Giving up on Xinjiang? Escape the heat in Gannan at 22°C this July-August!

Who says summer must be endured with scorching heat and humidity? Gannan's summer averages just 20°C With emerald grasslands and snow-capped mountains, it offers fewer crowds yet stunning views—the perfect summer retreat. 📍Gannan typically refers to Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, located in southwestern Gansu Province Bordering Dingxi and Longnan cities to the east Adjacent to Sichuan's Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture to the south Connected to Qinghai's Golog and Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures to the west Neighboring Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture to the north ⏳Best times to visit: Apr-May: Grasslands turn green, Zhagana shrouded in morning mist, fewer tourists Jun-Aug: Grassland flowers bloom, starry skies, ideal summer escape with Tibetan festivals like Xianglang and Horse Racing Sep-Oct: Ganjia Secret Area's autumn scenery like oil paintings, perfect for road trips and sketching Nov-Mar: Labrang Monastery's Buddha Sunning Festival and Langmusi Dharma Assembly, great for religious culture enthusiasts 🚉Transport tips: ✈️Fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, then transfer to Xiahe Airport (closer to attractions) 🚄Arrive at Lanzhou Station, then take buses to Gannan destinations 🚗Self-driving is excellent for independent travelers ❤Top recommendations: 1. Labrang Monastery World's leading Tibetan Buddhist institute, one of Gelugpa's six great monasteries, with the longest prayer wheel corridor. Respect religious customs: walk clockwise, no photography inside halls. 2. Zhagana Highlight: Secret "Stone City" named by Chinese National Geography as one of "China's Top Ten Lesser-known Peaks" 3. Langmusi Town Highlight: Town straddling Gansu-Sichuan border, dubbed "Little Switzerland of the East" 4. Sangke Grassland Highlight: Vast highland pasture for horseback riding, camping, Tibetan homestays, and grassland festivals (e.g. July Xianglang Festival) 5. Gahai Lake Gannan's largest freshwater lake and migratory bird sanctuary. 6. Milarepa Buddha Pavilion Nine-story Tibetan Buddhist pavilion honoring Milarepa, with panoramic views of Hezuo City from the top. 📝Important notes: 1. Gannan's high altitude requires altitude sickness prevention 2. Respect local religious beliefs and customs 3. Bring warm clothes for significant day-night temperature differences 4. Drive carefully if self-driving.