[2025 Luqu Attraction] Travel Guide for Red Stone Cliff (Updated Oct)

🌄【Zagana → Langmu Temple】2-Day Self-Driving Complete Guide: Enter the secret realm captured by National Geographic, unlocking the poetry and everyday charm of the "Little Switzerland of the East" 1. Recommended Attractions & Itinerary 📍Zagana — The "Eden on Earth" favored by time. If nature has miracles, Zagana is the frame the Creator left behind on earth. • Dari Viewing Platform: At 6 AM, wait for the morning mist to drift over the stone city, where cooking smoke and sea of clouds intertwine into a fairyland. • Fairy Beach Hike: A 2-hour easy hike with snow-capped mountains as the backdrop and wildflowers dotting the grassland. The light is gentlest at 4 PM, perfect for cinematic snapshots. • Runwu Canyon Exploration: Follow the stream deep inside, occasionally encountering wild sika deer. Wear non-slip shoes as the stone steps can be slippery. • Admission: Only a 5 RMB garbage disposal fee, truly a "best value" spot. • Hidden Experience: Stay overnight in a Tibetan-style guesthouse; on clear nights, look up to see the Milky Way pouring down, stars within reach. 📍Langmu Temple — A town spanning two provinces, the "Little Switzerland of the East" Here, the devotion of Gansu and the everyday life of Sichuan blend together. • Gansu Saichi Temple: Climb to capture the golden summit at dawn; from 1 PM to 3 PM, catch the debating monks in action, their robes fluttering as faith takes tangible form (admission 30 RMB). • Sichuan Gerdie Temple: Visit the living Buddha’s flesh stupa of the Fifth Dalai Lama, hike Namo Grand Canyon to find the source of the Bailong River. Admission includes the canyon; every step is a scene of Zen. • Red Rock Cliff Sunset: Navigate to the back mountain of "Langmu Temple International Hotel" to capture the moment when the town’s warm light dances with cooking smoke. Straight from your phone, it’s a masterpiece. Admission: The two temples sell tickets separately at 30 RMB each, half price with student ID. Half a day is recommended. 📅 2-Day Essential Itinerary Day 1: Early morning mist viewing at Zagana → Fairy Beach hike → Drive to Langmu Temple → Stay in a Tibetan-style guesthouse in town Day 2: Sunrise at Saichi Temple → Gerdie Temple + Namo Canyon hike → Sunset at Red Rock Cliff → Return trip 2. Culture & Food — The poetry and everyday charm of Tibetan life 🍜 Food Recommendations • Tibetan Breakfast: • Tsampa + Butter Tea: Freshly ground highland barley flour at a Zagana Tibetan home; the sweet tea version is easier to accept, warming both stomach and heart. • Tibetan Steamed Buns: At Langmu Temple’s "Zhaqiong Yiba Tibetan Restaurant," yak meat filling bursts with juice, 10 RMB per basket, a soul-capturing bite. • Main Meal Recommendations: • Hand-Pulled Mutton: The lamb neck from Diebu County is the most tender, paired with raw garlic for an authentic taste, meat is soft and free of gamey flavor. • Yak Yogurt: At Aka Tibetan Restaurant, add sugar or ginseng fruit; sour and mellow to cut grease (15 RMB per bowl), a local secret. • Popular Restaurants: • Lisa Coffee House: Yak meat burger + apple pie, second-floor windowsill offers panoramic town views, full of artistic vibe. • Dalao Restaurant: Roasted lamb chops with Tibetan spicy sauce, crispy and non-gamey, a meat lover’s paradise. 📿 Cultural Tips • Temple Etiquette: Remove hats before entering the hall, no short skirts, do not point at Buddha statues; clockwise circumambulation with reverence. • Immersive Experience: Attend monks chanting at 6 AM (when open), offer khata prayers at Fairy Cave in Namo Canyon, feel the power of faith. 3. Transportation Guide — Self-driving is the right way to unlock the secret realm 🚗 Why strongly recommend self-driving? • Maximum freedom: On the grassland path from Zagana to Langmu Temple, you can stop anytime to capture Windows desktop-level scenery, no rush, just follow your heart. • Cost-effective: Carpooling with 4 people, fuel + toll per person about 200 RMB/day, 60% cheaper than chartering, excellent value. 🛣️ Route Planning (Zagana → Langmu Temple) • Total distance: about 80 km, 2-hour drive, fully paved road suitable for sedans, beginner-friendly. • Along the way surprises: • Encounter nomads riding horses crossing Sangke Grassland; with safety in mind, take photos and experience nomadic culture firsthand. • Near Gahai Lake wetlands, watch black-necked cranes (summer only), birds skimming the water, a healing scene. 