Top 6 Best Things to Do in & around Xiahe: Circumanbulating, Horse-riding, etc.

In the vast expanse of the northwest, there is a captivating hidden paradise—Xiahe in Gannan, a mystical place often referred to as "Little Tibet". The majestic Labrang Monastery, the pristine White Stone Cliff, and the tranquil Darzong Lake all embody the gentle beauty of the plateau and the powerful force of faith. Followings are the best things to do in or around Xiahe.

Top 1: Circumanbulate at Labrang Monastery

In Xiahe County of Gannan Prefecture, stands the historic and grand Labrang Monastery, renowned as a "world center for Tibetan studies", which attracts countless visitors and devotees for tours and pilgrimages.

Outside the monastery lies the world's longest prayer wheel circumanbulation, with a circumference of 3 kilometers and consisting of more than 2,000 prayer wheels of various sizes. Each wheel is inscribed with scriptures and images of Buddha, and devotees turn them to pray for blessings and accumulate merit. Every morning and evening, countless believers come here, beads in hand, chanting prayers while continuously spinning the wheels along the circumanbulation in a clockwise direction. The stone path beneath the corridor bears deep imprints of faithful footsteps over the years.

For those eager to delve into Tibetan culture and religion, the prayer wheel circumanbulation at Labrang Monastery is undoubtedly an exceptional experience. Strolling through this corridor, quietly reciting the six-syllable mantra while spinning the wheels, praying prayerfully in awe, you will feel the washing of the heart.

Top 2: Watch the Sunrise at Zhagana

Zhagana is a mysterious place praised as the "birthplace of Adam and Eve". Just 5 kilometers away lies the Dari Scenic Platform, the closest viewpoint and an ideal spot for sunrise watching.

As the morning unfolds, wisps of smoke rise gently from the village, with the sun peeking over the stone peaks, casting a soft glow. The smoke drifts lazily above the village, shrouded in ethereal and dreamlike light.

Gradually, the sun breaks free from the clouds, accompanied by the sounds of pastoral songs, rising above the horizon. Rays of golden light pierce through the mist, illuminating the grasslands and fields. The swirling clouds and fog merge, blurring the lines of reality. Moments later, the sun fully emerges from the mountains, causing the smoke from the village to billow upwards in vibrant swirls. The rolling fog brightens the sky, establishing a clear boundary between heaven and earth. However, within a short while, the smoke dissipates, and fairyland disappears, back into a simple village once more.

Top 3: Ride a Horse on Sangke Grassland

In Gannan, the vast expanse of yellow earth always evokes endless imagination. The unique karst landscape and the roaring waters of the Yellow River seem to tell the tales of this land's ancient history and hardships. Yet, hidden within this seemingly desolate land is a pastoral miracle—the Sangke Grassland.

When you arrive at Sangke Grassland, you can't miss the joy of horseback riding. Here, you can rent horses provided by locals and gallop freely across the grasslands, experiencing the spirit of the nomadic people. If you don't know how to ride or are afraid to do so, that's okay—each horse comes with a riding instructor who will lead the horse in front of you, and all you need to do is hold onto the saddle horn. As you ride, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, such as fields of rapeseed flowers, Tibetan villages, and carved stones.

Top 4: Ascend onto White Stone Cliff

In the depths of Xiahe, White Stone Cliff rises at the edge of the Ganga Grassland, forming a natural barrier that divides the vast grassland into two. A winding gorge cuts through the mountains, and at the foot of the cliff stands a temple.

As you step into the White Stone Cliff Gorge, your footsteps unconsciously become lighter, and even your voice softens. It's not because you're afraid of stepping too heavily and damaging the wooden planks of the walkway, or triggering altitude sickness. Rather, it's the fear that any disturbance might disrupt the tranquility of this sacred place. At the end of the gorge hike lies the White Stone Cliff Cave, where a natural Buddha statue is carved into the cave wall, situated at a significant height compared to the mountain path.

Reaching the top of White Stone Cliff reveals a completely different view: an expansive grassland, that retains the appearance of pristine plateau meadows, with a touch of untamed beauty. It feels as if you could reach out and touch the clouds, therefore it is often referred to as the "Pasture on the Cloud".

Top 5: Create Your Own Thangka Art

Tibetan Thangka, a traditional art of Xiahe, is one of China's national intangible cultural heritage treasures. Its composition is unique, with the scenes not bound by real-world time and space, and even within a small canvas, it can portrays vast realms. Thangka art cleverly uses distorted depictions of mountains, clouds, flowers, and other motifs to naturally divide complex narratives, creating a story that is both independent and interconnected, fresh and captivating, lively and interesting.

Across from Labrang Monastery, you can find a Thangka art gallery, where under the enthusiastic guidance of a teacher, you can create your own Thangka artwork and experience this ancient technique firsthand. For visitors who are not confident in their artistic skills, there’s no need to worry, because the teacher will assist in modifying your work once it's completed. Taking home a Thangka made by your own hands will also become a unique and meaningful souvenir.

Top 6: Hike beside the Darzong Lake

Darzong Lake is located in the southwest of Dazong Village, Panggurtang Town, Xiahe. Nestled amidst a ring of mountains, it shimmers with a bright, clear surface, its emerald waters gently rippling. People often describe Darzong Lake as a jewel set in the heart of dense forests and deep valleys, radiating dazzling light from the high mountain gorges.

A mere 2 kilometers from Dazong Village, you can catch sight of Darzong Lake. Strolling along the lake's edge, you’ll find the water standing alone in its tranquility, reflecting the light like a shimmering mirror. Colorful prayer flags hang along the shores, while towering pines and cypress trees surround the lake, their vines winding and shrubs thriving in the misty air. In the distance, pine forests and meadows intermingle, with the highest peaks bathed in the bright sunlight.

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