For the region, see Ganzi (prefecture).

Ganzi (དཀར་མཛེས་ Garzê; 甘孜: Gānzī), ilocated in the Sichuan province of China, is a captivating destination known for its stunning Tibetan culture and breathtaking alpine landscapes. The region boasts sacred monasteries, vibrant festivals, and the serene beauty of Yading Nature Reserve, often referred to as "the last Shangri-La." Whether you're drawn to its spiritual heritage or its natural splendor, Garzê offers a unique escape for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Understand

It is an important city in what is still seen by the indigenous Tibetan population as the historical region of Kham. Ganzi is in a large valley with grassy hills at an elevation of 3,400 m (11,155 ft), tucked north-east of the gorgeous snow-peaked mountains of the Gongga Shan range. Tibetan culture is abundant and vibrant here, and the friendly people won't let you go by without offering you the Tibetan greeting 'Tashi Dele'! The town is set along the main road passing from east to west towards Dege or Kangding (which is to the south). Visitors are unheard-of in the cold winter months, but if you come then, you would be the guest of the entire town!

Ganzi is part of the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, a region known for its deep-rooted Tibetan traditions and natural beauty. Historically, Kham has been recognized as one of the three traditional provinces of Tibet, and the cultural and linguistic uniqueness of the Khampa people is well-preserved here.

The town's location at 3,400 meters above sea level makes it a gateway for exploring the surrounding highlands and valleys, home to nomadic herders and traditional Tibetan villages. The Gongga Shan range, also known as Minya Konka, includes the highest peak in Sichuan and is revered as a sacred mountain in Tibetan Buddhism.

Religious life in Ganzi revolves around its monasteries, with the Ganzi Monastery (Garze Monastery) being a key center for Tibetan Buddhist practice. The monastery, perched on a hillside overlooking the town, offers breathtaking views of the valley and an opportunity to witness traditional rituals and chanting.

The local Tibetan festivals, such as Losar (Tibetan New Year) and horse racing festivals, provide visitors with an immersive experience of the region's culture and traditions. During these events, you can see locals dressed in colorful traditional attire, hear traditional music, and witness lively dances and performances.

While winters are harsh and see few visitors, the summer months bring a burst of activity as the grasslands bloom with wildflowers, making it an ideal time for hiking and photography. Travelers who venture into the area during the off-season are often treated with even warmer hospitality, as the community delights in hosting the rare guest.

History

Garzê has a long history as a key trading hub in the Tibetan region. Historically, it was an important stop along the ancient tea-horse trade route connecting Tibet and China. Today, it remains a cultural crossroads, reflecting its Tibetan heritage.

Climate

Garzê features a highland climate, with cool summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is milder, and outdoor activities are more enjoyable.

Get in

Buses from Kangding leave for Ganzi at 06:00 for around ¥120. The ride takes 12–14 hours, depending on the condition of your bus and or the number of times it breaks down. The road is relatively good: it's bumpy, but it's 95% sealed (spring 2017). Try not to book a seat in the back of the bus, especially on smaller buses, as you'll be thrown around violently by the bumps through much of the trip. Masks may be advisable if people are smoking on the bus; but this seems less common than has been reported.

Public bus

The bus station is in the center of town just south of the main road. You can hire a private van/car too.

To	Departure	Price (yuan)	Duration (hr)	Last update
Dege	07:30	¥80	6	20 December 2023
Kangding	06:30	¥150	11	20 December 2023
Yushu/Jyekundo	06:00	¥130	10	20 December 2023
Luhuo	08:00	¥45	3	20 December 2023
Tagong	07:00	¥100	5	20 December 2023
Baiyu	06:30	¥75	7	20 December 2023

Private mini-bus

To	Approximate Price (Yuan)	Duration (Hours)	Comments	Last update
Manigango	¥40-50	2-3	O.K road	20 December 2023
Litang	¥120	8-9	Via Xinlong	20 December 2023
Xinlong	¥40	3	Good road condition	20 December 2023

Get around

Chuanzang Road (川藏路)

You can easily visit the town on foot. For longer distances, you can use taxis. The fare should not exceed ¥6 to any place in town.For a more scenic experience, consider renting a bike from local shops—an enjoyable way to explore the outskirts and nearby villages. If you're traveling beyond the town, shared minivans and long-distance buses are available, connecting you to other parts of Ganzi County and the surrounding regions.Additionally, walking along Chuanzang Road offers opportunities to enjoy local shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, providing a deeper sense of the town's atmosphere. 

See

Garzê offers breathtaking scenery and culturally significant sites.

1 Garzê Monastery, Central Garzê. 08:00–17:00. One of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region, featuring stunning murals and intricate architecture. The monastery provides a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist practices and is a must-visit for its cultural and spiritual significance. Free entry. 

