With Walk East ...
[video v=AaaD8lNkRdw]Bonus film - the Singing Sand Dunes of GanSu ...
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Videos about Gansu, China
Blondie in LanZhou, GanSu province (food adventure)
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A drive through the grasslands of GanSu province
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[video v=o7PeD7koeh8]Grasslands of Gansu Province travel guide
Introduction
The grasslands of Gansu Province are a breathtaking natural wonder, offering vast expanses of rolling hills, lush meadows, and vibrant wildflowers. These grasslands are home to diverse wildlife and traditional nomadic cultures, providing visitors with a unique and immersive experience. This guide will help you explore the beauty of Gansu's grasslands, including must-see attractions, local culture, and practical travel tips.
Must-See Grasslands
Maqu Grassland (玛曲草原)
Maqu Grassland, located in the southern part of Gansu Province, is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved grasslands in China. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, including rare species of plants and animals. Visitors can experience traditional Tibetan nomadic culture, including horseback riding and staying in yurts.
Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘南藏族自治州)
Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is a region in Gansu known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant Tibetan culture. The grasslands here are dotted with monasteries, prayer flags, and nomadic camps. Highlights include the Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, and the Sangke Grassland, a perfect spot for camping and picnicking.
Ruoergai Grassland (若尔盖草原)
Ruoergai Grassland, also known as Zoige Grassland, is located at the border of Gansu and Sichuan provinces. It is one of the largest and most picturesque grasslands in China, featuring vast wetlands, rivers, and lakes. The area is home to numerous bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
Langmusi (郎木寺)
Langmusi is a small town located on the border of Gansu and Sichuan provinces, known for its beautiful grasslands and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The town is surrounded by lush meadows and mountains, offering excellent opportunities for hiking and horse riding. The local monasteries, such as the Kirti Monastery and Sertri Monastery, are also worth visiting.
Local Culture
The grasslands of Gansu are home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Tibetans, Mongolians, and Hui Muslims. These communities have preserved their traditional ways of life, including nomadic herding, Tibetan Buddhism, and unique culinary traditions. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture through homestays, attending festivals, and participating in traditional activities.
Tibetan Festivals
Tibetan festivals are an integral part of the cultural landscape in Gansu's grasslands. Key festivals include Losar (Tibetan New Year), Shoton (Yogurt Festival), and the Horse Racing Festival. These events feature traditional music, dance, religious rituals, and sports competitions, providing a vibrant and immersive cultural experience.
Traditional Nomadic Life
Experiencing the traditional nomadic lifestyle is a highlight of any visit to the grasslands. Visitors can stay in yurts, ride horses, and learn about the herding practices that have sustained these communities for centuries. This offers a unique insight into the symbiotic relationship between the nomads and their natural environment.
Practical Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the grasslands of Gansu is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is mild, and the grasslands are in full bloom.
- Getting Around: Due to the vast and remote nature of the grasslands, hiring a local guide or joining a tour is recommended. Public transportation options are limited, and having a guide will enhance your experience.
- Accommodation: Accommodation options range from basic guesthouses to traditional yurts. Staying in a yurt provides a unique cultural experience, but it's essential to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- Health and Safety: The high altitude of some grassland areas can cause altitude sickness. It's important to acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and pack appropriate clothing.
- Respect Local Customs: When visiting Tibetan and other ethnic communities, respect local customs and traditions. Seek permission before taking photographs, especially in religious sites and of local people.
Conclusion
The grasslands of Gansu Province offer a unique and unforgettable travel experience, combining stunning natural landscapes with rich cultural heritage. Whether you're exploring the vast meadows, learning about nomadic traditions, or immersing yourself in Tibetan culture, the grasslands of Gansu provide a deep and enriching connection to the natural and cultural wonders of China. Use this guide to plan your journey and make the most of your visit to this extraordinary region.
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GanSu province.
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Fun adventures in DunHuang 敦煌, western GanSu province
DunHuang is situated in a rich oasis within the Gobi Desert that includes Crescent Lake. DunHuang held a strategic position at the crossroads of the ancient Southern Silk Route and the main road leading from India via Lhasa to Mongolia and Southern Siberia, as well as the entrance to the narrow HeXi Corridor, which led straight to the heart of the northern China plains and the ancient capitals of Chang'An (known today as Xi'An) and LuoYang. The Gobi Desert is a 'rain shadow desert', formed by the Himalayan mountain range blocking rain-carrying clouds from the Indian Ocean.
YinChuan, 'Silver River', lies in NingXia province, central - north China. It is located near the western bank of the upper course of the Yellow River, in the south-central section of the HeLan Shan mountains and the Ordos Desert. Thanks to the Yellow River, YinChuan enjoys beautiful natural scenery and favorable conditions for agriculture and has long earned the fame of a "River Side City in the Northwest" and "Home to Fishes and Rice". Around the city of about 2 million are a number of interesting cultural sites, including part of the Great Wall of China (not far from the western end-point) and grand mosques (Hui minority) and lies on a trade route from cities in the far west to the east. Nearby are the extensive Western Xia Dynasty (1038 - 1227) Tombs, 40 kilometers to the west. There are two pagodas in YinChuan that are part of the 'Eight Famous Sceneries of NingXia': one is the HaiBao Pagoda in the northern suburb and the other is the ChengTianSi Pagoda in the west. Sand Lake lies about 50 kilometers north of YinChuan. Being a world of desert and a large lake, it is a place of beautiful nature and a great getaway. The immediate plains area, intensively irrigated by a system developed as long ago as the Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 220), is very productive for agriculture. A great film by Sticker Travel ...
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DunHuang 敦煌, GanSu province : along the old Silk Road
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The MaiJiShan Grottoes 麦积山石窟, TianShui, GanSu province
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A trip to DunHuang 敦煌 in the Gobi Desert
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A trip to JiaYuGuan 嘉峪关, western end of the Great Wall - video
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Scenes along the Silk Road in China. Places include Hohhot (Inner Mongolia), YinChuan (NingXia), LanZhou (Gansu), TianShui (Gansu), ZhangYe (Gansu), JiaYuGuan (Gansu), DunHuang (Gansu), Urumqi (XinJiang). Most notably, the western end of the Great Wall at JiaYuGuan and the Grottoes at DunHuang.
Labrang Monastery, GanSu 甘肃 province
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