1. Home
  2. Province Guide > Qinghai >

Sun and Moon Mountain

Sun and Moon Mountain (Riyue Mountain) is situated in the boundary between the eastern agricultural area and the western pastoral area of Qinghai Province, about 40 kilometers from southwest of Huangyuan County of Xining City.  

Legend of the Sun and Moon Mountain
Born with the name of Red Ridge, the Sun and Moon Mountain had been an important thoroughfare to western China for many years and a crucial link between Han and Zang (Tibetan) people. There is a legend concerning it: In the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the emperor gave in marriage his daughter, Princess Wencheng, to the leader of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo to improve the relationship between the two nations. When the princess reached this mountain and took a break, she felt a surge of homesickness. She took out the precious Sun and Moon Mirror given to her by her father because she was told that it would show her hometown while yearning for her home. But she resolutely threw down the mirror so as not to miss her country any more, and continued her journey to the west. The mirror was broken in two pieces shaped like the moon and sun. From then, the mountain got its name, Sun and Moon Mountain.

What to see?
With 3,520 meters above the sea level, Sun and Moon Mountain is believed to be the only road to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. From the top of the mountain, you can see a superb panorama of the beautiful landscape with both prairie and farmland.

Daotang River
The Daotang (backflowing) River springs from the west of the Sun and Moon Mountain flowing west to the Qinghai Lake (the largest inland salt lake in China). Again there is a well-known legend concerning the Princess Wencheng. When she passed by the mountain, her tears of homesickness dropped and became the Daotang (Backflowing) River. Its flow westward symbolizes the princess's resolution to never return. In fact, it is the only river flowing from the east to the west in China.
 
Ri & Yue Pavilions
The Ri (Sun) Pavilion and the Yue (Moon) Pavilion were built on each side of Sun and Moon Mountain pass in memory of Princess Wencheng. Vivid murals are painted to re-create the scene when the princess enters Tibet and her life there. In the twin pavilions, the Yue Pavilion particularly depicts the great pomp of the cultural communication Princess Wencheng brought to Tibet, including crop seeds, technology, medicine, and Buddhism. It was she who brought civilization to Tibet.

When to visit?
The period from June to September is the best time to to visit the Sun and Moon Mountain with verdant grasses, wild flowers and tents on the slopes of the Sun and Moon Mountain providing the crowning touch to its plateau landscape.

Travel Tips
Add: 40 kilometers from southwest of Huangyuan County of Xining City.  
Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00
Entrance Fees:  CNY 40


Ask Questions ?

Home | About Us | Contact Us | Why Choose Us | Sitemap | Links

Copyright © 2010-2020. All Rights Reserved to Zhangjiajie Holiday

Travel Agency License: L-HUN-CJ00010 | Zhangjiajie China Travel Service Co.Ltd

Address: 4/F,The Building of Zhangjiajie Bus Station,Guanliping, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province,China | Post Code:427000

Tel: +86 744 8399989 8399969 | Fax: +86 744 8399986 | E-mail: sales@visitaroundchina.com DMOZ