My story with him happened in Zhagana

🌄Zhagana, a real-life Peach Blossom Land encounter Recently, Zhagana's stunning scenery has been flooding my feed, and feeling eager, I decisively set off. This trip was simply breathtaking! I've put together a detailed guide, so quickly bookmark it and get going~ 🏔️ Scenic Area Overview Zhagana means "stone box" in Tibetan. It is located in Yiwa Township, Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, and is a complete natural "stone city." It consists of four natural villages—Dongwa, Yeri, Dari, and Daiba—and the Lasang Monastery. At an altitude of 3000 - 3300 meters, its unique terrain and simple Tibetan lifestyle make it a paradise in many people's hearts. 💰 Tickets and Opening Hours 🎫 Tickets: Full price 85 RMB/person (including scenic area accident insurance). Special groups enjoy discounts or free admission according to national policies (excluding sightseeing bus tickets); half price 45 RMB/person (including scenic area accident insurance). 🕙 Opening Hours: Open all day, but if you want to watch the sunrise or sunset, remember to check the times in advance. 📅 Best Travel Time June to October is the golden period✨ In June, trees are lush, and wildflowers bloom everywhere, full of vitality; July to August, average temperature 15 - 20°C, perfect for summer escape, with green grasslands full of life; September to October, autumn colors are brilliant, mountains and forests dyed golden and fiery red, a perfect wallpaper shot anywhere. In winter, Zhagana is covered in silver, like a fairy tale of ice and snow, but some roads may be closed due to snow, so be sure to check road conditions before traveling. 🚗 Transportation 1. Self-driving: From Lanzhou or Chengdu, it takes 6 - 8 hours by car. The scenery along the way is picturesque, and you can stop freely to enjoy the views, but be cautious driving on mountain roads. From Lanzhou, take the Lanhai Expressway to S313 Provincial Road; from Chengdu, take the Rongchang Expressway to G213 National Road. 2. Public Transport: First get to Lanzhou or Chengdu, then take a bus to Diebu County, and finally charter a car to Zhagana, about 1.5 hours. Although time-consuming, you can enjoy the plateau scenery along the way, making it a unique experience. 🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions 1. Dari Viewing Platform: The best spot to watch the sunrise and sea of clouds! At dawn, the first ray of sunlight bathes the entire Tibetan village in golden light, with mist swirling among the mountains, as if stepping into a dreamland. It’s recommended to arrive half an hour early to secure the best photo spot. 2. Fairy Beach: Alpine meadows and Tibetan villages complement each other, creating a stunning pastoral scene. Enjoy a relaxed hike here, about 1 hour round trip, feel the breeze on your face, as if all worries are blown away. Bring some snacks and water for the hike, and rest to enjoy the scenery and recharge. 3. Rock Road (Zhagana - Zhuoni section): A paradise for self-driving enthusiasts! About 100 km in total, with snow-capped mountains, canyons, and pastures intertwined, like driving through a painting. The road conditions are complex, so an SUV is recommended. New drivers should drive cautiously and prioritize safety. 4. Lasang Monastery: A Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Experience the power of faith quietly amid morning bells and evening drums, and appreciate the unique religious culture. Dress appropriately when entering the monastery, respect local religious customs, and avoid loud noises. 5. One Line Sky & Stone Forest Hiking: Explore the magical landforms deep in the canyon, accompanied by a guide, with a light hike of about 3 hours. Walking through narrow canyons with towering stone walls on both sides, marvel at nature’s craftsmanship. Be sure to find a reliable guide at the visitor center in advance. 🏡 Accommodation Suggestions 1. Tibetan Village Homestays: To experience authentic Tibetan style, choose homestays in Dongwa or Yeri villages. Open your window to the mountains, wake up to birdsong in the morning, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of rural life. Check reviews when booking and pick rooms with scenic balconies for better views. 2. High-end Hotels: For a high-quality stay, Zhagana Yunju Hotel is a good choice, with excellent views, complete facilities, and attentive service. The hotel restaurant offers various dishes, including local specialties. 3. Camping: If you love being close to nature, camping is a fantastic experience, but be sure to confirm the scenic area's camping policy in advance to ensure safety and compliance. Bring warm sleeping bags, moisture-proof mats, and insect repellent. 🍲 Food Recommendations 1. Tibetan Yak Meat Hotpot: Tender yak meat paired with rich broth, cooked with various vegetables. A bite of meat and a sip of soup warm both body and heart. Recommended to visit popular local hotpot restaurants for fresher meat and more authentic broth. 2. Tsampa: A traditional Tibetan food made by mixing barley flour with butter tea or barley wine, shaped into balls. It has a unique taste full of plateau flavor. Ask locals for the authentic way to eat it for a stronger experience. 3. Butter Tea: Fragrant and rich, it keeps you warm and helps relieve altitude sickness. It’s an important symbol of Tibetan food culture. You can add a little sugar to balance the salty taste according to your preference. 4. Barley Wine: Rich aroma carrying the passion and boldness of Tibetan people. Have a small drink to feel the local customs, but drink moderately to avoid getting drunk. ❗ Notes 1. Altitude Sickness Prevention: Zhagana is at high altitude. Newcomers should avoid strenuous exercise and prepare Rhodiola, oxygen bottles, etc., to prevent altitude sickness. If symptoms like headache or shortness of breath occur, rest promptly and seek medical help if necessary. 2. Clothing Suggestions: The temperature difference between day and night is large. Even in summer, bring windproof and warm jackets. In winter, be fully equipped with down jackets, thick scarves, and gloves. Choose comfortable, non-slip sports shoes or hiking boots. 3. Cultural Etiquette: Walk clockwise around prayer flags and mani stones, respect local religious beliefs and customs; no photography inside temples, and maintain quiet and solemnity. 4. Eco-friendly Travel: Zhagana’s ecology is fragile. Please take your trash with you and protect this pure land to keep the beautiful scenery lasting. The beauty of Zhagana needs to be experienced in person. Pack your bag and set off to encounter a real-life Peach Blossom Land!💕 #Zhagana #ZhaganaTravelGuide #GannanTravel