2 Hailuogou Glacier Park, Around 150 km from Garzê. 07:00–18:00. A stunning glacier park offering hiking, hot springs, and spectacular views of Mount Gongga. This natural wonder is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Guided tours are available. ¥160. 

3 Yarchen Gar Monastery, Garzê Prefecture, near Baiyu County. 09:00–16:00. An iconic monastery and home to thousands of nuns and monks. It is set against a dramatic high-altitude landscape and is one of the largest Buddhist academies in the world. A unique cultural and spiritual experience. Free entry. 

4 Maren Grassland Scenic Area, Southwest Garzê. All day. A vast, picturesque grassland that showcases the natural beauty of the Tibetan Plateau. Visitors can enjoy horse riding, camping, and interacting with local nomadic herders. Best visited during summer. Free entry. 

5 Tagong Grassland, Near Tagong Town. All day. One of the most scenic grasslands in the region, with stunning views of Mount Yala. It's a peaceful destination ideal for photography and quiet reflection. Tagong Monastery is also nearby. Free entry. 

6 Lhagang Monastery (Tagong Monastery), Tagong Town. 08:00–17:00. This centuries-old Tibetan monastery is an important spiritual site for local Tibetans. Known for its golden roof and intricate carvings, it is a popular pilgrimage destination. ¥50. 

Do

• Trekking in Yading, Daocheng County. Explore trails that offer spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes. Guided tours are available. 

• Visit Local Markets. Experience the vibrant local markets, where you can find Tibetan crafts, yak butter, and traditional clothing. 

Festivals

Garzê hosts several culturally significant festivals throughout the year.

7 Monlam Prayer Festival, Garzê Monastery. Held in January, this festival is dedicated to world peace and features large-scale prayer ceremonies. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} 

8 Horse Racing Festival, Garzê County Racecourse. A vibrant festival featuring traditional Tibetan horse racing, archery, and dancing. It takes place every July. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} 

9 Shoton Festival, Garzê Tibetan Cultural Square. Also known as the Yogurt Festival, it features traditional Tibetan opera performances and yogurt offerings. Held in August. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} 

Buy

• Traditional Tibetan Clothing and Jewelry. Small shops in downtown provide typical Tibetan clothing, jewelry, and accessories popular with herdsmen and nomads. These items make for culturally rich souvenirs or gifts.

• Religious Artifacts and Decorations. On the road leading north from the bus station, you'll find several shops catering to monks with outfits and religious artifacts. They also sell beautifully hand-embroidered curtains used to adorn windows and doors, along with decorative pots, kettles, and locally crafted hand-carved Tibetan furniture.

• Supermarkets. Located along Chuanzang Road, supermarkets sell food, toiletries, and beverages, including beer and decent Chinese wine. These are convenient for stocking up on essentials or enjoying a quiet evening.

• Local Markets and Bazaars. Small stalls and shops in the bazaar area offer Tibetan medicinal products, prayer beads, and yak wool blankets. These items make for meaningful keepsakes or gifts. Morning markets may provide better deals, while afternoons are a good time for relaxed browsing and bargaining.

• Thangka Paintings. Art lovers can explore shops selling thangka paintings—traditional Tibetan scroll paintings depicting Buddhist themes, mandalas, and religious motifs. These range from simple designs to intricate pieces adorned with gold leaf.

• Handmade Carpets and Rugs. Vendors sell handmade Tibetan carpets and rugs, often dyed with natural colors and featuring intricate patterns reflecting local traditions. These pieces serve as excellent decorative items or functional home additions.

• Tibetan Medicine and Remedies. Specialized shops provide traditional herbal remedies, oils, and dried yak bones, believed to have healing properties. These products offer insight into Tibetan medicinal practices.

• Culinary Products. Shops sell locally produced tsampa (roasted barley flour), yak butter, and dried yak meat, perfect for recreating authentic Tibetan dishes at home. Tea enthusiasts can also find high-quality Tibetan tea bricks, including blends for butter tea.

• Jewelry and Accessories. Jewelry stores stock silver ornaments, turquoise pieces, and coral accessories. Many of these items are handcrafted and reflect the spiritual significance of Tibetan designs, making them elegant and meaningful gifts.

• Musical Instruments. Stores specialize in Tibetan musical instruments such as singing bowls, bells, and long horns used in Buddhist ceremonies. These are both cultural artifacts and functional tools for meditation or decoration.

• Antiques and Collectibles. Antique shops sometimes carry rare items such as old prayer wheels, ceremonial masks, and ancient coins. However, it's important to verify authenticity and understand export regulations before purchasing valuable collectibles.

