Name: Hezuo

Chinese name: 合作

Province: Gansu

Status: District city

Population: 83,486

Area: 2,670 km²

Located 276 km south of Lanzhou, at the junction of three provinces—Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan—Hezuo serves as a commercial hub linking the central plains region with the Tibetan Amdo plateau. This strategic position makes it an essential landmark for travelers following the Lanzhou tourist circuit, which connects Chengdu, Xiahe, Langmusi, and Jiuzhaigou.

Through its natural and cultural attractions, the city reveals the region's remarkable beauty to visitors who pass through.

Today

As the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Hezuo stands out among tourists as a destination brimming with cultural and historical attractions. The city is home to countless significant structures, particularly important to Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Travelers fortunate enough to stop in Hezuo can discover the imposing Milarepa Tower, the Hezuo monastery, and the Langshangmaio Temple, uncovering secrets of Tibetan Buddhist culture from the Qing Dynasty era. With some luck, you may witness cultural activities such as folk performances, solemn Tibetan receptions, ethnic sports competitions, and horseback riding instruction.

Venture south of the city center to explore the remarkable Tibetan pig-breeding farms in the suburbs, which maintain and protect over 60 pure pig breeds.

For nature lovers, Hezuo is an irresistible destination. The Dangzhou Prairie and Gamgcha Grotto, for instance, offer refreshing and peaceful visits that provide a welcome respite.

Today, the city is highly modern and equipped with diverse infrastructure to ensure a comfortable stay during your time in Hezuo.

Climate

At nearly 3,000 meters altitude, Hezuo enjoys a cold, humid subtropical climate with long, dry, windy and bitterly cold winters. With an average temperature of 19.1°C and average rainfall of 1,914 mm, Hezuo's climate is characteristically wet. The best times to visit are September, October, and November, when average precipitation drops to 84 mm and temperatures hover around 22°C.

Bus

From the bus station located at Xiyi Ku, heading toward Lanzhou, Xiahe, Langmusi, Sichuan, Xining, and Ruergai, buses depart regularly to Hezuo every 35 minutes from 05:50 until 16:04.

The journey between Lanzhou and Hezuo costs between 37.50 RMB and 49.50 RMB.

What to do in Hezuo?

• Immerse yourself in Tibetan Buddhist culture by visiting the Hezuo monastery while enjoying panoramic views of Gansu from atop the Milarepa Tower.
• Stroll through the Dangzhou Prairie and attend the famous Shambala tourist festival.
• Admire the architectural beauty of Langshangmaio Temple.