A Complete Guide to 4-Day Visit to Linxia and Xiahe

Please note that the public transportation system in this region is undeveloped. It means travelling among cities or towns relies a lot on long-distance bus or taxi. While, the advantage of travelling here is that the cost of taking a taxi is much lower than those in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. Also, as there are few star hotels or restaurants, our recommendations are based on cost-effectiveness, cleanliness, and surrounding transportation.
 Take a coach from Lanzhou West Station to Linxia city. The coach journey takes around 2 hours and coach ticket costs around CNY80 per person. Upon arrival in Linxia, connect a tourist bus to the Songmingyan National Forest Park, which is 65 km (40 mi) from the city. The park contains three mountain peaks located with temples, palaces and pavilions, which are steep and majestic. (Admission fee: CNY50 net per person; Opening hour: 8:30 a.m. - 17:30 p.m.) After a half day's tour, transfer back to the downtown area and check in at a local hotel. (Recommended hotel: Linxia Hotel; Address: No. 9 Hongyan Road, Linxia; Telephone number: 0930 - 6212498) 

Songmingyan National Forest Park

 On the second day, hire a taxi to visit the Yeliguan Scenic Zone in Lintan County, Gannan. With an area of 79,400 hectares (196,200 acres), the scenic zone is situated on the northeast part of the Tibetan Plateau, containing four sections of the Lotus Mountain, the West Gorge, the East Gorge and the Yehai Lake (Admission fee: CNY60 per person for visiting Yehai Lake and Chibiyougu; CNY70 for visiting Forest Park). 

Yeliguan Scenic Zone

In the afternoon, transfer back to Linxia and connect a coach to Xiahe County, which will take around 3 hours on the way. (Recommended hotels in Xiahe: Xiahe Huaqiao Hotel, Address: No. 77, Renmin Street, Labrang Town, Xiahe; Telephone number: 86-941-7122642; Labrang Redrock International Youth Hostel; Address: No. 253, Yagetang, Xiahe; Telephone number: +86-941-5922322)
 In the morning of the next day, visit the Labrang Lamasery and the Gongtang Pagoda, both of which are located in the downtown area of the county and can be easily accessed by a few minutes' walking or taking a taxi.

Gongtang Pagoda

Founded in 1709 and occupied an area of 8 million 660 thousand square meters (2,140 acres), the Labrang Lamasery ranks among the six noted monasteries in Gelu Sect (Yellow Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism. And it is one of the most important Tibetan religious and cultural centers in Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan. (Admission fee: CNY40 per person). Located in the southeast corner of the lamasery, the Gongtang Pagoda built in 1805 is perfectly combined the religious significance and architectural art (Admission fee: CNY20 per person). The last destination of this day is Sangke Grassland, which is only 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) south of Xiahe. To get to Sangke Grassland from Labrang Lamasery, please walk to the observation deck at the south gate. There, you can take a car to the Grassland with CNY5 for a single trip. 

Labrang Lamasery

 On the fourth day, visit the Ganjia Grassland, which is 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Xiahe, by taking a taxi with around CNY100 for one way departing from Sangke Grassland. If you have a tent, you may travel to the grassland on the third day's afternoon and stay overnight there. Or if you are lucky, you could stay at a local tent with the local people who are friendly and hospitable.

Sangke Grassland

To return to Linxia, you can take a coach in Xiahe and get off at Linxia South Coach Station. The price is CNY32. Then take a coach back to Lanzhou.