Gannan's Hidden Gem: A Unique Road Trip Adventure

🌟 Gannan, a place filled with mystery and beauty, is home to the enchanting "Little Duku Highway," a hidden gem that radiates irresistible charm. Today, let me share my journey along this captivating route 🎈. 🌟 Self-Drive Itinerary: Zhagana — Gannan Little Duku Highway (County Road 550) — Flower Lake — Ruoergai Grassland — Aba County. Route Overview The Gannan Little Duku Highway is actually County Road 550 in Ruoergai County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It connects Gansu's Diebu (or the Zhagana Scenic Area) with Sichuan's Ruoergai Flower Lake Scenic Area, spanning approximately 45-50 kilometers. When navigating, set your GPS to cycling mode or navigate from Zhagana to Flower Lake, adding Tiebu Town as a waypoint. 🏞️ Stunning Scenery • Canyon Forests: Driving through this area feels like entering a green fairy tale world. The deep canyons, peculiar rock formations, and vast stone seas of the Zasage Grand Canyon are awe-inspiring. Dense forests with interwoven branches allow sunlight to filter through, creating patches of light and shadow. • Grassland Views: Crossing the Zasage Sacred Mountain, the landscape opens up to reveal the boundless Ruoergai Grassland. Herds of cattle and sheep graze leisurely, resembling stars scattered across a green ocean. The distant mountains complement the scene, creating a picturesque and poetic view. • Cultural Landscapes: Along the way, you'll pass through traditional Tibetan villages like Rege Village and Bengba Village. Beautiful white stupas stand tall in the villages, where locals circle them in prayer, exuding rich Tibetan cultural vibes. Colorful prayer flags flutter atop the mountains, seemingly narrating ancient stories. 🚗 Travel Tips • Vehicle Choice: While most of the route consists of asphalt or concrete roads, the roads are narrow, often single-lane, with some unpaved sections. An SUV or off-road vehicle is recommended. • Essentials: Due to the high altitude and strong UV rays, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so pack warm clothing like a jacket or lightweight down coat. Also, download offline maps in advance and prepare enough snacks and water. • Best Time to Visit: The ideal time is from June to October, avoiding the rainy season's landslide risks. The autumn colors in September are particularly breathtaking. Important Notes • Some sections are narrow and lack guardrails. Drive cautiously, especially when passing other vehicles. • There is no cell signal along the route, so download offline maps beforehand. • Respect local customs and religious beliefs, protect the environment, and avoid littering.