Choosing the right place to stay for a family trip in Gannan makes exploring the Tibetan secret land with kids super healing
🙋🏻♀️If you, like me, are hesitant about Tibet’s high altitude sickness but yearn for the purity and mystery of Tibetan land, then Gannan is the best answer for a family trip with kids!
The average altitude here is about 3000 meters, with grasslands, snow-capped mountains, wetlands, temples, and canyons—all the elements of Tibetan land are here. The key is fewer people, beautiful scenery, and great value for money. This 7-day, 6-night itinerary covers the essence of Gannan without rushing, perfect for first-time family trips to Gannan.
🚘 Gannan 7-day, 6-night family itinerary recommendation:
【D1: Lanzhou】
24-hour gathering, airport pickup service, then freely explore and enjoy Lanzhou cuisine to relieve travel fatigue.
【D2: Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Ganjia Secret Land - Xiahe】
Morning: Visit the world-renowned Tibetan academy Labrang Monastery, walk the prayer corridor, listen to the sound of prayer wheels, and tell kids about Tibetan culture.
Afternoon: Explore the Ganjia Secret Land, check in at Baishi Cliff and the Octagonal Ancient City, a hidden place deep in the grasslands.
Evening: Enjoy afternoon tea at the cloud pasture, watch the distant snow mountains, sip butter tea, and immerse yourself in the grassland scenery.
【D3: Xiahe - Luoke Road - Zhagana】
Morning: Walk a section of Luoke Road, listed by National Geographic, with breathtaking scenery that leaves you speechless, kids will be captivated the whole way.
Afternoon: Visit Zhagana, with misty peaks, scattered Tibetan villages, and barley fields, like a true paradise on earth.
【D4: Zhagana - Ruoergai Flower Lake - Yellow River Nine Bends - Tangke Town】
Morning: Stroll around Ruoergai Flower Lake, covered with small flowers on the surface, water birds flying through the wetlands, unbelievably beautiful, kids can learn about many water birds.
Afternoon: Watch the sunset at the Yellow River Nine Bends, the setting sun dyes the river golden, an awe-inspiring scene etched into the kids’ memories.
【D5: Tangke Town - U08 County Road - Lianbaoyeze - Aba County】
Morning: Drive along U08 County Road, surrounded by grasslands and yak herds, fully immersing in the grassland scenery.
Afternoon: Visit Lianbaoyeze, where stone mountains rise abruptly with strange shapes, like a fantasy scene from a movie, kids will be super excited.
【D6: Aba - Awancang Wetland - Langmu Temple - Namo Grand Canyon】
Morning: Enjoy the scenery of Awancang Wetland along the way, where grasslands, rivers, and livestock intertwine, full of healing vibes.
Afternoon: Visit Langmu Temple, then hike into Namo Grand Canyon, walking along the stream with steep stone walls on both sides, an easy hike suitable for kids.
【D7: Langmu Temple - Guomang Wetland - Confluence of Huang and Tao Rivers - Lanzhou】
Morning: View from Guomang Wetland observation deck, panoramic views of grasslands and wetlands, perfect for photos.
Afternoon: Visit the confluence of the Huang and Tao Rivers, witness the clear and turbid waters distinctly separated, teach kids some geography.
Return to Lanzhou, concluding this 7-day family trip in Gannan.
Accommodation
🏨Zhagana Dalagangbu Homestay
Tibetan-style homestay inside Zhagana scenic area, with snow-capped Tibetan villages right outside the window, complete family rooms, full Tibetan style.
🏨Nuojin Grand Hotel
High-end hotel near Labrang Monastery, within walking distance to the scenic area, spacious family rooms, well-equipped, altitude sickness friendly.
🏨Temple Zhongyuan Holiday Hotel
Hotel in the core area of Langmu Temple town, adjacent to the scenic area, convenient transportation, sufficient heating, very comfortable for families with kids.
🏨County Lianbaoyeze Grand Hotel
Hotel near Lianbaoyeze scenic area, half an hour drive away, spacious rooms, convenient for early entry to the scenic area the next day.