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Visitors to Sun and Moon Rock can enjoy hiking up to the site, where they can see the iconic Sun and Moon-shaped rocks. The area offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it perfect for photography and nature walks. A visit here is ideal for those interested in geology, as the formation of the rocks is quite unique.
Sun and Moon Rock is located in the Huashan Scenic Area, south of Yuquan Road in Huayin City, Weinan City. The rock mentioned in Wu Tongchun's "Taihua Shuangyouji" (A Double Journey to Taihua Mountain) is located behind the Chai'er Cliff. The rock is named Sun and Moon Rock because of two circular stone patterns resembling the sun and the moon. Legend has it that when Wu Zetian visited Huashan and saw these two sun- and moon-shaped rocks, she ingeniously created the character "瞾" (瞾) for her pen name, symbolizing her noble power.
Huayin has a pleasant climate with four distinct seasons and an average annual temperature of 13.7 degrees Celsius, making it a great place to travel in any season.
There are two circular patterns on the rock that resemble the sun and the moon, hence the name Sun and Moon Rock. According to legend, when Wu Zetian was walking along this rock while climbing Mount Hua, she saw these two rocks resembling the sun and the moon and ingeniously created the character "瞾" for her pen name, symbolizing her noble power.
It is recommended to play for about 20 minutes.
Included in the Huashan Scenic Area Pass.
Xishan Gate: open 24 hours a day;
Dongshanmen Cableway: 7:00-19:00 in peak season, 8:30-17:00 in off-season;
North Peak Cableway: Peak season: 7:00-19:00, off-season 9:00-17:00.
Sun and Moon Rock is a geological wonder located in Huayin, Shaanxi Province. The site is known for its distinct rock formations that resemble the shapes of the sun and moon. These rocks are a symbol of the region's natural beauty and have become a popular spot for tourists interested in unique natural formations and scenic landscapes.
Sun and Moon Rock is located in Huayin, Shaanxi Province. The best way to reach the site is by taxi or private car from the Huayin city center. Public transportation options are limited, so a taxi or car rental is recommended. It is also accessible by foot for those who enjoy a more adventurous approach.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant. It’s advisable to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty in peaceful surroundings.
The entrance fee to Sun and Moon Rock is approximately ¥20 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the site’s entrance, or in advance through local tourism websites or on-site ticket counters.
Booking tickets in advance is not required unless visiting during peak seasons or public holidays. It is recommended to book a day or two in advance during these times to avoid long queues.
Exploring Sun and Moon Rock typically takes about 1-2 hours. This includes time for hiking, taking photographs, and enjoying the surrounding scenery. If you plan to visit nearby attractions or take a longer walk, you might want to allocate more time.
The main highlight is the rock formation itself, which is shaped like the sun and moon. The panoramic views from the top of the site are also stunning, offering vistas of the nearby mountains and valleys. The area around the rocks is a great spot for photography.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and an audio guide is also offered in Chinese. For foreign visitors, it may be helpful to hire a local guide who can explain the history and significance of the site in English.
The best viewpoints are from the top of the rocks, where visitors can capture wide-angle shots of the Sun and Moon Rock formations and the surrounding natural landscape. Sunset and sunrise offer particularly dramatic lighting for photography.
Start by hiking up to the base of the Sun and Moon Rocks, where you can observe the unique rock formations. From there, make your way up to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Be sure to take time to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before heading back down.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Sun and Moon Rock. The site is best visited during the day, when the natural light enhances the beauty of the rock formations and surrounding scenery.
The site can get crowded during weekends and holidays, especially in the afternoon. To avoid crowds, visit in the early morning or later in the evening, particularly on weekdays.
Basic facilities such as restrooms and drinking water are available at the site. There are also small kiosks selling snacks and drinks. However, there are no major restaurants or shopping areas, so it’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks if needed.
The main pathways are suitable for children and elderly visitors, but the hike to the top of the Sun and Moon Rocks may be challenging for those with mobility issues. The site does not have special accessibility features for disabled visitors.
Cash is commonly accepted at the entrance and small kiosks, though mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also available. Credit cards are not widely accepted.
There are no large restaurants inside the site, but there are several small local eateries in the nearby Huayin city where you can enjoy traditional Shaanxi cuisine. For more dining options, visitors can head to Xi'an.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available in nearby restaurants, particularly in Huayin or Xi'an. It’s advisable to check with local eateries to ensure availability of specific dietary preferences.
There are budget hotels and guesthouses in Huayin. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors can stay in Xi'an, which is about a 1-2 hour drive from Sun and Moon Rock.
Nearby attractions include Hua Mountain, one of China’s five sacred mountains, which offers stunning natural landscapes and hiking opportunities. The city of Xi'an, known for the Terracotta Army, is also easily reachable and makes for an excellent addition to a day trip.
Small souvenir shops around the site sell items like postcards, local handicrafts, and souvenirs related to the Sun and Moon Rock formation. You can also find traditional Shaanxi crafts and artwork.
The best transportation options are taxis or private cars for onward travel. If you plan to continue to Xi'an or nearby attractions, buses and trains are available, but taxis or car rentals are more convenient.
