Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains)

Sun and Moon Mountain was not originally in the itinerary of this Qinghai-Tibet loop trip. When passing by, I became interested after listening to the introduction by our driver who was also our guide. So, I decided to take a look. On May 21st, in the Qilian Mountains, there was a gentle breeze, and the weather was very nice, neither cold nor hot. The scenery was extremely beautiful. After taking photos with the prayer flags on Sun and Moon Mountain, you can also visit the nearby museum to learn about the history of the ancient Tang-Tibetan road. After the visit, you can go to the foot of the Princess's statue. Climbing from the foot to the top of the mountain, after a few minutes, you will feel your heartbeat speeding up, but a short rest will suffice. Once at the top, you can appreciate what it means to have a panoramic view of the mountains below, feeling as if you are standing on the ground with your head touching the sky. The blue sky and white clouds seem within reach, and the photos taken are just too good.

Princess Wencheng, on her long journey westward for a marriage alliance, carried with her a precious item known as the "Sun and Moon Treasure Mirror". It is said that whenever the princess yearned for home, she could look into this mirror and see the landscape of the Tang Dynasty. However, while passing through a mountain, the princess, longing for her distant homeland, couldn't help but take out the "Sun and Moon Treasure Mirror" given to her by the Empress before departure to gaze upon it, and instantly, the enchanting scenery of Chang'an appeared in the mirror. At that moment, Princess Wencheng, overwhelmed with mixed emotions of joy and sorrow, accidentally dropped the mirror, breaking it into two halves, which landed on two small hills. The eastern half faced west, reflecting the afterglow of the setting sun, while the western half faced east, illuminated by the light of the rising moon. Thus, the name Riyue Mountain was derived.

The Great Northwest (Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop) is a land full of mystery and magnificence, with vast deserts, mirror-like salt lakes, majestic mountains, and ancient cultural relics. August and September are the best times to visit the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop. You must save this full guide! 1. Travel Methods You can fly to and from Xining from various places. The Great Northwest is vast, and the distances between attractions are large, with average travel times of two to three hours. If you are energetic and love freedom, self-driving is a good option to fully enjoy the scenery along the way. If you are worried about the fatigue of the journey, joining a small tour group is also great, with a driver and guide providing attentive service, making your trip worry-free and effortless. 2. Six Days and Five Nights Itinerary: - Day 1: After flying from Changsha to Xining, the first stop is Riyue Mountain to feel the weight of history. Then head to Qinghai Lake, where the blue water is as clear as a gem, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. The winding mountain roads of Rubber Mountain offer a unique driving experience. Next, visit Chaka Salt Lake, which is like a mirror of the sky, pure and dreamy. Finally, arrive at Delingha for accommodation to recharge for the next day's journey. - Day 2: Depart from Delingha and take the U-shaped road to experience the magical charm of the highway. The unique landscape of Water Yadan is awe-inspiring, showcasing the wonders of nature. Emerald Lake is as green and beautiful as scattered emeralds. Stay overnight in Dachaidan and enjoy the tranquility of the western night. - Day 3: Depart from Dachaidan to the Silk Road ruins city, as if traveling back to the ancient Silk Road. Then arrive in Dunhuang for accommodation, and stroll through the bustling night market in the evening to taste local delicacies. - Day 4: Visit the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, an art treasure trove that carries thousands of years of history and culture, mesmerizing visitors. Then head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring to experience the wonders of nature in the desert. Continue to stay in Dunhuang. - Day 5: Depart from Dunhuang, passing through Guazhou to experience the exotic western style. The grandeur of Jiayuguan is awe-inspiring, showcasing the strength of ancient military defense systems. Finally, arrive at Zhangye Danxia for accommodation, and be amazed by the colorful landforms. - Day 6: Depart from Zhangye, passing through Biandukou to enjoy the natural scenery along the way. The vast Qilian Grassland, with its lush green grass, is a great place to relax. Finally, return to Xining, ending an unforgettable journey. 3. Food Recommendations Qinghai yogurt, rich and creamy with a perfect balance of sweetness and sourness; hand-grabbed mutton, tender and juicy with a fragrant aroma; roasted lamb ribs, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with a mouth-watering scent; apricot peel tea, refreshing and sweet, perfect for quenching thirst. These delicacies are highly recommended. 4. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Dunhuang Mogao Caves: A hall of art with exquisite murals and solemn Buddha statues, a treasure of human civilization. 2. Jiayuguan: Majestic and grand, the western starting point of the Great Wall, witnessing the vicissitudes of history. 3. Qilian Grassland: Under the blue sky and white clouds, with lush green grass and herds of cattle and sheep, it is like a beautiful painting. 4. Chaka Salt Lake: A mirror of the sky, pure and transparent, making you feel like you are in a dream world. 5. Qinghai Lake Erlangjian: Vast and shimmering, a masterpiece of nature. 6. Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: A miracle in the desert, with sand dunes and clear springs, stunningly beautiful. 5. Precautions 1. The temperature difference in Qinghai in August and September is significant, so autumn clothing is a must. Bring a jacket, long sleeves, short sleeves, and thermal pants, and don't forget a beautiful dress for stunning photos. It's best to prepare a detachable fleece jacket that is windproof, warm, and waterproof. 2. The ultraviolet rays in the plateau area are extremely strong, so you must bring sunscreen products, including sunglasses, hats, sunscreen masks, and sunscreen lotion. The western climate is dry, so face masks are also essential. 3. Bring some common medicines in case of physical discomfort. 4. Remember to bring a power bank to avoid missing beautiful moments due to a dead phone battery. 5. Prepare comfortable shoes for easy walking when getting off the car.

Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop | Nanny-Level Route Guide Sharing Used to the routine city life, why not experience the grandeur of the northwest with its 'vast desert and long river with a round sunset'? This place has all the terrains and landforms in the world: lakes, mountains, Danxia landforms, deserts, neighbors, hills, grasslands, plateaus, stone forests... A trip to the northwest is equivalent to traveling ten times. I have compiled a travel guide for everyone here! Northwest Third Pole Travel Takes You to the Northwest 💁‍♀️9 Days and 8 Nights Northwest Tour Route D1: Arrive in Xining - Free 24-hour airport/station pickup - Check-in at hotel D2: Riyue Mountain - Daotang River - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Town (overnight) D3: Chaka - Xiaochaidan Lake - Chaerhan Salt Lake - Dachaidan (overnight) D4: Dachaidan - U-shaped Road - Water Yadan - Dachaidan (overnight) D5: Emerald Lake - Heidushan - Oil Town - Dunhuang (overnight) D6: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - (Dunhuang) D7: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park - Zhangye (overnight) D8: Zhangye - Qilian Grassland - Distant view of Gangshika Snow Peak - Menyuan Rapeseed Flower - Xining D9: Xining - Various destinations (free airport drop-off) 💞Scenic Spot Introduction 🌟Qinghai Lake: The sunrise and sunset are extremely beautiful, and there are golden rapeseed flowers by the lake in spring. 🌟Chaka Salt Lake: Be sure to take stunning reflection photos in the legendary Sky Mirror. 🌟Emerald Lake: Float on the emerald green lake in a transparent boat, aerial photography is amazing. 🌟Mogao Caves: The charm of the thousand-year-old cave murals is endless, and the guide's introduction is also very vivid. 🌟Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: Take photos riding a camel in a red dress, absolutely stunning. 🌟Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park: The Danxia landform in the oil painting is vividly presented in front of you, super shocking. ~ 🙆🏻‍♀️Notes: ○ How to prevent and deal with altitude sickness ○ Avoid strenuous exercise when you first arrive at the plateau ○ Do not drink alcohol or smoke when you first arrive at the plateau, wait until you adapt ○ Do not go to the plateau if you have a cold, as it can easily cause pulmonary edema ○ The northwest loop is located on the plateau, with strong sunlight and ultraviolet rays, so take sun protection measures ○ The temperature difference between morning and evening in the northwest is large, so keep warm

