Ganjia

The "Microcosm" of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

1.Located in Ganjia: Town, Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the Ganjia Secret Realm offers one of the most raw and geologically diverse landscapes in the Amdo Tibetan region. Situated just behind the famous Labrang Monastery and adjacent to the Sangke Grassland, this 131-square-kilometer area is often described as a "microcosm of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau" and "Gannan's last hidden paradise",. Unlike the rolling, gentle hills of nearby grasslands, Ganjia is defined by its dramatic vertical drop of over 1,000 meters and a stunning combination of stark geological features. The landscape integrates sheer rock cliffs, high-altitude meadows, deep canyons, karst caves, and ancient cultural ruins into a single, breathtaking panorama. It is a place where the mystical history of the Bon religion and Tibetan Buddhism intertwines with groundbreaking archaeological discoveries.

The Great White Stone Cliff (Baishiya)

2.The visual centerpiece of the Ganjia Secret: Realm is the majestic White Stone Cliff (Baishiya). This massive grey-white limestone wall stretches for kilometers, rising abruptly from the green grasslands like a natural screen or a giant barrier protecting the valley,. The cliff acts as a dramatic backdrop to the rolling pastures where yaks and sheep graze, creating a high-contrast scene that is a photographer's dream. Clouds often linger around the jagged peaks, adding to the mysterious atmosphere that gives the "Secret Realm" its name. At the foot of the cliff sits the white-walled Baishiya Temple (Tso Ngon Monastery), which appears tiny against the colossal scale of the mountain, emphasizing the power of nature.

A Window into Prehistoric Humanity

3.Hidden within the White Stone: Cliff is the Baishiya Karst Cave, a site of global scientific importance. Traditionally believed to be opened by the spiritual power of Padmasambhava, the cave has long been a sacred site for meditation and worship. However, in 2019, it gained worldwide attention when archaeologists identified a 160,000-year-old mandible fossil found here as belonging to a Denisovan, an extinct species of archaic human. This discovery marked the first evidence of Denisovans outside of Siberia and proved that humans inhabited the Tibetan Plateau tens of thousands of years earlier than previously thought. Today, visitors can explore the cave's entrance and its intricate stalactites, standing in the very place where ancient history was rewritten.

The Ancient Octagonal City

Within the Ganjia Secret Realm lies the Bajiao Ancient City (Bajiao Cheng), or "Yongzhong Kar" in Tibetan. This ancient fortress, dating back to the Han Dynasty, is unique for its hollow cross-shaped layout with eight corners, a design meant to eliminate defensive blind spots,. Seen from the high vantage points of the Ganjia cliffs, the city looks like the "Yongzhong" (Swastika) symbol of the Bon religion stamped onto the earth, symbolizing eternity. It stands as a silent witness to centuries of military conflict and cultural exchange along the Silk Road's Henan Dao.

A Sanctuary of Culture and Nature

Culturally, Ganjia is a meeting point of ancient faiths. It preserves a rare coexistence of the Bon religion and Tibetan Buddhism, with temples like Zuohai Temple (Bon) and Baishiya Temple (Buddhist) sharing the land,. The local nomadic life here remains authentic; the grasslands are dotted with traditional tents, and smoke rises from "Wei Sang" (pine burning) rituals that honor the mountain gods. Whether it is the visual shock of the vertical cliffs, the mystery of the ancient caves, or the geometry of the Octagonal City, Ganjia Secret Realm offers a profound journey into the wild heart of Gannan.