Complete Guide to Summer Hiking in Guange Valley (2025 Latest Edition)

I. Basic Information • 📍Address: Located in the suburbs of Tanchang County, Longnan City, Gansu Province, composed of two core scenic areas: Guanzhu Valley and E'man Valley. • ⏰Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00 (peak season: April-November), adjusted slightly during off-season. • 🎫Ticket: ◦ Peak season (April-November): 130 RMB (includes sightseeing bus). ◦ Off-season (December-March): 80 RMB (includes sightseeing bus). • 📅Best Seasons: ◦ June-August (summer retreat, waterfalls at their fullest). ◦ September-October (stunning autumn foliage, colorful forests). II. Transportation Guide • 🚗Self-drive: From Lanzhou → G75 Lanhai Expressway → Tanchang (approx. 5-6 hours). • 🚌Public Transport: ◦ Lanzhou South Bus Station → Tanchang (6-7 hours), then taxi to the scenic area (approx. 20 minutes). ◦ Train to Hadapu Station → transfer to tourist bus to Tanchang (35 km). III. Recommended Core Attractions 1. Guanzhu Valley (Beginner-friendly) • Guange Sky Waterfall: 50-meter-high waterfall, most spectacular in summer. • Luren Tibetan Village: Experience Tibetan culture, try butter tea and tsampa. • Tongtian Gorge: Narrow, deep canyon with towering cliffs. 2. E'man Valley (Adventure Hiking) • E'man Lake: Emerald waters reflecting snow-capped mountains, most beautiful at dawn with mist. • Elephant Bathing Waterfall: A whimsical waterfall resembling an elephant drinking. • Leigu Mountain: 4,153m elevation with year-round snow; cable car available to the summit. IV. Recommended Itineraries 1-Day Highlights Tour • Morning: Guanzhu Valley (Guange Sky Waterfall → Luren Tibetan Village → Tongtian Gorge). • Afternoon: E'man Valley (E'man Lake → Elephant Bathing Waterfall). 2-Day In-Depth Tour • Day 1: Hiking in Guanzhu Valley + Tibetan village experience → Overnight in Tanchang town or local homestays. • Day 2: E'man Valley adventure → Leigu Mountain cable car → Highland lake Zedangcuo. V. Accommodation & Food • 🏠Accommodation: ◦ Tanchang town (budget-friendly, recommended "Tanchang Hotel"). ◦ Scenic area homestays (e.g., "Guange Valley Tibetan Homestay" for tranquil mountain stays). • 🍜Food: ◦ Potato dough balls, Longnan cured ribs, jar wine. ◦ Tibetan cuisine (butter tea and tsampa at Luren Tibetan Village). VI. Practical Tips 1. Hiking gear: Non-slip shoes, rain gear (waterfall mist is heavy). 2. High-altitude sun protection: Strong UV rays—bring sunscreen and sunglasses. 3. Eco-friendly travel: Pack out trash to protect the environment. 4. Mobile signal: No service in parts of E'man Valley—download offline maps in advance. VII. Nearby Attractions • Hadapu Red Army Long March Memorial Hall (30-minute drive). • Lazikou Battle Site (1.5-hour drive). Guange Valley combines canyons, waterfalls, lakes, and snow-capped mountains—an ideal choice for summer retreats and hiking! 🌿