• Traditional Tibetan Clothing. For fashion-conscious travelers, the town offers traditional Tibetan garments such as robes (chuba), embroidered boots, and colorful sashes. These reflect local culture and nomadic traditions.

• Bargain Shopping. Morning markets are ideal for budget-conscious shoppers, offering fresh produce, handcrafted items, and textiles at affordable prices. Bargaining is a common practice, and vendors often welcome friendly negotiations.

Eat

Danba Spiced Pork Shank

The fragrant pig's leg is a famous product of Danba area, which is delicious and is a delicacy for festivals and entertaining guests and friends. Every winter, families have to slaughter fat pigs, most of the past pig slaughter pig four feet tied, from the chest with a knife to open a hole, reach into the chest cavity to tear off the heart and lungs joints, will kill the pig, sewing the knife mouth, and repeatedly with hay to the pig hair burned out after the dissection of the fat, lean meat peeled away. When eaten boiled half-cooked or baked skin with charcoal, cut into small pieces or torn into fans, within 100 meters can be smelled, tender and fragrant, nutritious, appetizing. 

Luding walnut

Luding walnut, a long history. Alpine, semi-alpine, short mountains are produced, the countryside almost every family has walnut trees. Luding walnuts to dwarf mountain oil heavy,large meat for the best. Walnuts have the effect of hair and skin care, and long-term consumption helps to improve intelligence.

KangdingWangen Kangding coriander

Is the famous specialty of Kangding County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, the product is flat and round, smooth skin, no cracks, a single weight of more than 250 grams,dense meat, crisp, slightly sweet, spicy flavor, with a sweet taste and warmth, clearing the heat, nourishing the increase in oxygen,eyesight and dampness, appetizer and digestion, decoction of drunkenness and sobering up, and weight loss effect.

Luding red cherry

Ludinging is located on the banks of the Dadu River and produces cherries in abundance, whose best production areas are along the river in the line of Tianba, pestle and mortar, cold moraine.Every year, from mid-April to early May, it is the season of cherry ripening in the place.The cherries here are the earliest to hit the market, with their large, reddish-purple color and a taste of sweetness with a slight fruit acidity. Luding red cherry Sichuan Province Luding County Agricultural Technology Extension Center is located in the southwest of the administrative area under the jurisdiction of Luding County.Ganzi Prefecture, including Tianba Township, pestle and mortar township, cooking dam township, Dewei Township, Leng Moraine Township, Xinglong Township, Luqiao Township, Gashu County Township, Lan'an Township, Dedu Township and so on. Luding Red Cherry is a geographical indication product of agricultural products.

Tibetan Barley Bread (Tsampa)

A staple food in Tibetan culture, tsampa is made from roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea or yogurt. Its nutty flavor and high nutritional value make it a hearty meal for locals and travelers alike.

Yak Meat Hotpot

This dish is a must-try for meat lovers. The tender yak meat is slow-cooked with local spices and served in a steaming hotpot alongside fresh vegetables.It’s a warming and flavorful meal, especially popular during the colder months. 

Traditional Tibetan Desserts

For a sweet treat, look for local pastries made with yak butter, barley flour, and dried fruits. These desserts are often prepared during festivals but can also be found at some local markets and tea houses.

Butter Tea (Po Cha)

An essential part of Tibetan cuisine, butter tea is made with yak butter, salt, and tea leaves. It’s a savory drink that pairs perfectly with other local dishes and is known for its ability to warm you up in high-altitude climates.

Drink

There is not much nightlife in town. To have a beer, visit a restaurant.

Hor Ku Tibetan tea Snowy Russian Tea is produced in the southeast edge of the Tibetan Plateau in Sichuan Province, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Fuhuo County, Huo Zhang Valley area, Russian tree belongs to the wild tree growing in the environment without any pollution, for the snowy plateau area unique rare species. In the Huoer Zhang Valley area, many trees have reached the age of 100 years or even hundreds of years. For a long time, the Russian color “Hall ancient Tibetan tea” in Tibet only as a reception of VIPs, festivals and activities and exclusively for the Toastmasters, the living Buddha and the aristocracy of the luxury drink.

For a more casual experience, local tea houses offer butter tea, a staple Tibetan beverage made with yak butter and salt. It’s a must-try for those wanting to immerse themselves in the region’s culture. Sweet milk tea is another popular choice, especially for those who prefer a milder flavor.

In addition to tea, some restaurants and stalls sell locally brewed barley wine (chang), a traditional Tibetan alcoholic beverage that is slightly sweet and mildly alcoholic. It’s often served in wooden bowls and is a great way to connect with local customs.

For coffee enthusiasts, a few newer cafes near the town center offer fresh coffee and a cozy atmosphere, blending modern elements with Tibetan charm. These cafes might also serve snacks like Tibetan pastries, making them ideal spots to relax after a day of exploration.

