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Menyuan Hui Autonomous County, located in northeastern Qinghai Province, China, is a major oilseed production area in Northwest China. Every July, rapeseed flowers bloom for dozens of kilometers, stretching from Qingshizui in the west to Yulongtan in the east, Lenglongling on the border with Gansu in the north, and Dabanshan in the south, creating a sea of golden rapeseed flowers. Because the fields slope down toward the river, standing on the riverbank and looking in both directions is a blanket of golden color, with the Datong River flowing through it. The scenery resembles a silver ribbon with two golden edges, winding and fluttering, and the Qilian Mountains are a distant reflection of the scenery.
Menyuan Hui Autonomous County has a plateau continental climate, located in the mid-latitude westerly wind belt. It boasts typical plateau characteristics of a cold-temperate, humid climate, characterized by long sunshine hours, strong solar radiation, and a wide temperature swing between day and night. Spring is snowy and windy; summer is cool, humid, and rainy; autumn is mild and short; and winter is cold, dry, and long.
Best time to visit : July. Menyuan is a paradise on earth at this time. The 600,000 mu of rapeseed flowers form a vast sea of rapeseed flowers, creating a magnificent and unique spectacle. The most important Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Festival is also held at this time.
rapeseed flower sea
From Qingshizui in the west to Yulongtan in the east, from Lenglongling on the border with Gansu in the north to Dabanshan in the south, the rape flowers stretch for dozens of kilometers, like a golden sea.
Flower Viewing Platform
Climbing up to the flower viewing platform, you can appreciate the beautiful scenery of "three rocks, one sea and one folk custom", namely Daban Mountain, hundreds of miles of rapeseed flower sea, Gangshika Snow Peak, Qinghai Lake and Menyuan folk customs.
Gangshika Snow Peak
It is the highest peak in the eastern section of the Qilian Mountains. The top of the peak is covered with snow all year round, shining silver, like a jade dragon. It is also the highest mountain in Menyuan.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Menyuan is a county in Qinghai Province, known for its stunning rapeseed flower fields, Tibetan cultural heritage, and as a gateway to the Qilian Mountains. It is historically significant for its Tibetan and Mongolian communities and traditional pastoral lifestyle.
Menyuan is located in Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai. The nearest major city is Xining. Visitors can reach Menyuan by bus or car from Xining. Local taxis or organized tours are recommended for getting around the county and scenic spots.
The rapeseed flower fields and scenic areas are accessible year-round. The best time to visit is late June to July for the full bloom of rapeseed flowers. Spring and early autumn are also ideal for milder weather and clear skies.
Entrance fees for Menyuan rapeseed fields or scenic areas typically range from 50–120 CNY per person. Tickets can usually be purchased on-site or through local tour operators. Online booking may be available through Chinese travel platforms.
Booking in advance is recommended during peak blooming season in July. It is advisable to book 1–2 weeks ahead to ensure availability and accommodations.
1–2 days are generally sufficient to explore the rapeseed fields, nearby villages, and a short trip to the Qilian Mountains.
Guided tours are available mainly in Chinese. Some travel agencies or private guides may offer English-speaking tours, especially during peak tourist season.
Start with the rapeseed flower fields in the morning, then visit nearby Tibetan villages or monasteries, and finish with a short hike or drive into the Qilian Mountains for sunset views.
Night visits are generally limited. Some local accommodations may offer evening cultural activities or stargazing experiences, but organized light shows are uncommon.
July is the peak season for rapeseed flowers and can be crowded. Visiting weekdays or early morning/late afternoon can help avoid large crowds. Spring and early autumn are quieter periods.
Facilities include public restrooms near major viewing areas, small local restaurants, and souvenir stalls. Water and snacks are recommended to carry when exploring fields or mountains.
Main viewing areas and local villages are accessible, but mountain or remote field paths may require moderate walking. Elderly and disabled visitors should plan accordingly and consider transportation options.
Cash is widely accepted. Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are common. Credit/debit card acceptance is limited in rural areas.
Local restaurants and small cafes offer Tibetan and Qinghai specialties, such as yak meat dishes, butter tea, and local bread.
Halal options are generally available. Vegetarian or vegan choices may be limited in rural areas but can be requested in local restaurants.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, Tibetan-style clothing, yak wool products, and traditional snacks.
Return to Xining by bus or private car. Renting a car or booking a guided tour is recommended for further travel within Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture or to Qinghai’s other scenic areas.
