🏔️ Deep in the Die Mountains lies a hidden valley, with emerald lakes and forests surrounding ancient temples. In midsummer, wildflowers bloom across the hills, with no crowds, allowing you to enjoy the coolness of the plateau alone
📜 geography and culture location
Zhuoni Dayu Valley is located in Muer Town, Zhuoni County, Gannan Prefecture. It is a 4A-level pristine ecological scenic area, known as the Little Jiuzhaigou of Gannan. Situated on the northern slope of the Die Mountains, it is divided into two main areas: Ajiao Valley and Qibu Valley. It combines snow-capped mountains, original spruce forests, jade-green streams, alpine lakes, Tibetan ancient temples, and highland meadows.
Summer exclusive features (June–August, prime time for escaping the heat):
✅ Average temperature across the area is 15–22℃, a natural air-conditioned valley to escape city heat
✅ Mountain meadows bloom with gesang and marsh marigold flowers, stretching for kilometers
✅ Snowmelt forms jade-colored streams that shimmer blue-green under sunlight, with frequent mountain rainbows
✅ Few visitors, no large tour groups, boardwalks and lakes can be enjoyed in peaceful solitude
✅ Altitude 2,500–3,300 meters, very low light pollution at night, visible Milky Way with the naked eye
⏳ summer activity time window
Time period Experience Suitable for
08:00–11:00 Morning mist covers the lake, soft light, cool temperature, stunning reflections Photography and hiking enthusiasts
11:30–15:00 Strong midday sun, shaded by forest in the valley, ideal for walking the canyon boardwalk to cool off Leisure travelers and families
16:00–19:00 Sunset backlight fills the forest, meadows glow golden, perfect for photos Photo shoots, horseback riding, walking
20:30–23:00 No light pollution, gaze at the plateau Milky Way, cool and soothing evening breeze Stargazers
Scenic area operating hours: 08:00–18:00, last entry at 16:30
Shuttle bus operation: 08:30–17:30, separate routes for the two valleys
Tickets valid for 48 hours, multiple entries allowed, recommended for 2-day in-depth visit
🎫 tickets and expenses list
1. Basic package (required, private cars not allowed in the mountains)
Full price 135 CNY/person (ticket + shuttle bus); student and senior discount ticket 75 CNY with valid ID
Free admission policy: children under 1.2 meters, seniors over 70, military personnel, and disabled persons with valid ID are exempt from ticket fees but must pay shuttle bus fare
2. Optional experiences
· Alpine meadow horseback riding: 100 CNY per round, stroll along wildflower streams
· Drone aerial photography (no no-fly zones, excellent panoramic mountain and water views)
3. Additional expenses
Few small shops inside the scenic area, prices are high. It is recommended to bring your own drinking water and snacks. Tibetan-style guesthouses in the valley offer meals averaging 60–80 CNY per person
🚗 comprehensive transportation guide
Self-driving (preferred, scenic route)
1. From Xi’an: Xi’an → Lianhuo Expressway → Lanhai Expressway → Min County → Zhuoni County, about 7 hours total, smooth for sedans
2. From Lanzhou: Lanzhou → Lanhai Expressway → National Highway 212 → Zhuoni, 5–6 hours
3. From Zhuoni County to scenic area: 30 minutes east along S306 to the scenic area entrance
Public transportation
Daily buses from Lanzhou South Bus Station to Zhuoni County; from the county, take a charter or shared ride to the scenic area, about 70 CNY one way
Internal scenic area transportation
Private cars are prohibited in the valley. Visitors must take the scenic shuttle bus. Ajiao Valley and Qibu Valley have separate routes, about 25 minutes one way
🏞️ must-visit summer highlights
1. Ajiao Valley (water scenery essence, Little Jiuzhaigou of Gannan)
1. Moon Gate
Natural arch stone gate with a stream flowing through, mirror-like water reflections, iconic photo spot, morning mist adds atmosphere
2. Yangzhuo Lake & Dawa Lake
Alpine lakes formed by snowmelt, jade-blue water, surrounded by spruce forests, clear views of distant Die Mountain snow peaks, large wildflower meadows by the shore
3. Three Stone Gates + Eighteen Bends
Wooden boardwalk extends along the stream, eighteen winding water bends, clear shallow water, cool forest shade, top summer escape spot
4. Fairy Bath Basin
Stepped shallow pools with cascading water, sunlight often creates rainbows, perfect for close-up water play and photos
2. Qibu Valley (canyon peaks + Tibetan culture)
1. One Line Sky
Hundred-meter canyon crevice with steep rock walls on both sides, sunlight streams through the gap, boardwalk runs along the valley floor, temperature 5℃ cooler than outside
2. Triangle Stone & Sister Peaks
