Garzê Voyage Tips and guide

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For the region, see Ganzi (prefecture).

Ganzi (དཀར་མཛེས་ Garzê; 甘孜: Gānzī), is the capital of Ganzi county in Sichuan Province in south-west China.

31°37′0″N 99°59′26″E

Map of Garzê

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.

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.

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

Garzê, also known as Ganzi in Chinese, is located in the historical Tibetan region of Kham.

• Historically, it was part of the now-defunct Xikang Province.
• The town has long been a center of Tibetan Buddhism and culture, with Garzê Monastery serving as an important religious site.
• Over the centuries, Garzê has preserved its rich Tibetan heritage, evident in its architecture, festivals, and daily life.

Garzê County experiences a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate, characterized by cold, dry winters and warm, rainy summers.

• The average annual temperature is around 5.93°C (42.7°F).
• January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of -3.9°C (25°F).
• July is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 14.2°C (57.6°F).
• Annual precipitation is approximately 646 mm, most of which falls between June and September.
• The region enjoys around 2,620 hours of sunshine annually, with sunnier days during winter and spring.

The main street is 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.

31.617899.99121 Garze Monastery (Kandze Monastery), Ganzi County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China (A short walk north along the river dividing the town or via the street running parallel to the west.). 8:00–17:00. Garze Monastery, affiliated with the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, is a significant spiritual site. Though parts of its temples were rebuilt using modern materials, it still retains cultural charm. Visitors can witness daily prayer rituals and, if lucky, observe monks debating in the courtyard. The monastery’s terraces offer panoramic views of the valley. Walking through the nearby Tibetan quarter with traditional homes and spinning prayer wheels adds to the experience. ¥30. (updated Dec 2023)

31.605699.98742 Den Gompa, Southern Ganzi, Garzê Prefecture, Sichuan, China (Located in the southern part of Ganzi.). 8:00–17:00. Smaller and less visited, Den Gompa provides a peaceful retreat with traditional Tibetan architecture. Its preserved structures make it a more intimate experience of monastic life. ¥20. (updated Dec 2023)

31.699.983 Dontok Gompa and Dingkhor Chörten, Across the Yalong Jiang River, Ganzi County (Head south from the bus station and cross the suspension bridge, following the right path.). 8:00–17:00. This site combines spiritual exploration with scenic views. Visitors can enjoy a half-hour walk over the Yalong Jiang River. The under-construction complex features unique architectural elements, including striped walls. Friendly monks often offer tours. The location is ideal for photography, particularly at sunset. ¥20. (updated Dec 2023)

31.621004 The New Chörten, Eastern edge of Ganzi town (Located on a small hill at the eastern edge of town.). 8:00–18:00. A recently built Chörten featuring a Buddhist library. Although modern in design, it has become a community hub. The hilltop location provides panoramic views of the valley and the town, making it a great spot for reflection and photography. Free. (updated Dec 2023)

Hailuogou Scenic Spot (Grade 5A) Helugou is located in the southeast of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, on the eastern slopes of Gongga Mountain, an extremely high mountainous area on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Located at the foot of Gongga Snow Peak, Hailuogou is famous for its low altitude modern glaciers. Hailuogou Scenic Area is the easternmost low altitude modern glacier discovery in Asia, with an altitude of 2,850 meters. Its big ice waterfall is 1080 meters high and 0.5m-1100m wide, which is the highest big ice waterfall found in China so far. The ditch contains a large flow of boiling hot and warm cold mineral springs, large areas of primary forests and extraordinarily high ice-eroded peaks, a large number of rare plant and animal resources, gold mountain, silver mountain interplay. Hailuogou scenic spot is located between the canyons. Here the terrain is complex, the climate type is special, the mountain below the long spring without summer, lush and green. The climate is pleasant, with an average annual temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius. The top of the mountain accumulates snow all year round, and the average annual temperature is around -9 degrees Celsius.

Kangding Muya Holy Land Tourist Attractions (Grade 4A) Kangding Muya Holy Land Scenic Spot is located in the “Muya Singkham” on the west side of Mount Chedo in Kangding, the world-renowned city of love songs, and is the first tourist attraction combining folk customs and natural scenery in Ganzi Prefecture, and the first one that embodies the theme of Tibetan Muya culture. It is also the first thematic tourist area in China that embodies the theme of Tibetan Moya culture.

