Sun and Moon Mountain

Introducing Sun and Moon Mountain
Sun and Moon Mountain, part of the Qilian Mountain Range, is located in the west of Huangyuan County, Qinghai Province. It is 90 kilometers long, the highest peak is 4,877 meters. The part where Qingzang Road passes is 3,520 meters, and is a natural dam in the east of Qinghai.

Sun and Moon Mountain Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Ri Yue Shan 日月山
• Best Time to Visit: June to August
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2-3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Hiking, Nature
• Opening Hours: 08:00-19:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY 40
• Address: Riyueshan Village, Huangyuan County, Xining, Qinghai Province

What to expect at Sun and Moon Mountain

In the past, the mountain was a vital communications center between central China and the southwest frontiers as well as the west regions. Later on, Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) passed Sun and Moon Mountain when she was going to marry Songtsen Gampo, king of the Tubo tribe. To commemorate the princess, the mountain was renamed the Sun and Moon Mountain, and the Princess Wencheng Temple was built at the foot of the mountain.

Sun and Moon Mountain has not both significant historical meanings and geographical meanings. It lies in the dividing line between monsoon region and non-monsoon region, situated in the overlap area of the Loess Plateau and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, also is the natural boundary of the inside and outside river basin in Qinghai Province. Sun and Moon Mountain divided civilizations into farming and nomadism.

How to get to Sun and Moon Mountain
• Sun and Moon Mountain is approximately 90 km away from Xining.
• Take a bus from Xinninglu Bus Station to Huangyuan. Then take a taxi to visit the mountain.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Xining to Sun and Moon Mountain.

Additional travel advice on Sun and Moon Mountain
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Please take enough warm clothes.
• It is not suggested to show, sing or run on the mountain due to the high altitude.