Backpacker’s flood to Langmusi thanks to its wide range of attractions that include a Tibetan village, quiet and unspoiled landscapes and rural accommodations. The majority of Chinese travel agents include it on their travel itinerary.
There are two monasteries in the town that form the border between Gansu and Sichuan. There are many interesting old temples and there are daily prayer rituals that tourists are welcome to watch. Sky burials also attract curious tourists and locals are happy to mingle and communicate as best they can with visitors.
There are many hiking opportunities as the area is abundant in hills, valleys and trails, many of which host spectacular views of the monasteries. There are numerous ponds and streams dotted around the landscape and there are many farms dispersed throughout the villages. The most appealing trek for many is in the Namo Gorge to the east of Langmusi.
Travel to Langmusi - getting there
There are daily buses to and from Zoige and Hezuo that travel about 20 minutes from Langmusi and there are many local minivans that will take you the last part of the journey. There are also daily buses to Hezuo every day that take about 4 hours and from Xiehe buses take about 6 hours. The nearest airport is in Xining City which is a 2 hour, 35 minute flight from Beijing.
Langmusi attractions
Sezhi Monastery: one of the two monasteries that is located just over the Gansu border in Sichuan.
Geerdeng Monastery: the second monastery building that is in Gansu and attracts many visitors.
In brief
What to do: visit Lesha’s Coffee for backpacker food and drink, view the monasteries, walking and hiking.
Best time to go: from September through to December.
How long? A few days.