|||Took a chartered tour around the great Northwest. D1: Xining-Riyue Mountain-Qinghai Lake-Chaka D2: Chaka Sky No.1-Jade Lake-Qaidam Basin-Dachaidan D3: U-shaped Highway-Dongtaijinoer Lake-Water Yadan-Yadan Devil City-Dachaidan D4: Dachaidan-Silk Road Heritage City-Dunhuang Museum-Dunhuang D5: Dunhuang-Mogao Caves-Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake (encountered a sandstorm)-Dunhuang D6: Dunhuang-Unbounded-Son of the Earth-Zhangye Danxia Geopark-Zhangye D7: Zhangye-Qilian Mountain Grassland-Distant view of Gangshika Snow Peak -Xining 💚【Off-season Tickets】: 1️⃣Riyue Mountain Princess Wencheng Temple 30 yuan 2️⃣Qinghai Lake 20/90 (including sightseeing car) 3️⃣Chaka Sky Mirror closed during off-season Sky No.1 30, sightseeing car 60. 4️⃣Jade Lake 25, no sightseeing car during off-season 5️⃣Water Yadan free with ID card/sightseeing car 60 6️⃣Silk Road Heritage City 60, sightseeing car 15 7️⃣Mogao Caves 140 8️⃣Crescent Lake 55, sightseeing car 20 9️⃣Zhangye Danxia 93 (including sightseeing car) 💙【A few notes】: 1️⃣Both the salt lake and Qinghai Lake are icy surfaces, not very pretty this season. 2️⃣Encountered a sandstorm on the day going to Mingsha Mountain, missed the sunset. 3️⃣Other: The weather is quite dry, windy, remember to keep warm. Sunglasses, hats, hand warmers, masks, sunscreen, facial masks, hand cream, body lotion, lip balm, thermos. 💜Off-season【hotels and food】are very cheap. 🚙Found a local guide who took us around for the whole trip, had a good experience. 💛Overall, this trip was quite tiring. 😶‍🌫️

🏜When you think of the great northwest, do you picture a vast desert and endless Gobi? But this time, I'm going to take you to a different secret place in the northwest—Lake Jiner! 🚇 Follow National Highway 315 westward, and on the distant horizon, a light blue glow twinkles—that's Lake Jiner! Its beauty is breathtaking, like a sapphire that nature has left behind on earth, even more beautiful than Emerald Lake and Chaka Salt Lake. 🏖 🌟Here come some photo tips! 📷 💡Don't rush to take pictures, walk around a bit, and you'll find that you're closer to the lake and there are fewer people! The effect of drone aerial photography is unparalleled, as if the entire sky is reflected on the surface of the lake! 💡Make bigger movements, use the lake to capture the effect of the sky mirror, and you will dominate this lake! 💡Simple props like umbrellas and outdoor chairs can add a lot to your photos, especially that bottle of coconut water, it feels like you've instantly traveled to the Maldives! 🍹 🌤Remember to check the weather, Lake Jiner is even more beautiful on sunny days! Navigation address: Dongtai Jiner Lake (located on National Highway 315). 🚗 🚗For transportation, it is recommended to drive yourself or charter a car. It's more cost-effective to charter a car in a team, and you can focus on enjoying the fun of taking pictures! 🎫Tickets? Non-existent! Free entry! 💖I've already planned the recommended route for you for the Qinghai-Tibet Grand Loop tour! Starting from Xining, crossing Riyue Mountain, Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, and then to Lake Jiner, each stop is a view! 📍 Come to Lake Jiner and feel the charm of this 'Maldives'! 🏝

