Details
Lanzhou Airport / Railway Pickup – Hotel Check-in
Lanzhou, abbreviated as “Lan” or “Gao,” historically known as Jincheng, is the capital city of Gansu Province. It is an important industrial base and comprehensive transportation hub in Northwestern China, officially approved by the State Council. Lanzhou is one of the key central cities in Western China, a core node of the Silk Road Economic Belt, the headquarters of the PLA Western Theater Army, and one of the five major hub cities on the China section of the New Eurasian Land Bridge.
The city is honored with many titles such as “Key City of the Silk Road,” “Pearl of the Yellow River,” “Summer Capital of the West,” “City of Waterwheels,” and “Famous Melon and Fruit City.”
Meals: Not Included
Accommodation: Mehood Lestie Hotel Lanzhou / Similar
Lanzhou – Ganjia Secret Realm – Labrang Monastery – Xiahe
Depart in the morning for Ganjia Secret Realm Scenic Area
(Approx. 3.5 hours, entrance ticket not included)
Ganjia Secret Realm includes Bajiao Ancient City, Baishi Cliff Karst Cave, and Baishi Cliff Monastery. Hidden deep within the Gannan grasslands, this forgotten land blends vast prairie scenery with mysterious ancient cities and caves—an extraordinary fusion of nature and history.
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Bajiao Ancient City:
A millennium-old city with a cross-shaped layout and eight corner towers forming an octagon. It was once a vital military stronghold between Qinghai and Gansu and remains well preserved today. Walking through it feels like hearing echoes of history. -
Baishi Cliff Karst Cave:
Preserved in its original state, requiring climbing with both hands and feet. The exit is known as “King of Hell Cave,” carrying strong religious symbolism. -
Baishi Cliff Monastery:
A thousand-year-old Buddhist temple rich in Tibetan Buddhist architecture and scriptures, regarded as a sacred place for spiritual practice. -
Grassland Scenery:
Vast open grasslands where you may spot marmots and other wildlife, experiencing the vitality of nature.
Meals: Hotel breakfast included; lunch & dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Xiahe Jiusheng International Hotel / Similar
Labrang Monastery
Ganja Secret Realm
Xiahe – Sangke Grassland – Gahai Lake – Langmusi
After breakfast, proceed to the core area of Gahai–Zecha National Nature Reserve, one of the sources of the Tao River, a tributary of the Yellow River. Known as the “Ecological Green Gem” of the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, this is far more than an ordinary lake.
This is a paradise for birds: black-necked cranes strolling gracefully, black storks fishing across the water, bar-headed geese flying overhead. As a breeding ground and migration stopover for rare birds, simply standing on the viewing platform feels like stepping into a wildlife documentary.
Wetlands and grasslands blend like an oil painting. The crystal-clear lake reflects drifting clouds like crushed blue crystal 💧. The soft grassland forms a green carpet, dotted with wildflowers (best from June to August), while the breeze carries floral scents—making every breath sweet.
Next, visit Langmusi, located at the border of Gansu and Sichuan provinces.
Langmusi is the source of the Bailong River. The river divides the town into Sichuan Monastery and Gansu Monastery, both Tibetan Buddhist temples. Known as the “Little Switzerland of the East,” visitors can explore Buddha statues, murals, and sky burials (usually in the afternoon), deeply experiencing Tibetan culture.
Meals: Hotel breakfast included; lunch & dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Langmusi International Hotel
Langmusi
Sangke Grassland
Langmusi – Awancang Wetland – Niangma Monastery – Lianbaoyeze – Aba
After breakfast, travel to Awancang Wetland, a high-altitude wetland formed by the convergence of the Yellow River and its tributaries Gongqu, Saierqu, and Daojiqu. With intertwining rivers, scattered lakes, and lush aquatic plants, it is one of the world’s largest wintering grounds for black-necked cranes.
Praised as “China’s Most Beautiful Wetland,” it combines rugged northern landscapes with the gentle charm of southern waterways—ideal for explorers, travelers, and photographers.
Next, visit Niangma Monastery (Awancang Zhaodai Niangma Monastery), founded in 1834, an important Nyingma (Red Sect) Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
Sacred relics include a 2.5-chi tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava, Shakyamuni Buddha statues, 19 murals, over 40 thangkas, and a 13-meter Bodhi Stupa.
The monastery houses the world’s largest Buddhist scripture prayer wheel, approx. 50 meters high, weighing 300 tons, containing 110,000 scriptures, certified by Guinness World Records in 2018.
