Live Your Best Lives
The beauty of the Hongyuan Grassland is fully realized in Moon Bay. Across the vast grassland, the Baihe River meanders in an S-shape, resembling a crescent moon in the sky, hence the name "Moon Bay." At dusk, the nearby green grass and distant mountains are shrouded in deep green. The setting sun paints the sky and the winding water red. Horses stand by the river, leisurely grazing and wagging their tails, adding to the grassland's extraordinary tranquility.
The Moon Bay Tourist Area, boasting captivating grassland scenery, mysterious religious culture, and vibrant Tibetan customs, epitomizes Hongyuan's tourism resources. Furthermore, its proximity to Provincial Highway 209 and Qiongxi Town, the county seat, provides excellent transportation and offers enormous development potential.
Continental plateau cold temperate monsoon climate;
You can come in spring, summer and autumn
free
All day
Hongyuan Moon Bay is a picturesque area in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Known for its stunning natural landscape, the bay's name derives from its crescent-shaped curve along the river. The area holds cultural significance for the Tibetan people and has become a popular destination for both nature lovers and those interested in Tibetan culture.
Hongyuan Moon Bay is located in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan. The easiest way to get there is by taking a taxi or private car from Chengdu, which takes about 6 to 7 hours. Public buses may also be available, though they require transfers, and walking from nearby towns can be done if you're already in the area.
The bay is an open-air natural attraction and is accessible at all hours. However, the best times to visit are in the spring and summer months (May to September), when the weather is mild and the natural beauty of the area is at its peak. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography and peaceful exploration.
There is generally no entrance fee for visiting Hongyuan Moon Bay itself, as it is a natural landscape. If you plan to take a guided tour or visit any nearby cultural sites, there may be additional costs. Tickets for any additional activities can usually be purchased on-site or through local tour operators.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for visiting Hongyuan Moon Bay itself. However, it is recommended to book tours or accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays.
Exploring Hongyuan Moon Bay can take between 2 to 4 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend walking, photographing, and enjoying the natural scenery. If you plan to hike or take a boat tour, consider setting aside more time for those activities.
Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the area’s natural beauty and cultural significance. Guides typically speak Mandarin, and some may offer basic English explanations. Audio guides are not commonly available.
The best photography spots are from the center of Moon Bay, where you can capture the full crescent shape of the bay and the surrounding landscape. The riverbanks and nearby hilltops also offer excellent views of the bay and the Tibetan plateau.
Start by walking along the riverside, taking in the view of the moon-shaped bay. Then, explore the surrounding grasslands and local villages if you have time. If you're up for it, consider taking a boat ride to enjoy the bay from a different perspective.
Night visits are not typically available, as the area does not have much lighting at night. There are no regular light shows or special night tours. However, the evening sky and sunset views can offer a unique experience for those staying nearby.
Hongyuan Moon Bay is generally not very crowded, especially during the weekdays. The least crowded times to visit are early mornings or off-peak seasons (fall or winter). Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier.
Facilities near Hongyuan Moon Bay are limited. There are basic toilets and a few rest areas for visitors to relax. It is advisable to bring your own water and snacks, as food options are limited in the immediate area. Shops are few and mainly offer local handicrafts and souvenirs.
The area is generally accessible for elderly and children, although some parts of the terrain may be rugged, especially if you are venturing into the grasslands or along the river. Disabled access could be limited, particularly for those with mobility issues, as the area is natural and not fully developed for accessibility.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used in the area. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it's recommended to carry cash for smaller transactions.
There are no large restaurants or cafes inside Hongyuan Moon Bay, but small local eateries can be found in the nearby villages, offering traditional Tibetan food like momo (dumplings), tsampa (roasted barley flour), and yak meat dishes.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in local Tibetan cuisine. However, halal food options are limited in this region, as it is primarily a Tibetan area. It's advisable to check with local restaurants before dining.
There are a few guesthouses and basic hotels in the nearby towns of Hongyuan and Aba, offering budget accommodations. For more luxurious stays, you would need to head to Chengdu, which is about a 6-7 hour drive away.
There are a few small souvenir shops in the surrounding villages. Typical souvenirs include Tibetan handicrafts such as woven rugs, jewelry, and traditional clothing. Local tea and snacks are also popular items to bring back home.
The best transportation options after visiting Hongyuan Moon Bay are taxis or local buses to nearby towns. If you're continuing to Chengdu or other attractions, buses and taxis are available for long-distance travel.
