Regional research is the core field of geography.It is not only the generalization and summary of the geographical pattern,process and mechanism research,but also the important basis of research and coordination about the man-land relationship.When we carry out the regional research in geography,it is necessary to select the key region which is both of global significance and regional characteristics as well as in line with the national major strategic needs.As the important components of theThird Pole,Gannan Plateau,located in the northeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,is not only the typical geographic transition region and the eco-fragile region,but also an important ecological function region and a deep poverty region.Therefore,it has become one of the best experimental areas for regional research in Chinese geography.Based on expounding the value of geography research in Gannan Plateau,this paper systematically teases out the research status of the region in Chinese geography,which include the land surface processes and mechanism,land use/cover change,farmers'perception and adaptation to climate change,ecosystem services and eco- compensation mechanism,farmers' livelihood and its impact on the ecological environment,social capital and regional development,urbanization and rural settlements,and tourism development.In addition,it is proposed that the Gannan Plateau research should be carried out in a more comprehensive and multi-dimensional perspective in the new era,and focused on the topics,which include the integration of land surface process-pattern,evolution of man-land coupled system and regional sustainable development,ecosystem services and eco-compensation,sustainable livelihoods,new urbanization and rural development.These prospects and reviews would help to offer revelation and reference for Gannan research and regional research in the future.