💡 Self-Driving Tips • No gas stations in Zagana, fill up in Diebu County before departure! • Download offline maps; some sections have no signal. Prepare anti-skid chains for rainy season, safety first. 4. Folk Activities & Hidden Experiences 🎪 Seasonal Events • First Month Dharma Assembly: Langmu Temple Buddha Display Festival (Lunar January), giant thangka unfolds, devotees prostrate in worship, a breathtaking scene. • Summer Horse Racing: Sangke Grassland July Langshan Festival, watch Tibetan men gallop horses, hooves kicking up dust and freedom. 🌟 Daily Experiences • Grassland Horse Riding: Horse teams near Langmu Temple start at 150 RMB (negotiable), ride to the source of the Bailong River, be a "child of the grassland" for a day. • Tibetan Costume Photography: Rent in town for 50 RMB/3 hours, red walls and golden roofs make a perfect backdrop, guaranteed social media highlight. 5. Pitfall Avoidance Guide ❌ Don’t buy "Dzi beads" at temple entrances; get prayer wheels souvenirs under 30 RMB at ethnic markets, consume rationally. ❌ Observe sky burial platforms from afar, no photos; respect local customs and faith. 6. Practical Tips (Dry Goods Version) 👗 Clothing: Wear a shell jacket + thin down layers; large temperature difference day and night on the plateau! Bright shawls make photos pop, a photography must-have. 💊 Health: Avoid bathing the first night to prevent altitude sickness; ask for "less spicy" when ordering; bring your own stomach medicine to handle dietary differences. 💎 Summary: In 2 days, spending less than 500 RMB per person, you can unlock the National Geographic-level secret realm + deep Tibetan cultural experience! Self-driving freedom + off-the-beaten-path spots + authentic food = social media hit machine! (All info tested in 2025, reliable reference) 🔥 Follow me for the next update: "Gannan Rock Road Self-Driving Guide"!

👨👩👧👦 Took the kids on a tour around Western Sichuan and Gannan, completely captivated by the scenery here! It has the grandeur of Xinjiang, the vast grasslands of Mongolia, and the pure sacredness of Tibet. The kids' eyes were wide open the whole time✨ - 🏕️ Must praise Nuordan Camp 📍 Hidden deep in the Sangke Grassland of Xiahe, Gannan, it has long been popular abroad and was rated by National Geographic as one of the top ten wild campsites worldwide. Staying here with kids is super memorable~ 🏆 It’s also one of the world’s 43 most beautiful hotels, open only from May to October, just in time for the most beautiful spring, summer, and autumn seasons. Perfect for kids to see the grassland flowers bloom and watch cattle and sheep stroll 🌄 The camp blends completely with the grassland; open the door to mountains, rivers, and grazing cattle and sheep. The kids chase lambs every morning 👩🍳 The hotel chef used to work at Aman Nepal, and all ingredients are locally organic, so parents can feel assured. Even picky eaters finish their plates - 📝 Family travel tips: 👕 Bring plenty of clothes! Big temperature difference between day and night, even in summer bring a windbreaker for the kids, perfect for watching the sunrise in the morning 👟 Choose non-slip sports shoes or hiking shoes for the kids, so they won’t easily fall while running and jumping on the grassland 🥤 Bring a thermos to keep water warm for the kids anytime, so their stomachs won’t get upset ☀️ Don’t forget the three sun protection essentials: children’s hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The UV rays on the plateau are very strong - 🗺️ 5-day family itinerary: 🔹D1: From various places → Lanzhou airport pickup → stay at Hyatt Hotel Lanzhou 🍜 In the evening, take the kids to Zhengning Road Night Market. The sweet milk egg rice wine is a favorite, plus lamb offal, barbecue, sweet fermented milk tea. Eating and strolling is super fun 🔹D2: Lanzhou → Labrang Monastery → Sangke Grassland → Xiahe → stay at Nuordan Camp 👶 In the morning, a guide explains Labrang Monastery, helping kids learn about Tibetan culture. The little ones listen very attentively 🌱 In the afternoon, Sangke Grassland looks like a green carpet. Kids chase butterflies and watch cattle and sheep on the grass. When tired, they lie down to watch clouds 🔹D3: Xiahe → Langmu