Xiahe is a county-level city located in the southwest of Gansu Province. The city boasts deep valleys, high mountains, picturesque grassland scenery, lush forests, and diverse ethnic culture. The best-known site is the Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Since its foundation in 1709, it has become an important center for Tibetan culture and scholarship. It houses a large collection of Buddhist scriptures, murals, and other artifacts. Xiahe tour is usually an extension from Lanzhou, then westwards along the Silk Road, or southwards along the scenic way to Jiuzhai Valley.