Qinghai Five-Day Tour Guide🎈is here The scenery is really too beautiful!! Day1️⃣ Arrive in Xining—Mo Street/Xin Qian Night Market Day2️⃣ Riyue Mountain (🎫Ticket 40💰) 8:00-17:00—Qinghai Lake (Erlang Sword Scenic Area🎫Ticket 90💰) 8:00-18:00 Day3️⃣ Chaka Salt Lake (🎫Ticket 60💰) 7:00-19:00—Zhuoer Mountain 7:00-20:00 (🎫Ticket 60💰) Day4️⃣ Qilian Mountain Grassland—Zhangye Danxia National Geopark (🎫Ticket 75💰) 6:30-18:00 Day5️⃣ Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers 📌Important Notes: 1. Qinghai is at a high altitude, you may experience mild altitude sickness upon arrival, avoid strenuous exercise 2. Take sun protection measures, the ultraviolet rays are strong 3. There is a big temperature difference between morning and evening, remember to bring warm clothes 4. Make sure to book hotels and homestays in advance during peak season 🤩Qinghai is really too beautiful, girls let's go!

| Attached is the Sun and Moon Mountain guide. 🎈|| The charm of Sun and Moon Mountain is not only limited to the colorful prayer flags but also lies in the legendary story of Princess Wencheng. 1300 years ago, a 16-year-old girl traveled from afar. She once stood on the top of Sun and Moon Mountain, leaning against Tibet and looking towards Chang'an, witnessing this picturesque scenery. She might not have expected that 16 years of glory and wealth would lead her to a marriage alliance. In that feudal era, she had no choice but to sacrifice herself for her parents and the country. Fortunately, this mountain commemorates her, and the people here remember Princess Wencheng. 📌 Address: 40 kilometers southwest of Huangyuan County, Xining City, Qinghai Province. 🎫 Ticket: 54 yuan in peak season, 30 yuan in off-season. ⏰ Visiting time: 1 hour and 30 minutes. 🗺️ Visiting order: Ancient Road Museum - Prayer Flags - Princess Wencheng Temple - Princess Wencheng Statue - Prayer Wheel - Sun Pavilion - Moon Pavilion. 👀 Highlights: 🏛️ Ancient Road Museum: Many people, upon seeing the grand prayer flags, rush to take photos and often overlook this small museum located to the right front of the prayer flags. Enter the museum and start the tour from the second floor via the left staircase. The museum exhibits hundreds of ancient artifacts, which are the best witnesses of the glorious years of the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road, including many precious artifacts from the Qin, Sui, and Tang dynasties such as bronzes, gold and silver wares, and ceramics. It is definitely worth a visit. 🌈 Prayer Flags: The Sun and Moon Mountain Scenic Area, originally unknown on the Qinghai-Gansu Loop, became popular with a photo of prayer flags and a touching caption online - 'The wind blows the prayer flags, swaying our lives.' It is highly photogenic when shot from below with a wide-angle lens. It is recommended to wear light-colored clothes. ⛩️ Princess Wencheng Temple: Besides the beautiful natural scenery, it is recommended to learn about the life story of Princess Wencheng in advance. The temple consists of the main hall, rear hall, and corridor rooms. Inside the temple gate are the Four Heavenly Kings, the front yard has the princess's clothing tomb, the main hall enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha, and the rear hall enshrines Princess Wencheng and Songtsen Gampo. Go and pay homage to this great princess. 🧍🏻‍♀️ Princess Wencheng Statue: Princess Wencheng never returned to Chang'an in her lifetime. Her statue faces Tibet, looking towards Chang'an, gazing at this scenery. 🙏 Prayer Wheel: Also known as 'Mani' prayer wheel, the Tibetan people place scriptures inside the prayer wheel. Each turn is equivalent to reciting a scripture. They believe that turning the prayer wheel is like reciting scriptures, a way to repent past deeds, avoid disasters, and accumulate merit. Turn the prayer wheel once to pray for yourself and your family! ☀️ Sun Pavilion and Moon Pavilion: Two pavilions stand at the mountain pass, facing each other from east to west. Inside the pavilions, prayer flags flutter, inscriptions record its historical achievements, and murals depict the scenes of Princess Wencheng's journey to Tibet and her life there. ⚠️ Notes: 🏃🏻 The altitude is about 3500 meters, so avoid strenuous exercise on the mountain to prevent altitude sickness. 🤧 When the weather is bad, the wind at the top of the mountain is very strong, so it is recommended to wear a thick coat. 🌞 Be sure to do sun protection before climbing (especially on sunny days), as the UV rays here are very strong and can easily cause sunburn. 📸 When taking photos under the prayer flags, choose to shoot upwards (looking up at the sky, with arms open or hands clasped in front of the forehead), it is very photogenic. 🐑 You can wear Tibetan clothes, hold lambs, and ride white yaks for photos in the scenic area (you can bargain, ask for the price, and agree on the number of photos).

