Hezuo Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Hezuo, China. Learn about the culture, customs, and safety measures in this comprehensive travel guide.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Hezuo, China

If you’re looking for a unique travel destination in China, then Hezuo should definitely make it to your list. Located in the Gannan prefecture in the northwest province of Gansu, Hezuo is a charming small city that boasts of a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and a friendly local population. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to Hezuo.

Introduction to Hezuo

Hezuo is a small city in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, which is situated in the southern part of Gansu Province, China. The city covers an area of 43 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 80,000 people. The name Hezuo means “convergence” or “junction” in Chinese and refers to the city’s location at the intersection of two rivers - Heihe and Bailongjiang. The city has a rich cultural heritage and a strong Tibetan influence, with many traditional customs and festivals that still take place today.

List of Places to Visit in Hezuo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Labrang Monastery: This is the most iconic landmark in Hezuo and is the largest Tibetan monastery outside of Tibet. Founded in 1709, this sprawling complex consists of over 5,000 monks and 18 halls filled with Buddhist artwork, statues, and scriptures.
  • Gansu Hezuo Xinxing Theater: This theater showcases traditional Tibetan performances, including dance, music, and drama.
  • Hezuo Cultural Square: Located in the city center, this is a vibrant area with many local vendors selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
  • Qiyi Monastery: This is a smaller monastery in Hezuo that is known for its beautiful frescoes and statues of Buddha.

Natural Attractions of Hezuo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sangke Prairie: This sprawling expanse of grassland outside of Hezuo is a popular destination for camping, hiking, and horseback riding. It provides a breathtaking vista of natural beauty.
  • Gaoyuan Wetlands: This wetland park is located just outside the city and is an excellent spot for bird watching and nature walks.
  • Baiyun Mountain: Located east of the city, this mountain provides excellent views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular hiking destination.
  • Helan Mountain: Located in the north of Hezuo, This mountain has plenty of scenic spots with an abundance of wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hezuo

  • Hezuo Bicycle Tour: This is a 20-kilometer bike trail that takes you through the city and showcases some of its most famous landmarks.
  • Sangke Grassland Hike: This trek takes you through the beautiful Sangke Grassland, where you can camp overnight and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding natural scenery.
  • Baiyun Mountain Hike: This hiking trail takes you to the top of Baiyun Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Hezuo City and the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Hezuo: Activities and Tours

  • Labrang Monastery Tour: Take a guided tour of the iconic Labrang Monastery and learn about the history and cultural significance of the Tibetan people and their Buddhist religion.
  • Sangke Grassland Camping: Spend the night under the stars on the beautiful Sangke Grassland and experience traditional nomadic culture.
  • Horseback Riding in Hezuo: Rent a horse and take a ride through the beautiful surrounding scenic spots.
  • Milky Way Observation Night Tour: Experience the night sky and the galaxy like never before during this amazing nighttime excursion.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hezuo

Day Activities
1 Arrival in Hezuo, explore the city, and check in at your hotel
2 Visit Labrang Monastery and learn about the Tibetan Buddhist culture
3 Take a bike tour of the city, visit Hezuo Cultural Square, and Qiyi Monastery
4 Trek Sangke Grassland and camp under the stars, experience the traditional nomadic culture.
5 Visit Baiyun Mountain for stunning views of Hezuo and surrounding countryside
6 Take a nature walk at Gaoyuan Wetlands and observe the birds and nature
7 Depart Hezuo for your next destination. Please don’t forget to bring your souvenirs along.

Food and Drink Scene of Hezuo

Must-Try Dishes

-Zanba: This is the staple food of Tibetan cuisine and consists of roasted barley flour mixed with yak butter and water.

  • Tibetan Dumplings: Made with yak meat, these dumplings are a popular snack in Hezuo.
  • Tibetan Butter Tea: Boiled with tea leaves, yak butter and salt, this tea is a popular beverage that will warm you up on a chilly day.

Local Beverages

-Sweet Yellow Wine: Made from barley, this sweet wine is a popular local beverage in Hezuo.

  • Tibetan Yak Milk: Referred to as “white gold” by the local people, yak milk is a tasty and nutritious local beverage.

Where to Stay in Hezuo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Jiuzhou Hotel: A 4-star hotel located in the city center, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, onsite dining options and a range of amenities.
  • Jinjiang Inn Hezuo Bus Station: Popular budget option located near the bus and train station.
  • Caoqin Tibetan Homestay: A charming guesthouse just outside of Hezuo that offers an authentic local experience.

What to Buy in Hezuo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tibetan Rug: These handmade rugs are a popular souvenir among tourists and make excellent home decor.
  • Tibetan Jewelry: Made from silver and precious stones, Tibetan jewelry is renowned for its exquisite beauty and quality.
  • Thangka: A traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting, Thangka is an excellent keepsake to remember Hezuo.

Local Culture and Customs of Hezuo

Being a predominantly Tibetan area, Hezuo has a unique culture and customs. Local festivals and traditions are a significant part of the city’s cultural heritage. It’s essential to respect their traditional beliefs and customs, such as dress codes when visiting religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Hezuo

The best time to visit Hezuo is during the spring and autumn seasons (April to June and September to November), when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. During these months, the temperature is between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. Summer months (July to August) can be hot and humid, while winters (December to February) are extremely cold, with temperatures dropping below zero.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hezuo

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and beliefs.
  • Wear decent clothing when visiting religious sites.
  • Take part in local festivals and cultural events.

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the weather conditions and always be adequately dressed.
  • Take pictures of locals without their consent.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hezuo

Hezuo is a generally safe place to travel, with a low crime rate. However, it’s necessary to take standard safety precautions, such as carrying essential belongings with you and avoiding unlit or deserted areas at night.

Health in Hezuo

It’s essential to carry necessary medications with you, as the local pharmacies may be limited in stock compared to those in major cities. Also, drink bottled water to avoid any water-borne diseases.

Getting to Hezuo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hezuo

The nearest airport to Hezuo is Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, which is about 330 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a bus or rent a car to Hezuo.

Bus Stations Near Hezuo

Hezuo has a bus station that operates buses within the city and to nearby areas.

Other Options

You can also travel to Hezuo by train. The nearest train station is the Linxia Railway Station, which is about 100 kilometers from Hezuo.

How to Get Around in Hezuo

The city is relatively small, and most attractions can be reached on foot or by bicycle. Alternatively, you can also hire a taxi, which is reasonably priced.

Where to Go Next from Hezuo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Langmusi: A Tibetan village 50 kilometers from Hezuo, known for its stunning scenery, traditional architecture and surrounding mountains.
  • Xiahe: A small town outside of Hezuo, known for its Labrang Monastery.
  • Lanzhou: The provincial capital of Gansu, known for its rich culture and cuisine.

Conclusion

Hezuo offers a unique and authentic travel experience for those searching for a destination that offers both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Follow this comprehensive travel guide, and you’ll know everything you need to plan a memorable trip to Hezuo. Whether it’s the stunning scenery or the rich culture of Tibetan traditions, Hezuo will leave you with unforgettable memories.