Sangke Grassland

Introducing Sangke Grassland
Sangke Grassland is a natural pasture for the Tibetan people in Xiahe County. Sprawling across 27 square miles, Sangke Grassland is a vital resource for the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, serving as its primary livestock production base.

The name “Sangke” is believed to originate from the ancient Tibetan ritual of “Sang (桑),” a sacred smoke offering performed for the gods. This very grassland is revered as the legendary site where the mighty warrior-king Gesar performed the grand Weisang ceremony and captivated his people with thrilling horse races, inspiring awe and loyalty throughout the land.

Ringed by majestic mountains, the open steppe is bisected by the Daxia River, meandering gently from south to north. Summer transforms the grassland, painting the landscape in vibrant hues. The endless emerald blanket is dotted with a kaleidoscope of wildflowers. Herds of sheep and cows graze peacefully, sharing the expanse with scattered nomad camps – this idyllic scene has blossomed into a sought-after tourist destination, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience its unique beauty and tranquility.

Sangke Grassland Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Sang Ke Cao Yuan 桑科草原
• Best Time to Visit: July to August
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Horse Trekking
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Approx. 18 km (11.1 miles) southwest of Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province

What to Expect at Sangke Grassland
Leave the city behind and embrace a brand new way of living. Imagine waking up surrounded by tents, yaks, sheep, and horses, with the scent of wildflowers carried on the breeze. Here, your gaze stretches as far as the eye can see across the rolling plains, dotted with scattered nomad tents and framed by majestic mountain ranges in the distance. This is the Sangke Grassland, a place where you can truly experience the freedom and wilderness of a simpler life.

Xianglang Festival
Originating from a humble firewood gathering tradition of the Labrang Monastery monks, the Tibetan Xianglang Festival has blossomed into a vibrant celebration on the Sangke Grasslands. As the festival follows the lunar calendar, the exact date varies each year, falling around the fifteenth day of the sixth lunar month. Attendees adorned in vibrant attire gather atop Labuze, a hill named for Tibetan offering pagodas. The festivities ignite with “Wei Sang,” a ceremony where juniper branches erupt into a bonfire, the air thick with the aroma of butter, roasted barley flour, and dried yak meat offered to the flames. Horsemen circle the blaze, firing celebratory gunshots, followed by archers aiming for a towering wooden target. The day bursts with energy as horse and yak races, tug-of-war contests, wrestling matches, footraces, singing, and dancing fill the grasslands. Visitors are warmly welcomed by the hospitable nomads to share in the joyous spirit of the festival.

Labrang Monastery
Nestled amidst the Sangke grassland, Labrang Monastery stands as a beacon of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning. Founded in 1709, this intricate labyrinth of temples and residences is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Home to thousands of monks, Labrang is a vibrant center of religious study, boasting a renowned Buddhist academy where philosophy, medicine, and tantric rituals are all part of the curriculum.

Visitors are greeted by a dazzling sight. Ornate temples, adorned with intricate carvings, stand tall, their walls covered in vibrant murals depicting Buddhist deities and stories. Colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, adding to the sense of spiritual vibrancy. This harmonious blend of spiritual devotion and academic pursuit makes Labrang Monastery a truly awe-inspiring destination for pilgrims and scholars alike.

 

How to Get to Sangke Grassland
• The Sangke Grassland is located approx. 18 km (11.1 miles) away from Xiahe County.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free private transfer to the Sangke Grassland.

Additional Travel Advice on Sangke Grassland
• Do not enter the private pasture where the area is enclosed by barbed wire without permission.