Temple → stay at Ruoergai Langmu Temple Grand Hotel 🏯 In the morning, listen to the history stories of Saichi Temple. Behind the temple is the Tianzang Platform, and on the way, you can see red rock cliffs. The kids keep asking questions 🥾 In the afternoon, hike the Namo Grand Canyon with the guide. The route is short, and the kids walk the whole way by themselves, which is great 🔹D4: Full day horse riding → Tibetan pasture → Gahai → stay at InterContinental Hotel Hezuo Nosang 🐎 Starting from Langmu Temple, take the kids horse riding along the Bailong River towards the source. Riding slowly is very steady, and the kids are not scared at all 🏕️ Have lunch in a herder’s tent, show the kids how nomads live, and let them touch butter and watch milking cows 💧 After lunch, ride another half hour to the Bailong River source. The kids say they want to take a bottle of this water home 🔹D5: Hezuo → Milarepa Pagoda → Lanzhou 🏯 In the morning, visit the red Milarepa Pagoda. The Tibetan-style high-rise building is very unique. The kids say it looks like a castle from a fairy tale. Visiting inside is educational 👋 In the afternoon, head back. The kids keep talking about the little lambs on the grassland in the car~

👨👩👧 Our family just returned from a trip to Gannan, and looking back at the photos still feels like a dream! This place combines the grandeur of Xinjiang, the vastness of Mongolia, and the purity of Tibet. The kids ran wild on the grasslands every day, their laughter louder than the wind🌬️ - 🏕️ Norlha Camp is perfect for families 📍 Nestled deep in the Sangke Grassland of Xiahe, Gannan, it’s ranked by "National Geographic" as one of the world’s top 10 wild luxury camps. Staying here with kids feels like living in nature. 🏆 It’s also one of the world’s 43 most beautiful hotels, open only from May to October—ideal for spring, summer, and fall visits. Kids can watch the grasslands transform from blooming flowers to golden hues. 🌄 The camp blends seamlessly with the grassland. Step outside, and you’re greeted by mountains, rivers, and grazing livestock. Every morning, the kids couldn’t wait to "chat" with the lambs. 👩🍳 The head chef, formerly from Aman in Nepal, uses local organic ingredients. Even picky eaters devoured the meals—our kids finished big bowls without complaint! - 📝 Tips for family travel: 👔 Pack layers! Even in summer, bring a windbreaker for chilly mornings (perfect for sunrise) that can be removed when it warms up. 👟 Sturdy, non-slip sneakers or hiking shoes are a must for running on grass or climbing hills. 🥤 Carry a thermos for warm water—especially important for little stomachs when first arriving. ☀️ Sun protection is key: kids’ hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The high-altitude UV rays are strong—protect those cheeks! - 🗺️ 5-Day Itinerary: 🔹D1: Arrive in Lanzhou → Transfer to Hyatt Lanzhou 🍢 At night, explore Zhengning Road Night Market. Kids loved the sweet milk-egg rice wine, sipping it nonstop! Try lamb offal, skewers, and sweet fermented barley milk tea while strolling. 🔹D2: Lanzhou → Labrang Monastery → Sangke Grassland → Xiahe → Stay at Norlha Camp 📚 Morning at Labrang Monastery with kid-friendly guides explaining Tibetan culture—our little one was mesmerized. 🌱 Afternoon on the emerald Sangke Grassland: rolling in the grass, chasing livestock, and watching herders tend horses. 🔹D3: Xiahe → Langmusi → Stay at Langmusi Grand Hotel 🕌 Morning stories at Sertri Monastery, with its sky burial site and striking Red Stone Cliff—endless questions from curious kids! 🥾 Afternoon hike through Namo Gorge (easy terrain). Our child walked the whole way, learning about plants from the guide. 🔹D4: Horseback riding → Tibetan pastures → Gahai Lake → Stay at InterContinental Hezuo 🐎 Gentle horses along the Bailong River’s source—kids were fearless, even petting manes! 🏕️ Lunch in a herder’s tent: milky tea and tsampa-making demos. "So this is how milk comes!" they exclaimed. 💧 Rode to the river’s origin—kids splashed and marveled at nature’s wonders. 🔹D5: Hezuo → Milarepa Buddhist Tower → Return to Lanzhou 🏯 Morning at the striking red Milarepa Tower. "Like a block castle!" said our kid, soaking up cultural insights inside. 👋 Afternoon departure. Clutching a "gift-exchange rock" from the grassland, they whispered, "This is from the lambs." Pure magic!

