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Sun and Moon Mountain, located 40 kilometers southwest of Huangyuan County, Xining City, Qinghai Province, is part of the Qilian Mountains. It stretches 90 kilometers and serves as a natural dam east of Qinghai Lake. Its average elevation is approximately 4,000 meters, with a maximum elevation of 4,877 meters. It lies on the boundary between my country's monsoon and non-monsoon regions, at the intersection of the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It serves as a natural dividing line between the inner and outer watersheds of Qinghai Province, separating agricultural and nomadic civilizations. Since ancient times, it has been a key route along the "Qiangzhong Road," the "Southern Silk Road," and the "Tang-Tibet Ancient Road."
Sun Moon Mountain is a famous natural landmark in Xining, Qinghai, known for its unique twin peaks resembling the sun and moon. It holds cultural and spiritual significance for local Tibetan and Hui communities and is a symbol of harmony between nature and local heritage.
Sun Moon Mountain is located in the outskirts of Xining, Qinghai Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi or local bus from Xining city center. Walking is suitable for exploring trails on the mountain itself.
The mountain is open year-round. The best times to visit are from May to October when the weather is mild and trails are more accessible.
The entrance fee is approximately 30–50 CNY per person, payable at the on-site ticket office. Online booking may be available through local tourism websites.
Advance booking is generally not required except during peak holidays. For weekends or national holidays, booking a few days in advance is recommended.
Plan for 3–5 hours to hike trails, visit temples, and enjoy scenic viewpoints.
Local guided tours are available in Chinese. English guides are limited and may require advance arrangement through travel agencies.
Start at the main entrance, hike to the sun peak, then continue to the moon peak, visiting temples and scenic overlooks along the trails. Return via the main trail for a circular route.
Night visits are not common, and there are no regular light shows. Special spiritual or cultural events may occur seasonally.
The site is moderately visited. Weekdays and non-holiday periods are the least crowded, while weekends and national holidays see more tourists.
Basic facilities include restrooms, small food stalls, rest areas, and souvenir shops near the entrance and main viewpoints.
Main trails are moderately challenging; elderly and children can manage shorter routes, but full summit trails may not be suitable for disabled visitors.
Cash is widely accepted, and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are available at most entry points and shops.
Small local eateries and tea houses are available near the entrance. In Xining city nearby, a wider range of restaurants and cafes can be found.
Vegetarian options are available in local eateries. Halal food is widely available in Xining, reflecting the local Hui population.
Guesthouses and mid-range hotels are available in Xining city, approximately 30–40 minutes by car from Sun Moon Mountain.
Souvenirs include local handicrafts, prayer flags, and small Tibetan or Hui cultural items.
Taxis or private cars are the easiest options to return to Xining city or travel to nearby attractions like Qinghai Lake. Public bus service is limited.