Meals: Hotel breakfast included; lunch & dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Aba Mango Qianqian Tree Hotel / Similar
Lotus Leaf
Awancang Wetland
Aba – Hongyuan Grassland – First Bend of the Yellow River – Flower Lake – Ruoergai
Visit the First Bend of the Yellow River
(Approx. 3 hours)
Located in Tangke Town, Ruoergai County, this magnificent “S-shaped” bend forms where the Yellow River meets the White River. Known as the “Majestic Vision of the Universe,” with an average altitude of 3,500 meters, it features winding rivers, lush wetlands, and habitats for rare birds.
The Sky Ladder consists of 14 escalators totaling 538 meters in length with a vertical drop of 158 meters, the highest sightseeing escalator in China—perfect for viewing the spectacular sunset.
Then visit Flower Lake
(Approx. 2.5 hours)
Located on the Ruoergai Grassland, the clear blue lake is surrounded by wetlands, ideal for birdwatching, including black-necked cranes.
Meals: Hotel breakfast included; lunch & dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Ruoergai Yellow River Resort / Similar
Ruoergai Flower Lake
The First Bend of the Yellow River
Ruoergai – Zha Ga Na Scenic Area
Fairyland on Earth – Zha Ga Na
(Approx. 2.5 hours)
A Tibetan village surrounded by mountains, known as “Stone Box” in Tibetan. Hidden among peaks with misty clouds, terraced fields, scattered villages, and peaceful smoke rising from chimneys—this is Shangri-La in dreams.
Recommended stay: Stargazing at night, morning mist at Dari Viewing Platform, then Fairy Beach and One-Line Sky.
Meals: Hotel breakfast included; lunch & dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Zha Ga Na Scenic Area Guesthouse / Similar
Tsuna
Tsuna
Zha Ga Na – Lazikou Memorial Hall – Guaner Valley – Dangchang
Enjoy the beautiful morning of Zha Ga Na, then visit Lazikou Memorial Hall, commemorating the heroic Lazikou Battle during the Long March.
Proceed to Guaner Valley, known as “Little Jiuzhaigou of Longnan,” featuring forests, gorges, waterfalls, lakes, and Tibetan-Qiang culture.
Meals: Hotel breakfast included; lunch & dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Dangchang New Guaner Valley Hotel / Similar
Lazikou Memorial Hall
Guangegou
Dangchang – Maijishan Grottoes – Fuxi Temple – Tianshui
Visit Maijishan Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s four great grottoes, famous for clay sculptures carved into cliff faces shaped like a wheat stack.
Note: Steep stairways—wear non-slip shoes; those with fear of heights should avoid higher plank paths.
Meals: Hotel breakfast included; lunch & dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Vienna Hotel Tianshui / Similar
Maijishan Grottoes
Fuxi Temple
Tianshui – Lanzhou | Tour Ends
After breakfast, return to Lanzhou (approx. 3–4 hours). Enjoy views of the Loess Plateau and river valleys along the way. Upon arrival, the tour concludes, with transfer arranged according to your flight or train schedule (afternoon departures recommended).
Meals: Hotel breakfast included; lunch & dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Warm Home 🏡
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 2026-04 | $ 780 | Book now |
| May | 2026-05 | $ 880 | Book now |
| Jun | 2026-06 | $ 880 | Book now |
| Jul | 2026-07 | $ 980 | Book now |
| Aug | 2026-08 | $ 980 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 9 days Lanzhou to Aba In-Depth Adventure | Gannan Grasslands, Labrang Monastery & Lotus Peak
Fee Description
The price includes:
1. Transportation: A 9-seat airline-style tour bus with 1+1 individual seats, offering ample legroom and comfortable backrests for extended periods, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning high-altitude scenery.
2. Driver: A professional local driver familiar with local customs and traditions, ensuring a pure tour experience with no shopping stops.
3. Hotels: Stay in four-star luxury hotels throughout the trip, located near major shopping areas or scenic spots. A delicious breakfast is included daily, allowing you to unwind and relax.
4. Entrance Fees: Includes entrance fees to all major scenic spots and mandatory sightseeing bus rides within the itinerary. No extra charges, allowing you to easily explore every hidden gem.
5. Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance, vehicle seat insurance, and travel accident insurance; comprehensive protection for a worry-free trip.
6. Complimentary Gifts: Bottled water provided throughout the trip, and a portable oxygen cylinder for each person to help you acclimatize to the high-altitude environment. Triple insurance coverage ensures a safe and worry-free journey.
The price does not include:
international and domestic airfare and train tickets; lunch and dinner throughout the trip; personal expenses.
