Gannan Travel Guide

Situated in the southwest of Gansu Province and northeast edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture borders Sichuan and Qinghai provinces. The area is inhabited with Tibetan, Han Chinese, Hui, Mongol and other nationalities with a population of 730,000. It includes Xiahe, Labrang Monastery, Luqu, Maqu and other mostly Tibetan towns and villages. The vast expanse of prairie and Tibet customs and music make Gannan an amazing place to visit.
 

History

Gannan was the homeland and domain of Qiang people in ancient times. In Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC), Qin State governed part of this area. Eastern Gannan was brought to feudal regime of Central China in 111AD. Since then, the area was under the government of several kingdoms. Tuguhun kingdom was established here in fourth century and the southern Silk Road, also as Tea and Horse Road, was opened up. The area was under the control of Tibetan Empire since seventh century and took control by several other kingdoms in successive dynasties. Tang-Tibet Ancient Road passed through the region and Gannan played an important role between the Han and Tibetan relationship.
 

Attractions

Gannan is rich in tourist resources and it is famous for Tibet culture, grassland scenery, stone forest and highland lakes. The tourism festival and Buddhist ceremonies held in Gannan also attract visitors from home and abroad.

Labrang Monastery, the largest Tibetan religious and cultural center outside Tibet, is a must see when travel to Gannan. The monastery is one of the six major temples of the Gelukpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Langmu Monastery is a well-known area for backpackers. Sangke Prairie is famous for its great pasture and frequent magnificent Buddhist ceremonies. The Great Bend of the Yellow River zigzags through the great grassland and stretches towards an endless place. Gahai-Zecha National Nature Reserve consists of Zecha Stone Forest and Gaihai Migrant Nature Reserve which is an ideal summer resort with the Gahai Grassland being one of the finest in Asia.
 

Transportation

There is no airport or railway in Gannan till now and buses are the only vehicles to get in and out of Gannan. Lanzhou is the main transfer station to Gannan whether by air, by train or by bus. Hezuo, the capital of Gannan Prefecture, is 260km from Lanzhou.

From Lanzhou to Gannan
Lanzhou South Bus Station has buses to Xiahe, Langmu Monastery, Maqu, Diebu in Gannan.

From Hezuo to other cities
The bus station is located in Xiyi Road of Hezuo City and has buses to Lanzhou, Xiahe, Dingxi, Xining and Linxia.
 

Weather and Climate

Located in the temperate zone, Gannan has a continental plateau climate with humid and cold weather. The temperature varies slightly among four seasons but greatly during the day. The annual temperature is 1.7°C (35.06°F).
 

Food and Restaurants

As a Tibetan area, the food in Gannan is of Tibetan flavor. Local food includes Gannan Morel, Tsampa, Mutton, Yogurt and butter tea. There are also Sichuan Cuisine and Muslim restaurants in this area.

Recommended Restaurant
Oversea Chinese Restaurant: Nepali and western food.
Address: No.77 Renmin West Street, Xiahe County, Gannan.
Phone: +86 0941 7122642
 

Shopping

Tibetan souvenirs such as ornaments, embroidery, Tibetan herbs, silver wares, and religious handicrafts can be found in the shopping malls. Renmin East Street outside Labrang Monastery has shops which sell the above souvenirs.
 

Accommodation

It’s cheap to accommodate in Gannan and you can also experience the life in Gannan by live in the local families or monasteries.

Recommended hotels in Gannan
Shang Bala Hotel
Address: No.53 Renmin Street, Hezuo.

Gannan Hotel
Address: No.83 Renmin Street, Hezuo.

Gannan International Hotel
Address: Next Door to Traffic Police Detachment, Hezuo.

Labrang Redrock International Youth Hostel
Address: No.253 Yagetang, Xiahe County.
 

Travel Tips

1. June to August is the best time to visit Gannan.
2. The post office is at No.104, Renmin Jie, Hezuo City.
3. Buddhist ceremonies are held from the eighth to the sixteenth day of the first lunar month.
4. Respect the habits of local Tibetan people including etiquettes and taboos.