, often called “the kidney of the earth.” It is also an important habitat for rare wildlife, including the black-necked crane. Walk along the wooden boardwalk and enjoy the serenity of the grassland wetlands.

We then continue to Tangke, home to the famous First Bend of the Yellow River. Climb the wooden boardwalk path to the mountaintop viewpoint, where the Yellow River weaves gracefully across the golden grasslands like flowing silk. Here the river appears peaceful, elegant, and endlessly winding.

Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own

Accommodation: Tangke Hotel





Tangke – Waqie Stupa Forest – Lianbaoyeze – Jiuzhi County

With the sunlight shining over the plateau, we depart for the sacred mountains of Lianbaoyeze. En route, we pass the Waqie Stupa Forest, built to honor the 10th Panchen Lama. Endless prayer flags flutter in the wind, creating a powerful spiritual landscape.

Upon arrival at Lianbaoyeze, you’ll discover a world of dramatic granite peaks, cliffs, alpine lakes, and cascading silver waterfalls. Known as the “Stone Fortress,” the mountain range is majestic and filled with rugged beauty.

In the evening, we reach Jiuzhi County in Qinghai and check in to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own

Accommodation: Jiuzhi County Hotel (or similar)





Jiuzhi – Hezuo – Lanzhou

After breakfast, we visit Milafoge, a scenic area known for its pristine environment, rich biodiversity, and beautiful natural landscapes. Afterward, we return to Lanzhou, where our Gannan journey comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own

Accommodation: Lanzhou Hotel (or similar)



