Five-day tour of Gannan.

Day 1: Before dawn, we set off from Xi'an and arrive at Wushan County in western Tianshui City at noon. We enjoy a pot of authentic Tianshui spicy hotpot, marking the start of our Gannan journey. Our first stop is Langdu Wetland Grassland, located east of Minxian County, Dingxi City, Gansu Province. As soon as we get off the bus, we are greeted by clear skies and fresh air. A vast landscape unfolds before us. We climb up to Yinglong Pavilion via the boardwalk. This place not only boasts magnificent natural scenery but also has a rich red history and unique folk customs. The Red Second Front Army and the Red Fourth Front Army, despite the hardships ahead, crossed this land, forging ahead with courage and determination. In the evening, we check into a hotel in Minxian County and savor the local specialties: beef paste and stewed beef. Day 2: After a winding mountain road, we reach the boundary between Minxian County and Diebu County, known as Tieshichang. It is named after its resemblance to a standing ruler. In Tibetan, it is called Tiejie Ri, with an altitude of 3,500 meters. Among the mountains, above the gods, the peak is shrouded in clouds and mist, offering a spectacular view. We then arrive at the Lazikou Battle Memorial Hall, where we listen to the stories of the Red Army's bravery and fearlessness. On the roadside ahead, we visit Daxiusheng Temple in Wangcang Town, Diebu County, to experience Tibetan Buddhist culture. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tantric Buddhism. We then arrive at Zhaga'na in Yiwang Township, Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. We eagerly try the yak hotpot to warm our bodies. Zhaga'na is a Tibetan word meaning "stone box." This is a natural stone city, a stone palace, known as the dwelling place of gods and the Garden of Eden. Shrouded in clouds and mist, it resembles a fairyland. The mountains are majestic, with clouds and霞蔚. After checking into a wooden cabin guesthouse, we begin to explore the purity and mystery of Gannan. We climb up to Xiannütan, one of the core scenic areas of Zhaga'na. The primeval forest, alpine meadows, clear streams, and rugged peaks are shrouded in clouds and mist. The villages are peaceful, and from a high vantage point, we can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Zhaga'na mountain range and four villages. Zhaga'na is connected by four villages: Yeri Village, Dongwa Village, Dari Village, and Deba Village. After descending the mountain, we walk to the opposite side of Lasang Temple. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect and is also the highest point in Zhaga'na. The view here is expansive, with prayer flags, prayer wheels, and a white cliff reflecting the golden roof of the temple. The sunset shines on the temple at the top of the mountain, glittering and illuminating the soul. Day 3: We arrive at the Riyue Observation Deck at six o'clock to wait for the sunrise. The sunrise here is not from the horizon but from behind the mountain. The sky gradually brightens, clean and spotless. The rising mist is full of poetry, making us forget the slight chill of the morning. The sunrise in Zhaga'na reveals a sea of clouds, a golden mountain, and a mist-shrouded landscape. The surging emotions at sunrise are as unforgettable as the magnificent and romantic sunset we witnessed at Lasang Temple yesterday. We take a sightseeing bus to the "One Line Sky" scenic spot, which belongs to the "Nagan Dawa Sacred Mountain." The upper part of the scenic area is a bit remote, so we choose to come down to Tiger's Mouth. At noon, we reluctantly bid farewell to this magical place. On the way, we suddenly see an endless grassland, part of Ruoergai Grassland. This pristine grassland is vast and boundless, with streams meandering and crisscrossing across the vast expanse. On the road to Gannan, surprises may come at any time. Perhaps a turn will reveal the wonders of nature. In the evening, we arrive at Langmu Temple in Luqu County, which is also a small town. The source stream of the Bailong River divides it into two parts: Saiqizhai Temple in Gansu and Gerdi Temple in Sichuan. Upon entering Saiqizhai Temple, the white pagoda and temple roof are particularly dazzling, with a golden glow and radiant splendor. Across the river, Gerdi Temple stands quietly. The town is filled with smoke from cooking fires. Langmu Temple slows down time, with beautiful scenery and a leisurely pace of life, adorning this spiritual home that lays bare the heart. Day 4: Leaving Luqu County, we arrive at Sangke Grassland in Xiahe County, with an altitude of over 3,000 meters. Covering an area of over 700,000 square kilometers, it boasts herds of cattle and sheep under the blue sky and white clouds. The grassland is as green as felt, with flowers vying for beauty. Endless clouds and boundless grassland, we run freely, experiencing the tranquility and harmony of the soul. At noon, after enjoying a delicious and unique big plate chicken, we arrive at Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County. It is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is known as the "World Tibetan Academy." Labrang means "residence of the Living Buddha." It has become a massive architectural complex with six colleges, 84 halls, and over 12,000 monks' residences. Its statues, ancient books, murals, and thangka paintings, architecture, and cultural heritage are extremely rich. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are not tainted by commercial interests, allowing the soul to be truly immersed and cleansed. In the evening, we check into a hotel in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, western Gansu. We sip sweet milk tea and eat paper-wrapped fish, enjoying the city's unique nightlife. Day 5: After a breakfast of authentic Lanzhou beef noodles, we return to Xi'an from Linxia, covering a distance of over 700 kilometers in one day. These five days, totaling over 2,000 kilometers, are filled with scenery. When the wind blows, the heart follows the clouds, expanding and contracting. When the sun sets, the heart is connected to the plateau, feeling relaxed and comfortable. Every now and then, a soaring heart still wants to drift on that grassland, those temples, those mountains, and those roads. Note: Ticket information for various scenic spots in Gannan: Langdu Grassland 20 yuan, Zhaga'na 80 yuan, Zhaga'na sightseeing bus 40 yuan, Langmu Temple 30 yuan, Labrang Monastery 40 yuan.