What are the business hours of Riyue Mountain?

Open today at 08:00–18:00(Admission ends at 6:00 PM)

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Riyue Mountain

日月山

󰺂7.6

4.5/5

1,686 review

Based on 27 reviews

No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Gansu-Qinghai Area

Mountain climbing

Opening hours of Riyue Mountain

Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours

Address:

40 km southwest of Wuyuan County, Xining City

Map

Phone:Ticket inquiry: +86-17797222532

Other visitors' reviews of Riyue Mountain

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cat litter boxes

5.0/5

Outstanding

Riyue Mountain, formerly known as Chiling, is a significant stop on the Qinghai-Gansu journey, more than just scenic scenery; it's a natural boundary between heaven and history. At an altitude of over 3,500 meters, standing at the mountain pass, one can simultaneously witness two completely different landscapes: to the east, the fertile fields and villages of the Hehuang Valley; to the west, the vast and desolate grasslands and pastoral areas. The Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau meet here, creating a truly wondrous sight. Legend has it that Princess Wencheng, passing through this place, shattered the Sun and Moon Mirror, resolutely embarking on her westward journey to marry a Tibetan king, hence the name Riyue Mountain (Sun and Moon Mountain). The Sun Pavilion and Moon Pavilion stand on opposite peaks, their murals and stone tablets silently recounting this story spanning a thousand years. The statue of Princess Wencheng stands solemnly, and prayer flags flutter in the wind, creating a truly atmospheric scene. Be aware that the mountain is windy and cold; a warm coat is essential. If you're traveling the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, I highly recommend making a special stop to feel the wind blowing through the mountain passes and to understand the rich stories hidden in this land.

Riyue Mountain attraction highlights

Some information may have been translated by Google Translate

The Riyue Mountain are located on the route from Huangyuan to Qinghai Lake and serve as the only passage from Qinghai to Tibet. Legend has it that when Princess Wencheng entered Tibet, she shattered a stone mirror here that couldn't reflect her hometown, splitting it into two halves representing the sun and moon, hence the mountain's name. On either side of the mountain pass stand two small peaks, each featuring a pavilion—one for the sun andMoon PavilionTwo iconic buildings.

visitors typically pass by Riyue Mountain on their way to Qinghai Lake from Xining. The area boasts lush grasslands, rolling mountains, and numerous prayer flags fluttering in the wind, creating a beautiful landscape. The attraction includes the Riyue Pavilion and...Moon PavilionThese are all imitation ancient structures, not actual historical relics, and you can also see the exterior from the mountain pass. Additionally, the Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) serve as the boundary between agricultural and pastoral areas, as well as between monsoon and non-monsoon zones. They also mark the westernmost edge of the Loess Plateau. When crossing the pass, you'll notice a striking contrast in the geographical views between the eastern and western sides, which is quite fascinating.

Surrounding area map of Riyue Mountain

Riyue Mountain FAQ

What are the business hours of Riyue Mountain?
Open today at 08:00–18:00(Admission ends at 6:00 PM)

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