Gannan Tibetan Autonomous prefecture is situated at the east edge of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The wonderful scenery there are vast expanse of prairie, dense forest, grotesquce stone forest and highland lakes. Ajourney to Garman is the next best thing to a trip to Tibet, but far more easily accessible.

Travelers and pilgrims alike come here to visit the labuleng Lamasery of Xiahe, Langmusi monastery of Luqu, Chanding and Gongba monasteries of Zhuoni. It is a mellow, slightly backward area, with beautiful surroundings everywhere. Southward form here lies the best way to Jiuzhaigou of Sichuan.

Labuleng Lamasery (or Labrang Monastery) of Xiahe is in the county town, built in 1710. It's one of the six most important leading lamaseries of the Yellow Hat Buddhist Sect in China, largest around Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan. It is the greatest Lamasery institute with the richest collection of Buddhism scriptures.