Gannan

Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, commonly referred to as Gannan, is an autonomous prefecture of the People's Republic of China located in southern Gansu Province. It sits on the northeast edge of the Tibetan Plateau and borders Qinghai Province to the north. The prefecture's administrative seat is Hezuo. The landscape is high altitude and mountainous, with many valleys and grasslands, and elevations typically exceed 3,000 meters. The climate is cold, with long winters and short summers, and precipitation is relatively low.

Demographics include a predominantly Tibetan population, with minority communities including Han Chinese and Hui. Tibetan is widely spoken, especially in rural areas, while Mandarin is used in education and government.

Gannan was established in the mid-20th century as a Tibetan autonomous prefecture within Gansu. It comprises several counties and one county-level city; Labrang Monastery, a major center of Tibetan Buddhism, is located in Xiahe County and is a key cultural site for the region.

Economy centers on animal husbandry—yaks, sheep, and goats—alongside crops suited to high altitude and forestry. Tourism has grown in recent decades, drawn by Tibetan culture, monasteries, and scenic landscapes. Transportation links connect Gannan with Lanzhou and other parts of Gansu, improving access for travel and trade.

Notable features include Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, and extensive grassland and canyon landscapes that attract visitors and researchers interested in Tibetan culture and ecology.