Zhagana Scenic Spot

The Zhagana

Considered the “last Garden of Eden in China,” Zhagana, a scenic spot renowned for its breathtaking beauty, is a must-visit destination in Gannan. Dubbed “the birthplace of Adam and Eve” by explorer Locke, Zhagana, which translates to “Stone Box (石匣子)” in Tibetan, is an enchanting Tibetan village hidden amidst lush mountains and enveloped in ethereal clouds. Its natural splendor and unique cultural heritage offer a captivating experience for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich of Gannan’s natural and cultural wonders. It attracts countless tourists to visit with its unique natural scenery and rich Tibetan customs. The peaks here are strange, some shaped like lions, some like elephant trunks, and some like eagle wings, different shapes, lifelike. 

In addition to the natural scenery and ethnic customs, Zhagana also has a rich historical and cultural heritage. In the mountains of Zhagana, you can find many ancient Tibetan temples, such as Gongpa Temple, Lasang Temple, etc. These temples not only have unique architectural styles but also carry rich historical and cultural connotations. Come here, you can relax, feel the magic of nature, but also in-depth understanding of Tibetan culture, and appreciate its unique charm. Zhagana is a place worth visiting.

Hightlights

Locke Road

The Locke Road

The road from Zhagulu Town, Zhuoni County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, to Zhagana County, Dibe County, is called the Locke Road. It is named after the Austrian writer Joseph Locke, who was attracted by the beautiful scenery here when he first came to Zakana and wrote affectionately in his diary: “I have never seen such a beautiful scenery in my life, if the author of Genesis had seen the beauty of Zakana, he would have placed the birthplace of Adam and Eve in Zakana...”The road has been described by Chinese netizens as “the most beautiful 100 kilometers in China,” while others say it "symbolizes freedom and the distance in everyone’s heart.” On such a road, you can see and enjoy grasslands, canyons, waterfalls, snow mountains, caves and ethnic, cultural and all-round natural and cultural landscape.

Lasang Temple

The Lasang Temple

Lasang Temple in Zhagana is a Tibetan Buddhist temple with a long history and full of cultural charm. It was founded in 1645 and is the Gelug monastery, was once the local religious masses to carry out religious activities, this temple not only carries a heavy history but also exudes a religious atmosphere. In Lasang Temple, hundreds of monks meditate and chant sutras day and night, and their meditation sounds swirl around the beams, quite a sense of ethereal tranquility. At the same time, you can also see that the Tibetan people reverently turn the cylinder, and each rotation is equivalent to chanting the scriptures once, which is enough to witness the firmness of their faith. The architectural style of Rasang Temple is unique, full of simplicity and elegance. The environment around the temple is also beautiful, with trees, birds, and flowers, providing visitors with an excellent place to experience Buddhist culture and natural beauty.

Xiannvtan 

The Xainnvtan

The Xiannvtan in Zhagana is a beautiful place that makes people linger. It is located in the core area of the Zhagana Scenic area and is a scenic spot that every tourist who visits Zhagana will not miss. Xiannvtan attracts numerous tourists to visit with its beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Xiannvtan  got its name in part because in June and July, large yellow flowers bloom here, like petals dropped by fairies, making the whole meadow full of romance. The other part is on a sunny day, you can overlook the whole panorama of Zhagana from here, just like a fairy looking down on the beautiful scenery of the world. Even in rainy weather, the Fairy Beach also has its unique charm, the mountains and meadows under the white clouds, as if you are in a fairyland, let people linger. Xiannvtan is also a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset. You can choose to watch the sunrise from the Dayi Observation deck or the sunset from the Xiannvtan  Observation deck. Whenever the sun rises or sets, the whole Zhagana will be stained with golden light, making people feel the magnificence and mystery of nature.

Dongwa Village

The Great Walll

Dongwa Village, the largest village in Zhagana. Zhaganahas the lowest elevation, the largest area and the closest village to the entrance of the scenic spot. Into the Dongwa village, as if into a stone city, I saw four stone mountains surrounded, protecting the fairyland like Zhagana. The village in the mountains retains its original style. Dongwa Village is a Tibetan village full of charm and vitality. It attracts numerous tourists to visit with its unique geographical location, natural scenery and traditional culture. Here, you can feel the magic and beauty of nature, but also appreciate the wisdom and talent of the Tibetan people. Whether you enjoy the natural scenery or learn about the traditional culture, Dongwa Village will give you an unforgettable travel experience.

Features

Location: Northwest of Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province.

Scenic Spot Level: National 4A Level Scenic Spot

Chinese Name: 扎尕那

Time Needed: At least two days

Travel Information

Opening Time: All day

Ticket Price: 80 CNY

Service Number: 0931-4262684

Best Time for Visit: All year round 

Travel Tips

1. About 30 kilometers from Diebu County to Zhagana scenic spot, the road condition is good, but there are basically no street lights, please try to avoid burning the midnight oil, and many Tibetan B&B/restaurant owners are on the roadside to attract customers, be sure to pay attention

2, Along the way will encounter cattle and sheep and other animals across the road, please pay attention to avoid

3, Zhagana accommodation in a few villages, the accommodation location is not very easy to find, if you book accommodation, you can contact the boss of the hostel in advance at the entrance to the scenic spot

4, The weather changes faster in Zhgana, prepare rain gear in advance, waterproof hiking shoes, it is recommended to carry a raincoat