Sangke

The "Green Gem" of the Plateau

Located just 13 kilometers southwest of Xiahe County in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sangke Grassland is a pristine natural pasture nestled in the embrace of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Surrounded by rolling mountains and cut through by the meandering Daxia River, this vast meadow spans approximately 70 square kilometers. It is widely celebrated as the "Green Gem of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau" and a living scroll of Tibetan nomadic life. Unlike the endless flat horizons of other grasslands, Sangke is characterized by its lush, carpet-like vegetation, wildflowers that bloom in the summer, and the iconic white yak-hair tents of local herdsmen dotting the green landscape. It serves as a natural amphitheater where the sky meets the earth, offering visitors a profound sense of freedom and tranquility near the famous Labrang Monastery.

"Dajiu Tan" and the Legend of King Gesar

1.The history of Sangke: Grassland is deeply rooted in Tibetan folklore and the ancient Bon religion. In Tibetan, the area was historically known as "Dajiu Tan," which translates to "Horse Racing Beach". Legend holds that the epic hero King Gesar once utilized this fertile ground to offer sacrifices to the gods (Wei Sang) and race horses to boost the morale of his troops before claiming victory. The name "Sangke" itself refers to the "Wei Sang" ceremony—the burning of pine and cypress branches to produce aromatic smoke as an offering to mountain deities and to pray for blessings. This tradition, evolving from the Bon religion into Tibetan Buddhism, remains a vital spiritual practice here today.

A Hub of Tibetan Culture and Festivals

Sangke Grassland is not just a scenic spot; it is the cultural heartbeat of the local Tibetan community. Although only about 4,000 herdsmen inhabit this vast area, they preserve the most authentic nomadic traditions.

• 2.The Xianglang Festival: In June, monks and laypeople alike gather on the grassland for the "Xianglang" (gathering firewood) festival, which has evolved into a season for picnics and leisure.
• 3.The Horse Racing Festival: The most spectacular event occurs on the 13th day of the seventh lunar month. The Seven Tribes of the region gather for a grand celebration featuring horse racing, wrestling, and yak racing. During this time, the grassland transforms into a city of tents, filled with the sounds of cheering and traditional songs.

Experiencing Nomadic Life

For travelers, Sangke Grassland offers immersive experiences. Visitors can stay in traditional "Zangjiale" (Tibetan-style agritainment tents), taste authentic yak butter tea, tsampa (barley flour), and hand-grabbed mutton. Activities include horseback riding across the "Dajiu Tan" or participating in a campfire party at night, where locals and tourists join hands to dance the "Guozhuang" (circle dance) under the starry plateau sky.