At 10:00 AM on October 14, the “Launch Ceremony for the Field Survey and Sign Installation of the First Batch of 20 Most Photogenic Spots in Gannan — ‘Searching for Gannan’s Most Photogenic Spots’” was grandly held at Yeliguan Scenic Area in Lintan County, Gannan Prefecture. The event was co-hosted by the Gannan Prefectural Committee of the Communist Party of China, the People’s Government of Gannan Prefecture, the Leading Group for the Tourism-Driven Development Strategy of Gannan Prefecture, and China National Geography magazine. Shi Zhanliang, Vice Governor of Gannan Prefecture and Deputy Head of the Leading Group for the Tourism-Driven Development Strategy, presided over the ceremony.
At the ceremony, Li Shengwen, County Governor of Lintan County, delivered a welcome speech
At the ceremony, Li Shengwen, County Governor of Lintan County, delivered a welcome speech; Cai Huaye, Assistant to the President and CEO of New Media at China National Geography magazine, introduced the overview of the “Search for the Most Photogenic Spots” campaign; Cao Shiqing, Director of the Gannan Prefecture Tourism Bureau, outlined the selection process for the first batch of 20 most photogenic spots in Gannan; subsequently, Zhou Dangsheng, Vice Chairman of the Gannan Prefecture People’s Congress and Deputy Head of the Leading Group for the Tourism-Driven Development Strategy, and Cai Huaye, Assistant to the President and CEO of New Media at China National Geography magazine, jointly unveiled the plaque for “General Sleeping for a Thousand Years” (also known as the Ten-Mile Reclining Buddha), one of Gannan’s most photogenic spots located in Yeliguan Scenic Area, Lintan County, and took a commemorative group photo.
Group photo with Gannan prefectural leaders, Lintan County Governor Li Shengwen, China Geographic Magazine’s Cai Huaye, and some photographers
Themed “Searching for Gannan’s Most Photogenic Spots,” this event utilized China National Geography magazine as a platform. Through a comprehensive survey and organization of Gannan’s tourism resources, it conducted a six-dimensional geographical analysis — including latitude and longitude, altitude, shooting locations, best shooting times, and optimal seasons — of the region’s natural and cultural landscapes. Following expert and public evaluations, the final list of “Gannan’s Most Photogenic Spots” was unveiled, bringing Gannan’s most stunning scenery into the public eye, capturing media attention, and further enhancing the influence and visibility of Gannan tourism.
The shimmering Tianchi Yehai Lake in Yeliguan
It is reported that the launch ceremony was held in Yeliguan, a national AAAA-level scenic area. The site boasts the renowned Lianhua Mountain National Nature Reserve, the picturesque and elegant Yemuxia Gorge, the shimmering Tianchi Yehai Lake, the lifelike Ten-Mile Reclining Buddha, the layered peaks of the Stone Forest wonderland, the mysterious Yin-Yang Rocks, and the eerie and tranquil Red Cliff Valley — all part of the provincial geological park. Together, they form a beautiful landscape that combines the majesty of Mount Hua, the elegance of Mount Emei, and the gentleness of West Lake. This is a place where multi-ethnic cultures have long merged and flourished, blending the essence of various traditions in festivals, weddings, clothing, and cuisine. It is a unique tourist destination rich in ethnic charm and natural beauty, and a green gem embedded in northwestern China.
The colorful autumn scenery of Qinnigu Valley in Lintan County
From October 14 to 17, experts from China National Geography, photographers, and media friends participating in “Searching for Gannan’s Most Photogenic Spots” will travel to Gannan, conducting a four-day field survey and inspection in selected scenic areas such as Yehai Lake, Dayugou, Labrang Monastery, Sangke Grassland, and Dangzhou Grassland National Ecotourism Demonstration Zone. Their goal is to understand, interpret, and promote Gannan, ultimately bringing the “Colorful Gannan Shambhala” to the world.