📍 Core Highlights – Religious and Natural Wonders Spanning Two Provinces 1. **Unique "One Town, Two Provinces, Three Temples" Layout** Langmusi is divided by the Bailong River: the north bank hosts Gansu’s **Sertri Monastery** (leading to the Sky Burial Site), while the south bank features Sichuan’s **Kirti Monastery** (including Namo Grand Canyon). The two temples face each other across the river, creating a stunning coexistence of Tibetan Buddhism and multiculturalism, earning it the title "Little Switzerland of the East." 2. **Nature and Culture Intertwined** - **Namo Grand Canyon**: A free hiking trail to explore the source of the Bailong River, Fairy Cave, and calcified waterfalls, with wildflowers carpeting the valley floor in summer. - **Red Cliff Sunset**: Hike to the back hill of Sertri Monastery (3,600m altitude) for a panoramic view of golden-roofed temples surrounded by red stone mountains, resembling a fairyland in the morning mist. 🚗 **Transport Guide – How to Reach This Hidden Gem?** - **Self-Drive**: - From **Lanzhou**: Pass through Xiahe County (Labrang Monastery) to Langmusi (~300km), rugged terrain requires an SUV; not recommended for novice drivers. - From **Chengdu**: Via Wenchuan and Hongyuan, with breathtaking but winding scenery (~8 hours). - **Public Transport**: - Take a long-distance bus from Lanzhou/Chengdu to Langmusi Town (limited schedules; check in advance). From Xiahe Airport, transfer by chartered car (~3 hours). 📅 **Itinerary – Classic 2-Day, 1-Night Route** - **Day 1**: - Morning: Visit Kirti Monastery, hike Namo Canyon to find the Bailong River’s source. - Afternoon: Watch monk debates at Kirti Monastery (13:00-15:00), then photograph the Red Cliff sunset. - **Day 2**: - Morning: Pilgrimage to Sertri Monastery, observe the Sky Burial Site from afar (respect customs; no photos). - Afternoon: Horseback riding on the grasslands (¥50/hour) or visit Tibetan villages. ⚠️ **Important Notes – Altitude and Cultural Etiquette** - **Altitude Sickness**: At 3,480m, avoid bathing on the first day; pack warm clothes (temperatures drop sharply at night). - **Religious Customs**: - Spin prayer wheels clockwise only; no photos or drones inside temples. - Sky Burial Site: Observe quietly from a distance; no noise or photography. 🍜 **Food & Lodging – Tibetan Flavors and Stays** - **Must-Try Dishes**: Tsampa, butter tea, hand-grabbed mutton; the town’s trendy restaurants offer Tibetan and Sichuan cuisine. - **Accommodation**: - **Langmusi International Hotel**: Best facilities, ideal for comfort seekers. - **Tibetan Homestays**: Like "Red Cliff Family," for an authentic local experience. 🌄 **Hidden Experiences – Deep Cultural Immersion** - **Fairy Cave Exploration**: Requires a guide; said to be the meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava. - **Monlam Prayer Festival**: Held on the 13th day of the lunar New Year; witness grand religious ceremonies (plan ahead). **Final Thoughts**: Langmusi’s magic lies in the harmony of faith along the Bailong River, where chanting and morning mist blend into Gannan’s most captivating cultural snapshot.

