Jiusheng Hotel, Xiahe – Only the Altitude is Breathtaking

Three hours of driving from Lanzhou up to almost 10,000 feet of altitude in Xiahe left my lungs feeling a bit deprived. 

Xiahe might be off the beaten track for many international travelers, but if you’re exploring the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it’s likely on your radar. The 9-story Jiusheng Hotel is situated in the heart of Xiahe town, within a ten-minute walk of the renowned Labrang Monastery, one of the most significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of Tibet proper.

That proximity matters. You will appreciate being able to wander over early in the morning, before the tour buses arrive, and catch the monks during their morning rituals, spinning the long row of prayer wheels in a near meditative calm. The hotel’s location also makes it easy to walk to local restaurants and browse the small markets without needing a guide or car.

Public Spaces: Glamerous but Smokey

Walking into Jiusheng Hotel, you’re greeted by an older lobby with some glamorous features like a large chandelier. But, you may also be reminded that China still allows smoking indoors, and those big ashtrays in the lobby don’t go unused.

There’s a lounge area near the front desk with comfy oversized chairs and plenty of space to relax or wait for your group. Wi-Fi was available throughout the building and reliable enough for basic browsing and email. However, remember to use a VPN if you intend to access sites blocked by the Great Firewall of China.

The staff at the front desk had limited English, which is common in Xiahe, but they were helpful and courteous, especially if you’re willing to use a translation app or a few gestures.

Room Features

My room at the Jiusheng Hotel was a decent size. It had a large window with partial views of the surrounding hills and the tour buses in the back parking lot, though don’t expect anything dramatic. The bed was very firm, as is common in China, but not uncomfortable, and the room was heated—an important feature, as Xiahe sits at over 9,500 feet (2,900 meters) and can get quite chilly, even in summer.

The decor was standard mid-range Chinese hotel fare: neutral tones, tan carpet, and a large TV I never turned on. A hot water kettle and tea bags were provided, along with bottled water, which was replenished daily. As I was fighting a cold, I appreciated being able to fill my water bottle with hot tea for the day ahead.

The bathroom was compact but clean, with a walk-in shower that had good pressure and hot water.

Special Features: Cultural Simplicity

Jiusheng doesn’t bill itself as a luxury property or a boutique experience, and that’s just as well. What makes it special isn’t inside the building but right outside it. From here, you can easily immerse yourself in Xiahe’s Tibetan culture—something many hotels can’t claim.

The staff at the hotel was quietly efficient. While I didn’t experience any standout “wow” moments of hospitality, I also didn’t encounter any frustrating missteps. 

Food and Dining: Buffet Basics

Breakfast was included in my stay and served buffet-style in a second-floor dining room. The spread leaned heavily toward Chinese tastes—steamed buns, congee, pickled vegetables.

Don’t expect a memorable culinary experience here. The food is serviceable, and you won’t go hungry, but most travelers will probably want to explore Xiahe’s handful of Tibetan teahouses and restaurants for more interesting meals. We at dinner at the nearby Kangzhuo Tibetan Cuisine (康卓藏膳) for a traditional Tibetan meal.

Facilities and Amenities: Sparse But Adequate

Jiusheng Hotel is geared more toward tour groups and domestic travelers than luxury-seeking foreigners. As such, the amenities are functional but basic. There’s no gym, spa, or pool.

Wi-Fi, as mentioned, was decent throughout the property. The hotel seemed popular with Chinese travelers visiting Labrang, and multiple tour groups stayed at the hotel with us.

Nearby Attractions: Cultural Treasures on Foot

The star attraction here is undoubtedly Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1709, it remains a working monastery with more than a thousand of monks in residence. Daily guided tours are offered in Mandarin and sometimes English. Even outside the official tours, wandering through the complex offers a window into living Tibetan culture.

Also nearby is the long kora (pilgrimage circuit) that surrounds the monastery, which is worth walking even if you’re not Buddhist. You’ll see locals spinning prayer wheels, prostrating, and chanting softly as they complete the circuit.

For a scenic outing, the Sangke Grasslands lie about 10 km away and can be reached by taxi or arranged van. The wide open plateau, dotted with yaks and traditional tents, offers a peaceful contrast to the busier town center.

Final Thoughts: A Practical Choice for a Cultural Stop

Jiusheng Hotel doesn’t try to be flashy, and for the most part, it succeeds by staying in its lane. It offers clean, comfortable rooms in an unbeatable location for exploring Xiahe and the surrounding Tibetan plateau.

For seasoned travelers, there won’t be many surprises here—positive or negative. But if your main priority is cultural immersion and proximity to Labrang Monastery rather than hotel indulgence, Jiusheng is a dependable and well-located base.

If I find myself back in Xiahe, I wouldn’t hesitate to stay again. 

I visited Jiusheng Hotel on a press trip to the Gansu Province with China’s Tourism Board. They covered the cost of my stay, but the opinions expressed are my own.