Sun and Moon Pavilion

Introducing Sun and Moon Pavilion

The Sun and Moon Pavilion is located at the boundary between Gonghe County and Huangyuan County in Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It was called Chiling in ancient times. According to legend, Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty married far away in Tubo. When she arrived here and saw the two different worlds of the east and west mountains, she felt very sad and missed her hometown.

In 1950, the People's Liberation Army built the Qinghai-Tibet Highway and erected a monument to the road construction here; in 1983, during a cultural relics survey, the base, body and inscription of the Tang-Tibet boundary monument erected in the 21st year of Kaiyuan in the Tang Dynasty and some complete bricks from the Tang Dynasty were discovered on the top of Xiyahuo Mountain on the highway; in 1983, Huang Jingbo, governor of Qinghai Province, proposed to build the Sun and Moon Pavilion, which was completed in 1990. The road construction monument and the boundary monument from the Tang Dynasty were placed in the pavilion respectively, and a memorial hall was built under the pavilion. The hall is equipped with a large porcelain mural of Princess Wencheng's entry into Tibet made by the Qinghai Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Wutun Regong Art Institute, and displays relevant cultural relics.

The construction of the Sun and Moon Pavilion not only commemorates Princess Wencheng's contribution to the cultural exchange between Han and Tibetan peoples, but also serves as a place to commemorate the arduous struggle and glorious deeds of the People's Liberation Army in its march into Tibet and to educate future generations to inherit the revolutionary tradition. At the same time, it has become a famous tourist attraction in Qinghai Province.

Climate and best time to travel

Plateau continental climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to visit for about half an hour

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Sun and Moon Pavilion

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Sun and Moon Pavilion is an iconic landmark in Xining, built to honor the Buddhist philosophy of balance. It offers historical and cultural insight into the region's religious traditions and has become a symbol of peace and tranquility.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Sun and Moon Pavilion is located in the eastern part of Xining, about 10 km from the city center. You can reach it by taxi, bus, or even walking if you're staying nearby.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The pavilion is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the area is less crowded.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is approximately 40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on the day of your visit. Online ticketing is not necessary for individual visitors.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not required for individual visitors. You can purchase tickets on-site on the day of your visit.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Plan for about 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the Sun and Moon Pavilion, including time to walk around the gardens and take in the views from the pavilion.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The upper platform of the pavilion, offering stunning panoramic views of Xining.
• The beautiful surrounding gardens and lakeside paths perfect for a peaceful stroll.
• The detailed carvings and traditional architecture of the pavilion itself.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and there may be options in English for foreign tourists. Audio guides in Mandarin may also be available upon request.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The viewing platform at the top of the pavilion provides the best panoramic views of Xining and the surrounding mountains.
• Down by the lake, you can capture the reflection of the pavilion in the water, which makes for a great photograph.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by exploring the gardens and lake, then head to the pavilion for a view from the top. Afterward, you can visit the nearby Buddhist temple or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not available, and there are no light shows. However, the pavilion can be beautifully illuminated at night from a distance, creating a peaceful nighttime ambiance around the area.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The pavilion can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the morning or late afternoon hours.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Toilets are available near the entrance and within the pavilion grounds.
• There are small shops selling souvenirs and snacks around the pavilion.
• There are also rest areas within the gardens for visitors to relax.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The Sun and Moon Pavilion is generally accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with paved paths and elevators to reach the upper levels. However, some areas, like the garden paths, may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely available at the entrance and food stalls.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are small cafes and food stalls inside the pavilion area offering snacks and drinks.
• For more extensive dining options, head to downtown Xining, which has a wide range of restaurants.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, there are vegetarian and halal food options available at the nearby food stalls and cafes, particularly catering to local tastes.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• There are several budget hotels and guesthouses near the pavilion.
• For more luxury options, you can stay in downtown Xining and take a short taxi ride to the site.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Visit the Kumbum Monastery, a significant Tibetan Buddhist site located about 30 km from the Sun and Moon Pavilion.
• Qinghai Lake, a stunning natural site, is also a great day-trip destination from Xining.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops at the pavilion selling traditional handicrafts, Tibetan jewelry, prayer beads, and local textiles.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Taxis are the most convenient option for continuing your journey, either to nearby attractions or back to the city center.
• Public buses and shared rides are also available but may be less convenient for tourists with limited time.