Sangke Grassland

Introducing Sangke Grassland (from TIBET.cn)
At more than 3,000 meters above sea level, the Sangke Grassland in northwest China is now a popular tourist destination besides being a major pasture for the local animal husbandry. Covering 70 square kilometers, the area has been one of the main stock farming bases of Gannan and is home to River Daxia. There are only 4,000 Tibetan nomads on the grasslands, all wrapped up in their many, dirty layers, who graze yak herds and offer tourists the chance of a ride upon their horses.

Sangke Grassland Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Sang Ke Cao Yuan 桑科草原
• Best Time to Visit: July to August
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 3-4 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Horse Trekking
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 10km northwest of Labrang, Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province

What to expect at Sangke Grassland

Sangke Grassland has always been a pastureland of the Tibetan people. In summer, it looks like an endless natural green blanket. With wild flowers blossom attractively, herds of sheep and cows graze on the great tableland, and camps scattered everywhere, it brings a perfect place of natural scenes for enjoying a pastoral life.

Every year on the 13th day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar, the seven major tribes around Sangke Grassland will hold a horse racing festival during which nomads gather on the grassland and tents are seen everywhere, making the atmosphere very lively. The scenery of the grasslands can be seen along the road, and once on the grassland, people can participate in activities such as campfires party, horseback riding and enjoying nature.

 

How to get to Sangke Grassland
• Sangke Grassland is approximately 34 km away from Xiahe and 265km from Lanzhou.
• Take a long-distance bus from Lanzhou South Bus Station or Lanzhou Passenger Transport Center to Xiahe County (3.5 hours). Upon arrival, take a taxi to the grassland.
• Take a minibus from Labrang Monastery to Sangke Grassland (15 mins).
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Xiahe or Lanzhou to Sangke Grassland.

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