Gannan is one of the 10 Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures and 30 Ethnic Autonomous Prefectures in the People’s Republic of China. It is located in Gansu Province in the northwest of the country, at the crossroads of Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan provinces, in the transitional zone between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau. This region is where nomadic and agricultural cultures converge. Across this 45,000-square-kilometre area, 35 ethnic groups, including Han, Tibetan, Hui, and Tu, live together. We are deeply interconnected, like pomegranate seeds tightly held together, supporting and helping each other.
Since 2021, over 200 ecological protection and restoration projects have been carried out. The governance systems for rivers, lakes, and forests have been strictly implemented. The three major environmental protection battles—blue skies, clear water, and clean land—have been actively pursued. The development of the ecological protection and sustainable development pilot zone on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has accelerated. To date, the prefecture has established 20 nature reserves, covering 34.12% of the land area. The runoff in the Gannan section of the Yellow River has increased by 18.7% compared to 10 years ago. The overall vegetation coverage of grasslands has reached 97.143%. The water quality of the Yellow River basin has met the second-class standard, and the PM2.5 level has remained consistently below 19 micrograms per cubic metre. The populations of rare wildlife, including snow leopards, golden eagles, black-necked cranes, and Tibetan antelopes, continue to grow, and biodiversity conservation efforts have yielded visible results. Both local residents and visitors praise Gannan’s blue skies, lush mountains, and clear lakes, celebrating its improving ecological environment and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
Over the past five years, the per capita disposable income of urban and rural residents has grown annually by an average of 6.1% and 8%, respectively, both of which exceed the provincial and national averages. Over the next five years, it is projected to increase by an average of more than 6.5% and 7.5%, respectively.
Looking back at Gannan’s development in the new era, we see the transformation from establishing its ecological positioning to the effects of an environmental revolution. This includes the creation of ecological civilisation villages, covering nearly 90% of the natural villages in the region, and promoting the development of a modern industrial structure based on cultural tourism, with integration across industries and diverse coexistence.
In recent years, we have focused on Gannan’s ecological function, natural resource advantages, and ethnic cultural strengths, with a strong emphasis on developing cultural tourism as the leading industry. We are dedicated to creating multiple high-quality tourism routes and ecological scenic corridors, while accelerating the construction of infrastructure such as roads, visitor centres, parking lots, and tourist facilities like washrooms. These efforts aim to enhance the quality of tourism services and operations, as well as to continue growing the brand of festivals and events such as the Shambhala Art Festival, Tibetan Legends, cycling races, and horse racing events. Among the 40 A-level scenic spots are Diebu County’s Zagan Na, Xiahe County’s Ganja Secret Land, Maqu County’s Awancang, Luqu County’s Zha Cha Stone Forest, Zhuoni County’s Dayu Gully, and Zhouqu County’s Laga Mountain, as well as Hezuo City’s Dangzhou Grassland. Each offers its unique beauty, collectively contributing to the appreciation of the diverse beauty of the region. Yeliguan in Lintan County has also successfully gained recognition as a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Other must-visit spots, like the Labrang Monastery, the First Bend of the Yellow River, and the Most Beautiful Jiang Die Road, have become popular travel destinations for both domestic and international tourists.
Gannan is an ecological masterpiece, with its stunning green landscape and beautiful mountains. It is a place of simplicity, where one can truly relax and enjoy the peace. It is a harmonious community of mutual support and unity, brimming with vitality and a promising future. Gazing at Gannan’s blue sky and white clouds, the wings of dreams will soar freely. Walking through Gannan’s green waters and mountains, one will gain a deeper understanding of life’s true meaning. Immersing oneself in the rich folk customs of Gannan, the longing for distant places will stir. Gannan’s dramatic transformations and thriving present serve as a reflection of prosperity, while the warm and hospitable people of Gannan eagerly invite friends from Arab countries and around the world to visit, share in the beauty of Gannan, and embark on a journey of the soul.