Luding County Luding Bridge Tourist Scenic Spot (4A level) Luding Bridge, also known as the iron rope bridge, is located in Luding County, Sichuan Province, on the Dadu River, according to legend, after the Kangxi Emperor united China, in order to strengthen the cultural and economic exchanges between Sichuan and Tibet and the royal approval of the construction of this bridge, and at the head of the bridge to set up the Royal Plaque. The bridge was built in 1705, completed in 1706, is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese bridge architecture, is the State Council announced the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. Luding Bridge is 103 meters long, 3 meters wide, 13 iron chains fixed in both sides of the bridge fall well, 9 for the bottom chain, 4 sub-both sides for the handrail, a total of 12,164 iron ring interlocking, the whole bridge weighs more than 40 tons of iron. Luding Bridge on both sides of the bridge for the traditional wooden structure of the ancient fortress, unique to China. Luding Bridge since the Qing Dynasty, for Sichuan into Tibet, an important channel and military key.

Danba County Jieju Zangzhai Tourist Attractions (Level 4A) Jieju Tibetan Walled City is located in Danba County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan, about 8 kilometers away from the county town, is the most characteristic tourist attraction in Danba.In September 2016, it was officially approved to become a national 4A level tourist attraction. Aju”, Tibetan language is the meaning of a hundred families. The Tibetan fortress climbs upward from the Dajin River Valley layer by layer, stretching all the way to the foot of the Kapama peaks.In 2005, in the Beauty Pageant China organized by the National Geographic China magazine, the Danba Tibetan Village, represented by Jieju Tibetan Village, was named the first of the “six most beautiful rural towns in China”.

Kangding Love Song Scenic Area (Grade 4A) Kangding Love Song (Mugu Tso) Scenic Area is located in the western part of Sichuan Province, the capital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture - Kangding, located at the main road of Sichuan-Tibet Highway, is the “core zone of ethnic corridor” in the history of the north and south of the ethnic groups frequently migrate, is the center of the ancient Tea Horse Road, which is comparable to the Silk Road and “concentrated the best natural ecological landscape and humanistic flavor in western China”. Comparable to the Silk Road, “concentrated the best natural ecological landscape and humanistic style in western China” is the center of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, is the ancient legends, folk art, ethnic customs, ethnic songs and dances flourish in the home of love songs.

Inacheng Aden Scenic Area (Level 5A) Aden Scenic Area is located in the southern part of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, located in the eastern part of the famous Tibetan Plateau, the middle part of the Hengduan Mountain Range, bordering Muli County in Liangshan Prefecture in the southeast, neighboring Xiangcheng County in the west and Zhongdian County in Yunnan Province, and connecting Litang County in the north, with an area of 7,323 square kilometers. Its altitude is 3750 meters, the highest altitude in the territory of 6032 meters; is a plateau monsoon climate, the vast majority of the time the weather is clear, sunny, beautiful natural scenery, especially the remains of the ancient body of ice, “Inacheng ancient ice cap” known in the world.

• Vegetable Market. In the center of the newer part of town, you’ll find a bustling vegetable market. It's a great place to explore local produce and observe everyday life. Perfect for sampling fresh ingredients and seeing how locals shop.

• Bazaar Shopping. The town offers some bazaar-style shops featuring handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. While the selection is interesting, be aware that prices are generally higher than in Chengdu, so bargaining is recommended.

• Monastery Visits. Near the monastery, locals and monks are friendly and curious about visitors. You may even be invited in for tea, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience Tibetan hospitality. Visit during prayer sessions to witness chanting and rituals. Always ask for permission before taking photos.

• Hiking in the Hills. The surrounding hills offer breathtaking views of the valley and opportunities to encounter yaks, wildflowers, and traditional Tibetan homes. Guided treks can be arranged for those interested in exploring further into the Ganzi region.

• Traditional Cuisine and Performances. Evenings in town are relatively quiet, but you can enjoy a meal at a local Tibetan restaurant and try dishes like tsampa, yak butter tea, or momos. Some places may also feature traditional Tibetan music and dance performances, enhancing the cultural experience.

• Festivals. Garzê hosts several vibrant Tibetan festivals throughout the year. Key events include the Losar (Tibetan New Year) celebrations, which feature dancing, singing, and traditional feasts, and the Saga Dawa Festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. These festivals provide unique insights into Tibetan culture and spirituality.

• 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.

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 Luding 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 31.636999.99031 DzachuSama Hostel & Cafe (山泉客栈), QingKe PuDi 133, ☏ +86 836 7523882, [email protected]. 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.