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Once “hidden deep in the mountains and unknown to the world,” this place now exudes a rich “international vibe.” Many even call traveling in Gannan a “journey of the soul,” with its international appeal growing steadily.
Yang Wu, Governor of Gannan Prefecture, recently spoke with Canada24h.com, shedding light on why “Gannan Travel” has been gaining international recognition.
He explained that the region’s growing appeal overseas stems from the unique charm created by the fusion of stunning natural landscapes and rich ethnic culture. Gannan is home to vast grasslands, majestic snow-capped mountains, pristine plateau lakes, picturesque Tibetan villages, and temples adorned with red walls and golden roofs. Every scene is like a masterpiece, captivating visitors and leaving a lasting impression.
With its distinct regional character, untouched natural beauty, vibrant folk traditions, legendary revolutionary history, profound religious culture, and over 40 well-developed attractions, Gannan has drawn significant attention from travellers at home and abroad. Often referred to as the “Sacred Land of Gannan: A Journey of the Soul,” it has become an increasingly popular destination worldwide.
A Blend of Cultures and Traditions
Tibetan culture in Gannan plays a key role in attracting visitors. Tourists can enjoy traditional Tibetan music and dance, sample authentic Tibetan cuisine, and immerse themselves in the daily life and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people, experiencing their simplicity and sincerity.
As the closest snow-covered plateau to China’s inland regions, Gannan sits at the intersection of Han and Tibetan cultural spheres. Its cultural heritage includes the ancient religious traditions represented by Labrang Monastery, the timeless folklore of the Xianglang Festival, the bold and rugged nomadic culture showcased in horse racing festivals, and the unique storytelling of Gesar legends.
Gannan as one of China’s ten Tibetan autonomous prefectures and summarized its uniqueness with the “three highs”: high ethnic diversity, high coexistence of religions, and high cultural integration. Revolutionary history is symbolized by Lazikou Pass, Qijia culture by the Mogou ruins, festival culture by the couplet lantern fair, and Jianghuai culture by ancient Taozhou.
Environmental Achievements and Progress
Governor Yang also highlighted Gannan’s significant ecological accomplishments. Forest coverage in the region exceeds 17.8%, and grassland vegetation covers over 97.1%. Over the past eight years, the Yellow River’s outbound flow has increased by an average of 2.46 times, with annual flow rates rising by 48.91% compared to a decade ago. Water resource replenishment in the upper reaches of the Yellow River has increased by 61.07%, and the region has documented the addition of 41 new wetland plant species, 28 animal species, and 17 bird species.
A Transformation in Diebu County
As a native of Gannan, Yang Wu has witnessed the region’s remarkable transformation over the past 70 years. Using his hometown of Diebu County as an example, he described its evolution from an isolated, impoverished area in 1962—with no schools, hospitals, electricity, or commerce—into a modern and thriving community.
In 2023, Zhaqigana Village in Diebu County was named one of the “Best Tourism Villages” by the UN World Tourism Organization. By 2024, Diebu was recognized as China’s “Best Tourism Destination.” Driven by the booming cultural tourism industry, Diebu has risen to rank as one of the top ten counties in Gansu Province for livability and competitiveness.
Advancing Cultural Creativity and Integration
When asked about leveraging ethnic cultural resources to develop creative industries, Yang Wu emphasized Gannan’s efforts to integrate ethnic culture with natural landscapes to foster innovative cultural formats and drive cultural-tourism integration.
This includes promoting the fusion of digital technology and cultural arts, connecting traditional culture with modern life, and exploring opportunities in music, dance, Tibetan medicine, folklore, and customs. Gannan is nurturing cultural enterprises and focusing on creative products such as Tao inkstones, Thangka paintings, traditional clothing, wood carvings, couplets, and Tao embroidery to enhance the added value of its cultural industries.
Looking Ahead
Located at the intersection of Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan provinces, Gannan is a critical corridor linking Sichuan and Tibet. It also serves as a transitional area between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau, as well as a meeting point for the Yellow and Yangtze River basins, blending farming and nomadic cultures.
Looking to the future, Gannan plans to deepen its “all-region, all-season, all-time” tourism strategy and aims to establish itself as a uniquely charming international eco-tourism destination. The region is committed to integrating its diverse tourism resources to ensure that visitors can enjoy vibrant and enriching experiences at any time of the year.