【Introduction】: This is how you can enjoy a pure 7-day, 6-night trip in Qinghai and Gansu. 🛬【Itinerary】: 【D1】Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Town (Overnight) [300km] 【D2】Chaka Salt Lake - Qaidam Basin - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan (Overnight) [400km] 【D3】Dachaidan - Chaka Salt Lake - U-shaped Road - Water Yadan - Dongtai Jinaier Lake - Dachaidan (Overnight) [550km] 【D4】Dachaidan - Oil Town - Yangguan - Dunhuang Silk Road Heritage City - Dunhuang (Overnight) [420km] 【D5】Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Shazhou Night Market - Dunhuang (Overnight) [20km] 【D6】Dunhuang - Son of the Earth - Jiayuguan Fortress - Rainbow Mountains Geological Park - Zhangye (Overnight) [600km] 【D7】Zhangye - Biandukou - Qilian Grassland - Menyuan Flower Sea - Xining (End) [380km] ⛺【Must-visit Attractions】: Popular Qinghai Lake Black Horse River | Chaka | Chaka Salt Lake | U-shaped Road | Dunhuang | Rainbow Mountains | Son of the Earth | Borderless 🏨【Accommodation Guide】: The itinerary includes 3/4-star hotels, which can be freely chosen. The itinerary remains the same. 🚌【Transportation Guide】: Travel by car throughout the journey, allowing for more freedom to stop and play as you wish. 🧡【Tips】: High-altitude travel still follows the old advice. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. Chaka Salt Lake

🌊Qinghai Lake, known in Tibetan as "Cuowenbu" meaning "blue sea", is crystal clear and stretches as far as the eye can see. Some say Qinghai Lake is a "sapphire" 💎 left by nature in the inland, and it is also the "Jade Pool" mentioned in legends, associated with the Queen Mother of the West, or "Wangmu Niangniang". The average altitude is 3196 meters⛰️ 🌊Qinghai Lake is the largest inland saltwater lake in China, also known as Xianhai or Freshwater Sea. After the Northern Wei Dynasty, it was called Qinghai, characterized by low temperatures, large diurnal temperature variation, scarce and concentrated rainfall, long sunshine hours, and strong solar radiation. Winters are harsh and long, while summers are cool and brief🌞 📍Detailed address: Qinghai Lake Scenic Area, Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai 🔶Preparation for the trip: 🪪Documents: ID card, student ID (discount for tickets) 🧴Hygiene: Skincare products, cosmetics, high SPF sunscreen 🧥Clothing: Summer clothes + light jacket + windbreaker (check the weather three days before departure) ⚡️Electronics: Charger, power bank, selfie stick🤳 💊Medicine: Rhodiola, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine 👌Others: Umbrella🌂, sunglasses🕶️, hat🧢, some cash💵 🗓Itinerary: 🎈Day 1: Arrive in Xining and check into a hotel🏨 🎈Day 2: Xining➡️Riyue Mountain➡️Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake➡️Chaka Salt Lake➡️Chaka Town 🎈Day 3: Chaka Town➡️Cross the Qaidam Basin (Gobi style)➡️Emerald Lake➡️Dachaidan 🍲Recommended food: Yogurt🧈Kang Pot🥘Yak Milk🥛Local Hotpot🫕Stuffed Pancake🥠Boiled Yak Meat🥩 📝Tips: 🌈Bring some dry food🍞 and water💦 for the long journey to replenish energy💪🏻 🌈Wear polarized sunglasses🕶️The sunlight☀️ reflected on the salt lake is very strong and can cause damage to the eyes⚠️ 🌈Be sure to take photos with the lambs🐑, 5 yuan per person💰 🌈Wear sky blue, white, or ethnic shawls to match the blue sky, white clouds, and lake, and you'll get amazing photos in minutes!📸 🌄While you're young, be sure to visit the great Northwest See the roughest romance💕 Deserts, Gobi, grottoes, Danxia landforms, snow-capped mountains🏔️, grasslands🌿, lakes🌊 everything is just right‼️

