Linxia and Xiahe

Take a coach from Lanzhou South Coach Station to Linxia city. The coach journey takes around 2.5 hours and coach ticket costs around CNY29.00 net per person. Upon arrival in Linxia, connect a tourist bus to the Songmingyan National Forest Park, which is 65 kilometers from the city. The park contains three mountain peaks center with temples, palaces and pavilions, which are steep and majestic. (Admission fee: CNY20.00 net per person; Opening hour: 08:00 - 17:00) 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)

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. Founded in 1709 and occupied an area of 8 million 660 thousand square meters, 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: CNY40.00 net per person; sometimes it is free of charge) Located at the southeast corner of the lamasery, the Gongtang Pagoda built in 1805 is perfectly combined the religious significance and architectural art. (Admission fee: CNY10.00 net per person) The last destination of this day is Sangke Grassland, which is only 1 kilometer south of Xiahe and can be reached by 15 minutes' bus journey with around CNY10.00 net for one way. Or hiring a bicycle is available at the reception desk of Labrang Redrock International Youth Hostel, which costs around CNY15.00 net per day.