In Gannan, China, there exists a self-driving route that has captured the imagination of adventurers:
Netizens have dubbed it “China’s Most Beautiful 100 Kilometers.” Along this journey, travelers can witness a diverse array of natural wonders, including vast grasslands, deep canyons, snow-capped mountains, and unique stone forests. Simultaneously, it offers an immersive experience into Tibetan culture and traditions.
However, due to the challenging road conditions, online commentators have cleverly described it as a place where “eyes are in heaven, but tires are in hell.”
This iconic self-driving route is known as the Rock’s Road.
Rock’s Road is located in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province. It begins in Zhagulu Town of Zhuoni County and ends in Zhagana in Diebu County.
The route attracts waves of explorers with its challenging traverses and an endless array of breathtaking scenery. These adventurers set out with hearts full of anticipation, seeking to discover the poetry and distant lands of their dreams.
What is Rock’s Road?
The name “Rock’s Road” is derived from an American botanist named Joseph Rock.
Rock made six expeditions to China for scientific research. In the spring of 1925, standing at the border of Sichuan, Rock faced two choices: head to Qinghai or go to Gannan. He ultimately chose the latter.
Rock’s scientific expedition in Gannan lasted over two years. Later, he dedicated an impressive 46 pages in the National Geographic magazine to share his observations and experiences, introducing Gannan to the world for the first time in such detail.
For nearly a century since, countless explorers and backpackers have followed in Rock’s footsteps, retracing his journey using the information he left behind. Gradually, this route gained fame, becoming the most classic self-driving tour in Gannan, hence earning the name “Rock’s Road.”
Every frame along Rock’s Road carries a unique, otherworldly beauty; each stop offers a long-lost sense of purity and tranquility.
Gongba Monastery
Located in Daogao Township in the Cheba Valley, Gongba Monastery was initially built in 1885. It is one of the 108 affiliated monasteries of Labrang Monastery and stands as the second-largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Gannan Tibetan area, second only to Labrang Monastery itself.
Niba Village
The century-old Tibetan village of Niba is located in Niba Township, in the middle reaches of Cheba Valley, at an altitude of 2,930 meters. Built along the mountainside, Niba is a pure Tibetan settlement primarily focused on animal husbandry.
Niba Village has been well-preserved, retaining a strong ancient atmosphere. The traditional prayer wheels made of finely crafted cowhide found in the village are extremely rare, not only in Gannan but throughout the entire Tibetan region.
Moreover, Niba Village is known for its longevity, with several centenarians among its residents. The current longevity record in the village is 114 years. It is also the only natural village in Gannan Prefecture to be included in China’s Traditional Village Catalog.
Guanggai Mountain
Also known as “Stone Mirror Mountain,” Guanggai Mountain ranges from 3,000 to over 4,000 meters in altitude. It earned its name due to the reflective properties of its grayish-white rocks and is a remnant of fourth-century glaciation.
Due to its remote location, Guanggai Mountain receives fewer visitors, allowing it to maintain its pristine natural beauty. The mountain’s towering peaks, which seem to touch the clouds, create a visually stunning spectacle.
Zhagana
Zhagana is a natural stone city whose name in Tibetan means “stone box.” Its appearance resembles a massive, grand palace. Four natural villages – Daiba, Yeri, Dari, and Dongwa – built along the mountainside, appear and disappear amidst the clouds and mist.
With its steep mountain terrain, Zhagana looks like a fairyland and is often called “the place where immortals dwell.”
Zhagana was ranked fourth in “China’s Top Ten Lesser-Known Mountains” by China National Geographic and was also listed as one of the “World’s 50 Outdoor Paradises” by a leading American travel magazine.
Zhagana was also one of the otherworldly beautiful landscapes described by Rock in his writings.
He once wrote:
"Never in my life have I seen such spectacular scenery. If the author of Genesis had seen the beauty here, they would surely have placed the birthplace of Adam and Eve in this location."
Rock’s Viewing Platform
Located on the hillside south of Yeri Village, this viewing platform offers an unobstructed view of Zhagana’s most beautiful scenery, including its four villages, the main scenic area of Fairy Beach, and the stone peaks of Guanggai Mountain.
Dari Viewing Platform
Situated at a high point near Dari Village, this platform provides a panoramic view. From here, visitors can gaze upon Zhagana and capture stunning photographs of the sunrise and morning mist.
Travel Tips for Rock’s Road:
The most beautiful seasons for a self-driving tour on Rock’s Road are summer and autumn. In summer, rapeseed flowers and wildflowers bloom, and the grasslands and pastures are lush green. In autumn, the mountains and valleys are adorned with a vibrant palette of colors.
The road is only about 100 kilometers long, with a section currently unpaved. Therefore, an SUV is the preferred vehicle choice. Under good road conditions and without traffic, the entire journey can be completed in about 4 hours.
Rock’s Road passes through high-altitude areas, with the highest point exceeding 4,000 meters. If you’re unsure about your susceptibility to altitude sickness, consider hiring a car and driver, which will also allow you to better appreciate the scenery along the way.
Mobile phone signals are weak or non-existent along Rock’s Road. If you need navigation, download offline maps as a backup. However, as long as you follow the road signs, you shouldn’t get lost.
