A culinary adventure awaits

The butter tea of Maqu county, Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Gansu province. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

Butter tea: It is a cherished local beverage. Legend has it that Princess Wencheng, upon her arrival in Tibet, struggled to adapt to the region's cuisine. To ease her discomfort, locals devised a solution: consuming half a cup of milk followed by half a cup of tea. Over time, this practice evolved into the now-iconic butter tea.

The fern rice of Maqu county, Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Gansu province. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

Fern rice: The preparation of fern rice demands meticulous attention to detail. Rice is first cooked until partially done, then drained and rinsed with cold water to remove excess starch. A touch of butter is added, and the mixture is steamed to perfection. Once cooked, it is complemented with boiled ferns, sugar, raisins, and a drizzle of melted butter.

The Hand-grabbed mutton in Maqu county, Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Gansu province. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

Hand-grabbed mutton: A unique culinary practice among Maqu's grassland nomads, involves slicing the meat with one hand while savoring it with the other. The preparation is remarkably simple: fresh mutton is cooked until tender, then seasoned with salt or dipped in a salt solution before indulging in its succulent flavors.

The meat sausage in Maqu county, Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Gansu province. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

Meat sausage: It is a type of sausage made by mincing beef or mutton offal such as the heart and lungs, mixed with chopped garlic shoots, salt, and Sichuan pepper powder. The mixture is then stuffed into thoroughly cleaned large intestines and boiled in water until fully cooked and ready to eat.            

Maqu county, a captivating destination that beckons travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delectable cuisine. Whether you seek the thrill of adventure or the tranquility of serene surroundings, Maqu has something to offer every discerning explorer.