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Welcome to Lanzhou! Upon arrival, our local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in and a short rest, head out to explore Nanguan Cross Street(南关民族风味一条街), a lively area known for its street food and vibrant local culture. Try hand-pulled Lanzhou beef noodles and other regional delicacies.
D | Stay in Lanzhou
After breakfast, drive through the mountains to Xiahe, home to one of the most important Tibetan monasteries outside of Tibet – Labrang Monastery(拉卜楞寺). Walk the world’s longest prayer wheel corridor and observe the daily life of Tibetan monks.
Afterward, visit the serene Sangke Grassland(桑科草原), where yaks roam freely and nomadic tents dot the hills. It’s a great spot to try horseback riding or enjoy traditional Tibetan butter tea. Then continue the drive about 60 kilometers to Hezuo for the night.
B, L, D | Stay in Hezuo
Begin your day with a visit to Langmus(郎木寺), a picturesque village on the border of Gansu and Sichuan, known as the “Little Tibet of China”. Explore two Tibetan monasteries nestled among forested mountains.
Then head to Zhagana(扎尕那), a stunning hidden valley that feels like a fairytale. Surrounded by majestic cliffs and traditional stone houses, this area offers scenic hiking trails and authentic Tibetan hospitality. Continue to Diebu County for an overnight stay.
B, L, D | Stay in Diebu
Today’s journey takes you through the Zoige Grassland(or Ruoergai Grassland 若尔盖草原), one of China’s most beautiful highland wetlands. Stop at Flower Lake(花湖), a peaceful lake surrounded by blooming wildflowers and a paradise for birdwatchers.
In the late afternoon, visit the First Bend of the Yellow River(九曲黄河第一湾) at Tangke, where the mighty river twists dramatically through the grasslands. Climb up to the observation deck for a panoramic sunset view.
B, L, D | Stay in Tangke
After breakfast, visit the Waqie Stupa Forest(瓦切塔林), a sacred site dotted with hundreds of Tibetan stupas, prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
Then travel across the vast Hongyuan Grassland(红原草原), where golden plains stretch to the horizon. Stop for photos and enjoy the serenity of the Tibetan plateau.
Continue to Aba County, where you’ll explore the remote and awe-inspiring Lianbao Yeze Scenic Area(莲宝叶则), a dramatic landscape of granite peaks, crystal lakes, and hidden valleys.
B, L, D | Stay in Aba
Leave early for a scenic drive back to Hezuo, stopping en route at the Awancang Wetland(阿万仓湿地) in Maqu County, one of the largest wetlands on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. This is a great place to spot migratory birds and enjoy peaceful nature walks.
B, L, D | Stay in Hezuo
In the morning, visit the Milarepa Buddhist Pavilion(米拉日巴佛阁) in Hezuo – a nine-story golden-roofed stupa dedicated to the great Tibetan yogi Milarepa. This is the tallest Tibetan Buddhist structure of its kind in Gansu.
After the visit, drive back to Lanzhou, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening.
B, L, D | Stay in Lanzhou
Your journey through the Tibetan landscapes of Gannan comes to an end today. We’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Thank you for traveling with us – we hope to welcome you again!
B
The best time is from May to October, when the grasslands are green, the weather is mild, and local Tibetan festivals may be observed.
Yes, but due to high altitude areas (over 3,000m), it’s better suited for healthy travelers. Seniors and young children should consult a doctor before traveling.
Some areas like Langmusi, Ruoergai, and Lianbao Yeze are at high elevations. Mild symptoms like headache or fatigue may occur. We travel gradually and provide support to help you adapt.
You’ll enjoy Tibetan butter tea, horseback riding, prayer wheel walks, sunset viewing, and traditional food tasting like Lanzhou beef noodles.
Lanzhou - Zhangye - Dunhuang - Golmud - Chaka - Xining - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Xining - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Jiuquan - Zhangye - Wuwei - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Xiahe - Langmusi monastery - Diebu County - Tanchang County - Tianshui - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Wuwei - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Lanzhou
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Noodles, mountains, what a combo!
Tom –
Lanzhou beef noodles on day one? A perfect start. And it only got better from there.
Loved it!
Carlos Mendes –
Everything was well-organized, and the drives, though long, were incredibly scenic. I really appreciated the slower pace.
First Time in gansu China，Unforgettable!
Emily Johnson –
This trip felt like discovering a hidden world. Zhagana completely stole my heart—those stone villages and towering cliffs looked like something from a dream. I also loved how close we got to Tibetan culture, especially at Labrang Monastery.
If you love nature, this is it!
David –
This tour is perfect for nature lovers. Endless grasslands, mountains, and starry skies—what else could you ask for? I especially loved Lianbao Yeze. That place is still stuck in my mind, so wild and pure. Felt like we were the only ones there.
Culture and comfort food
Ana Oliveira –
This was one of the most colorful and enriching trips I’ve ever been on. Every day brought something new—from the golden grasslands of Hongyuan to the rugged peaks at Lianbao Yeze. The landscapes were so varied, it felt like traveling through different worlds. I also loved how close we got to Tibetan culture—visiting monasteries, sipping butter tea, and even trying on traditional Tibetan dress just for fun!
And let’s talk about the food—wow. As someone who loves trying local dishes, I was in heaven. The hand-pulled beef noodles in Lanzhou, homemade Tibetan dumplings, yak meat stews… all so flavorful and comforting. I’m definitely planning to return someday with my best friends—this kind of trip is meant to be shared. A big thank you to the guides and everyone who made it so smooth and memorable.
Our guide made all the difference
Sarah –
The landscapes on this trip were absolutely stunning, but what really made it unforgettable was our guide, Mr.Liu. He was patient, incredibly knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humor. He didn’t just show us the places—he helped us understand them. He even taught us how to say a few phrases in Tibetan. I’ve been on many tours before, but this was by far the most personal and enriching experience. Major credit to Mr.Liu for that!