Langmu Temple is not a temple but a small town located at the border of Gansu and Sichuan, surrounded by grasslands, forests, and hills, known as the "Little Switzerland of the East." The town has two temples facing each other across the river, as well as magnificent red stone cliffs, a mysterious sky burial platform, and deep canyons, full of strong religious atmosphere and Tibetan cultural style, making it worth a visit. Itinerary Planning • One-day tour: Arrive in the morning and first visit Gerdie Monastery in Sichuan to see the mummified Buddha relics, then hike the Namo Grand Canyon; in the afternoon, head to Saichi Monastery in Gansu to visit the main scripture hall and other buildings, then watch the sunset at the red stone cliff. • Two-day tour: The first day follows the one-day itinerary above; on the second day, get up early to visit the sky burial platform (observe from a distance to respect customs), then stroll along the main street of Langmu Temple, taste local food, and buy Tibetan souvenirs before returning in the afternoon. Attractions Introduction • Saichi Monastery, Gansu: Admission 30 RMB/person, self-driving vehicle ticket 5 RMB/car. The golden roof shines brightly; the gilded roof of the main scripture hall and the thousand-Buddha murals in the Tsongkhapa Hall are stunning. The hillside behind the temple is an excellent photo spot, with beautiful light and shadow at 7 a.m., perfect for capturing the golden roof and red cliffs in one frame. The back hill also has the sky burial platform (view from afar, no close photos, respect customs), offering a panoramic view of the town. You can also see debate activities (time not fixed, roughly 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.). • Gerdie Monastery, Sichuan: Admission 30 RMB/person (includes Namo Grand Canyon). It houses the mummified relics of the Fifth Dalai Lama (visit requires permission). A must-do is hiking the Namo Grand Canyon, a light 1.5 km trek where you can see grassland streams and explore Fairy Cave and Tiger Hole Spring. • Red Stone Cliff: Located on the hillside behind Langmu Temple International Hotel, it is a great spot to watch the sunset and capture the warm light and cooking smoke of the town. • Source of Bailong River: The water is clear; standing on the stone piles in the stream and leaning down to photograph the palm spring eye with a wide-angle lens is very impressive. Photo Spots • Saichi Monastery Golden Roof at Dawn: At sunrise, the golden roof glows; use a telephoto lens to capture monks’ backs during morning prayers with incense smoke for a strong atmosphere. • Gerdie Monastery Red Wall Light and Shadow: The red wall contrasts sharply with yellow scarves; wear a plain long dress and walk sideways, capturing with mobile portrait mode. • Bailong River Source Reflection: In winter mornings, shoot against the light on the small wooden bridge, capturing silhouettes of Tibetan people drawing water and the ice crystals refracting light on the river surface. • Sky Burial Platform Prayer Flag Array: Use a wide-angle lens to shoot the colorful prayer flags dancing with eagles, but photographing the sky burial process is prohibited. • Langmu Temple Canyon Secret Spot: From the lawn opposite the parking lot, use the rule of thirds to compose the temple, forest, and snow-capped mountains in one frame, applying a "vivid" filter. Transportation Guide • Shuttle Bus: Direct buses run from Xiahe, Linxia, Hezuo, Maqu, etc. The ticket from Xiahe to Langmu Temple is 71.5 RMB/person, with departures at 6:40 and 7:40 daily; times may vary in the off-season. There is no direct bus from Lanzhou to Langmu Temple; usually, you transfer at Hezuo. The ticket to Hezuo is 42 RMB/person, and from Hezuo bus station, you can transfer to Langmu Temple for 50 RMB/person, with departures at 6:30, 7:20, and 12:00 daily. Alternatively, take a bus from Lanzhou South Station to Diebu, get off at Langmu Temple Bridge, then walk about 3 km to the town. • Self-driving: From Chengdu, take National Highway G213 for about 7 hours; from Lanzhou, about 5 hours. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and you can stop anytime to take photos. Food Recommendations • Lisa Café: A popular restaurant; the yak meat Tibetan buns are authentic, and the apple pie paired with freshly ground coffee is also very good. The second-floor windowsill offers a panoramic view of the town. • Aka Tibetan Restaurant: Must-try yak meat casserole, spicy and tender; ginseng fruit yogurt is sweet and sour, helping to cleanse the palate. • Dalao Restaurant: Roasted lamb chops are a specialty, served with Tibetan spicy sauce, crispy and delicious. • Zhaqiong Yiba Tibetan Restaurant: Offers authentic Tibetan cuisine, with butter tea and tsampa, providing a traditional Tibetan breakfast experience. Accommodation Suggestions • Langmu Temple International Youth Hostel: Terrace faces the snow mountains directly, beds at 60 RMB/night, cost-effective with a good atmosphere, suitable for young people. • Zhaqiong Cang Ecological Homestay: Converted from a herder’s home, you can experience Tibetan style and learn to make butter tea. • Luqu Langmu Temple Hotel: Located next to the Gansu temple, with a window view of the golden roof, an excellent location. Notes • Temple tickets are purchased separately; student ID holders enjoy half-price discounts. • July to August is the rainy season; bring waterproof shoe covers. After October, temperatures drop, so wear down jackets for warmth. • Remove hats when entering temple halls, keep quiet, and avoid loud noises; do not touch Buddha statues with your hands or step on prayer flags; photography of the sky burial ceremony is strictly prohibited. • Horse riding tours are available near Langmu Temple, priced between 150 and 400 RMB, visiting places like the source of Bailong River, Red Stone Cliff, and flower seas. Negotiate prices and routes in advance.