Gannan Tibetan Aut. Prefecture Overview
Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is situated in southwestern Gansu, the prefecture covers an area of 138,100 square kilometers. It is inhabited by several ethnic groups but the majority are Tibetans. Located on the northeast rim of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it is bounded on the west by Qinghai Province, on the south by Sichuan Province, on the north by the Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, and on the east by the Dingxi and Longnan areas. It was home to the Western Qiang people in ancient times.
Rising more than 3,000 meters above sea level, the area is dominated by mountains and highland pastures with a cold yet humid climate. Tourist spots featuring Tibetan folk customs, Tibetan Buddhist culture and architecture, and pasture landscapes are mostly concentrated in Xiahe, Hezuo, Luqu, and Maqu. Gannan is the place where tourists have to pass through when heading for Jiuzhaigou, a spectacular scenic spot in Sichuan, from Lanzhou.
Physical Features: The prefecture lies in the northeast fringe of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at the transition area to the Loess Plateau. The terrain slopes from the northwest to the southeast. It can be divided into three parts: the southern mountainous region with moderate climate, being an important forest zone in Gansu; the eastern hilly area and the eastern meadows and grassland, being the main pasturing area of the province.
Climate: Gannan has a continental plateau climate, featuring high altitude, humid and cold weather. The temperature varies greatly during the day but slightly among four seasons. Its annual average temperature falls around 1C-13C (33.8F-55.4F). June to August is the best time to visit Gannan. The temperature in this period maintains a level of 15C-30C (59F-86F). The grassland scenery is at its best at this time. In winter, monasteries, no matter whether they are big or small, hold Buddhist ceremonies during the period from the eighth to the sixteenth day of the first lunar month. This is the busiest period in Gannan.
Special Local Products: Tibetan souvenirs, such as ornaments, embroidery, Tibetan herbs, silver wares, religious handicrafts
Local Highlights: Xiangbala Tourism Arts Festival, held annually in midsummer, is the largest comprehensive tourism festival in Gannan Prefecture. During the fifth and the sixth lunar months, there are various festivals and ceremonies, such as Xianglang Festival, Erecting Arrow Festival and Caihua (Flower Picking) Festival.
Apart from the traditional Tibetan festivals, Gannan also has some special festivals for monasteries. For those who are interested in these Buddhist ceremonies, visitors can visit the Labrang Monastery during the third lunar month.
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