Three cone-shaped giant stones stand in the valley, climb to the top for panoramic views of Dayu Valley, part of the Locke adventure trail
3. Qibu Temple
800-year-old Ming Dynasty Tibetan temple, red walls and golden roof, prayer flags fluttering, few visitors, quiet place to spin prayer wheels and experience Tibetan culture
4. Zhuomala Lake
Secluded small lake deep in the canyon, very few visitors, tranquil water surface, ideal for solitude and relaxation
📸 summer exclusive photo spots & outfit guide
Golden photo spots
1. Opposite side of Ajiao Valley Moon Gate: horizontal shot of stone gate + lake reflection, rich forest layers in the background
2. Yangzhuo Lake meadow: low-angle shot capturing lake, wildflowers, and snow mountains in one frame
3. Qibu Valley One Line Sky valley floor: upward shot of canyon crevice and sunlight, strong depth effect
4. Outside Qibu Temple wall: prayer flags, ancient temple, and forest blend, strong Tibetan atmosphere
5. Evening meadow highland: sunset backlight silhouette of mountain ranges
Layered clothing (plateau day-night temperature difference 15℃+)
· Base layer: short sleeves, thin T-shirt (for daytime hiking)
· Mid layer: light fleece or knit jacket
· Outer layer: windproof shell jacket (essential for mornings, evenings, and rainy days)
· Bottoms: long pants, avoid shorts (many mosquitoes in the forest, strong UV rays)
· Photo bonus: white or red long dresses, Tibetan shawls, create strong contrast with green mountains and blue water
· Footwear: non-slip hiking shoes, boardwalks are wet and slippery, sandals and slippers prohibited
🗺️ two premium summer routes (48-hour ticket suitable)
Route 1 | 2-day in-depth leisure route (recommended, suitable for all ages)
Day 1 Qibu Valley · canyon culture route (afternoon entry)
Scenic area entrance shuttle → Qibu Temple prayer and blessing → One Line Sky boardwalk hike → Triangle Stone and Sister Peaks → Locke ancient trail short hike → return to Tibetan wooden guesthouse in the valley
Evening meadow walk around guesthouse, night Milky Way stargazing
Day 2 Ajiao Valley · mountain and water essence route (full day)
8 AM shuttle into Ajiao Valley → Moon Gate → Three Stone Gates → Eighteen Bends → Fairy Bath Basin → Yangzhuo Lake picnic → meadow horseback riding → return
Highlights: mountain, water, canyon, ancient temple, and starry sky all covered in one relaxed day without rushing
Route 2 | 1-day quick tour (for tight schedules)
Morning Ajiao Valley (Moon Gate + Yangzhuo Lake), afternoon Qibu Valley (One Line Sky + Qibu Temple), about 6 hours total, suitable for short day trips
🌿 summer travel essentials
Sun protection: SPF 50+ high-factor sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, arm sleeves (strong plateau UV)
Warmth and protection: 3-in-1 shell jacket, thin blanket (essential for night stargazing)
Outdoor gear: non-slip hiking shoes, portable rain poncho (frequent afternoon showers in mountains), insect repellent, band-aids
Supplies: thermos, bottled water, bread, energy snacks (limited supplies in scenic area)
Plateau backup: glucose, oxygen bottle (altitude is moderate, slow pace usually prevents altitude sickness, but good to have)
Electronics: power bank, offline maps (some valley areas have no cell signal)
⚠️ summer travel precautions
1. Altitude 2,500–3,300 meters, take it slow, avoid running or jumping, do not bathe or drink alcohol on the first night to prevent altitude sickness and colds
2. Mountain boardwalks are damp near water, especially slippery when wet, elderly and children must walk carefully
3. Respect Tibetan customs: do not step on prayer flags, do not touch temple ritual objects casually, avoid loud noises
4. Mountain weather changes frequently in summer, alternating sun and rain, always carry rain gear; fog after rain doubles the fairyland atmosphere
5. Streams and lakes are icy cold, swimming is prohibited, be careful on slippery shallow areas, watch children closely
6. No large restaurants inside the scenic area, main meals recommended in Muer Town or Zhuoni County
7. Carry out all trash, no many trash bins in the pristine valley, protect the plateau ecology
8. Guesthouses are busy in summer, book Tibetan wooden cabins online at least 3 days in advance for convenient morning and evening views
🍲 local specialty food recommendations
1. Tibetan cuisine: hand-pulled yak meat, Tibetan steamed buns, bracken yogurt, butter tea, tsampa
2. Mountain vegetarian dishes: stir-fried wild mushrooms, dandelion, local potato noodles
3. Halal food: lamb noodle slices, soup dumplings, many restaurant options in Zhuoni County
4. Drinks: local highland barley wine (try a little only, alcohol is hard to metabolize at altitude)