Sleep

Budget

• Hong Fu Guest House, No.49 Chuanzang Road (from the bus station go to Chuanzang Rd, and take left turn towards the west - you will see it after 100 m on the right side), ☏ +86 836-7525330. Called "guest house", but is really a home-stay. The family is really nice and friendly. There is a big room with 4 beds, clean bathroom and hot shower in the house. It's just next to another guest house, where you can find a bed without shower but with Wi-Fi for ¥20. (March 2016) ¥30 for a bed. 
• Chengxin Binguan - Just across the street and south from the bus station at No. 27. With friendly and tidy doubles or triples. Room rates are negotiable but are listed as ranging from ¥70-150. Some rooms have en suite bathrooms, while the condition of the shared bathrooms varies. Using the shared showers is an extra ¥10. In winter, there is no running water in this hotel.
• Snowland Hotel - Just when you enter Garze from the east, you will cross two petrol stations (on your left and right). Turn right afterwards and 50 m up the street and you will see the hotel on the right. Doubles with bathroom (hot shower, squat) are ¥100, without bathroom ¥50. Internet via ethernet-cable. (March 2017)

For those looking to avoid the high foreigner charges mentioned below, walk one street east of the bus station on Chuangzang Rd to the corner on the south (right) side of the street. There are a bunch of locals hanging out there (as of May 2017) who will approach you for an unofficial bed or room in the nearby buildings (usually by making the hands-pressed-together-to-head 'sleeping sign'). Beds offered at ¥30, or bare-bones rooms with attached bathroom (hot water) but no Wi-Fi for ¥60.

Mid-range

• Golden Yak Hotel is inside the bus station compound. A bed in a dorm, and doubles with bathroom, that has low water pressure, go for ¥150. More luxurious accommodation offering en suite bathrooms and western style toilets is also available. The hotel also has a restaurant and tea room. Power and water is iffy in winter months. Bring a flashlight and sleeping bag. No heat. This seems to be a citywide policy as the few hotels licensed for foreigners in the town all rent at the same rate. Customer service at the Golden Yak was dour and unfriendly and the showers did not work, even in summer.
• 1 DzachuSama Hostel & Cafe (山泉客栈), QingKe PuDi 133, ☏ +86 836 7523882, info@dzachusama.com. Hotel owned by foreigners in a traditional Tibetan house that has been renovated. Dorm rooms, rooms with private bathrooms, or luxury suites with spectacular views. Clean rooms, clean sheets, hot showers, and comfortable accommodation. (updated Sep 2017)
• Himalaya Hotel (West of the bus station in Dongda Jie). This hotel was built in 2005 with single and double rooms, a nice tea room, medicinal herbal baths and a sauna. The hotel manager is German-speaking. 

Stay safe

Beware of altitude sickness if traveling here straight from the Sichuan lowlands. As in most of West Sichuan and other Tibetan regions stray dogs are common and totally unpredictable. Throwing rocks is your best bet, if you have to time to react. Wearing study boots and thick pants and socks are another way to protect yourself from injures. The area gets a lot of sunshine due to its high location in a long broad valley and temperatures change a lot during the day. Sunglasses and sunblock are a must.

There have been isolated protests against Chinese rule calling for the return of the Dali Lama including violence towards locals on behalf of the authorities and vice versa. There is a very large Chinese military and police presence in the city. Being sympathetic to the local cause is one thing but bear in mind you are putting locals and not yourself at risk. Best to stay neutral and change the topic.

Connect

Internet

There is an Internet place with decent connection speed (though no printer). It may rank as the biggest smoke den in all of China. Walk to the road bridge crossing the river in the middle of town and follow the stream north (away from the big river towards the monastery). After 300 m, you will pass a pedestrian bridge on your right hand side. Shortly after that, there is a small concrete 'picnic' sitting area on the right. The entrance to the second floor Internet cafe is up the private looking staircase just opposite that place. There are no signs advertising the service, so if in doubt just ask the neighborhood.

It appears there may be restrictions on using the internet, though I'm not sure.

Cope

Visa extension

Although some online discussions suggest otherwise, as of 27 May 2011, it is not possible to extend a Chinese visa in Ganzi. Reportedly, the nearest locations for visas are Kangding and Xinning.

Money

The Agricultural Bank of China has an ATM that accepts foreign bank and credit cards.

Laundry

There are small laundry shops located at numbers 223, 239 and 239 on the main strip, Changzang Road, that will wash clothes. They are easily identified by the clothes hanging from the ceiling. It generally costs ¥2-5 per article/pair of clothing and you can pick up your clothes the next day. If you're in a hurry the clothes can be dropped off in the afternoon and picked up in the evening, but they will still be moist.