Sun and Moon Mountain is one of the famous mountains in China. It has a beautiful story that can be traced thousands of years ago. It is sorrounded by huge mountains and a beautiful platue where it is covered by snow during winter. Riyue Mountain was called Russet Ridge during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) because of its grassless russet mountaintop. Legend has it that in the 641 during Zhenguan Period (627-649), when Princess Wencheng left for Tubo to marry Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, she was very sad and painful. So the Emperor of Tang Dynasty gifted her a sun-and-moon treasure mirror and said to her that if she looked in the mirror at the boundary of Tang Dynasty and Tubo (Tibet), she would see her hometown and her parents. When Princess Wencheng reached the boundary, she took out the mirror and looked in it immediately. However, what she could see nothing in the mirror but a thin face of herself and the setting sun shining on Russet Ridge. She came to realize that the Emperor of Tang Dynasty had cheated her for the friendly relationship and the long-term peace between Tang Dynasty and Tubo. Princess Wencheng was so angry and sorrowful that she threw out the mirror. The mirror was broken and the fragments were just landed on the two hills. The east half piece of the mirror faced the west reflecting the rays of the setting sun and the west half piece of the mirror faced the east reflecting the rising moon. Hence, the name, sun and moon mountain, was came out.

🌟 Riyue Mountain, known as 'Chiling' before the Tang dynasty, is part of the Qilian Mountain range, stretching 90 kilometers long. It also marks the dividing line between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau. At the mountain's summit, there are structures such as the Riyue Pavilion, the Princess Wencheng Temple, and a large prayer flag... 📍 Address: Riyue Mountain Scenic Area, Huangyuan County, Xining City, Qinghai Province ⏰ Suggested visiting time: 1-2 hours 🌟 Legend has it that on her way to Tibet to marry Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng passed by this place. Looking back to the east, she could no longer see Chang'an, and a sense of homesickness emerged spontaneously. Therefore, she couldn't help but take out the 'Sun and Moon Treasure Mirror' given by the Empress. Overwhelmed with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow, she accidentally knocked it over. 'The treasure mirror fell to the ground, half became the sun, and half became the moon; hence the place was named Riyue Mountain.' 🌟 Travel Tips ➖ Those who want to go up the mountain to see the large prayer flags and the Princess Wencheng Temple can buy a ticket for 50 yuan, but be sure to arrange your time in advance. ➖ You can also take photos at the foot of the mountain, 10 yuan to hold a lamb, 30 yuan to ride a yak. ➖ For taking photos in ethnic costumes, you can buy a shawl in advance on your own, as it will be 20 yuan more expensive in the scenic area than in Xining city. Riyue Mountain