Riyue Mountain
日月山
Where Worlds Divide
Riyue Mountain serves as a natural border between many different worlds.
It marks the division between agricultural lands and pastoral regions, between monsoon-affected areas and dry zones, and between Qinghai’s internal and external river basins.
It also stands at the westernmost edge of the Loess Plateau, and what’s truly remarkable is how dramatically the landscape changes from one side to the other.
- On the eastern slope, you’ll see green rice fields and farmlands—lush and vibrant, almost like the scenic countryside of southern China.
- On the western side, endless grasslands unfold, where cows and sheep graze freely—a classic frontier landscape.
This striking contrast between two entirely different worlds, visible from a single location, is something rarely found even within China.
A Scenic Stop Along the Road
Riyue Mountain is one of those places you don’t necessarily plan for, but end up remembering. It’s a common stopover when driving from Xining to Qinghai Lake, and offers a quiet moment amid nature.
On both sides of the mountain pass, you’ll see two small peaks, each topped with a symbolic pavilion—the Sun Pavilion (日亭) and the Moon Pavilion (月亭). Though these structures are modern replicas inspired by ancient architecture, they add character to the landscape.
Traditional-style buildings catch your eye even from a distance. I didn’t have time to go inside, but just walking around the outside was already a visual treat.
According to other travelers’ reviews, the interior features stunning murals and unique architectural details worth seeing.
You’ll find optional paid activities like yak rides, Tibetan costume photo ops, and souvenir stalls. However, prices tend to be high, and many say the souvenirs aren’t quite worth it.
The Legend of Princess Wencheng
How Sun and Moon Mountain(Riyue Shan 日月山) Got Its Name
About 1,300 years ago, there lived a 16-year-old princess of the Tang Dynasty named Princess Wencheng (文成公主, Wénchéng Gōngzhǔ).
To bring peace between nations, she was sent to Tibet for a political marriage.
On her long journey toward her new life, the young princess climbed to the top of what is now known as Riyue Mountain (日月山, Sun and Moon Mountain). There, she looked back one last time toward her hometown, Chang’an (present-day Xi’an).
According to legend, she held a mirror in her hands, hoping to see her home through it. But when nothing appeared, she threw the mirror against the rocks in sorrow. The mirror shattered into two pieces—one became the sun, and the other the moon.
That is how the mountain came to be named Sun and Moon Mountain.
Today, there is still a shrine dedicated to Princess Wencheng on the mountain.
Her statue stands facing east toward Chang’an, with her back to Tibet — a silent symbol of longing and sacrifice.
Lungta 風馬
🐎 The Auspicious Wind Horse
Lungta, or the Wind Horse, is a powerful symbol in Tibetan Buddhism representing the vehicle of prayers and blessings carried by the wind.
This tradition originates from ancient spiritual rituals of the Tibetan plateau.
People hang prayer flags inscribed with the six-syllable mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” on mountain passes and highlands, believing that each flutter sends prayers to the heavens.
The five-colored flags represent peace, compassion, health, and good fortune. Like beams of light, they scatter blessings across the earth, embodying the hope that all beings may live in harmony and protection.
Along the roads of Qinghai, including Riyue Mountain, I often saw Lungta (風馬)—the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind across hills and mountain slopes. At first, I wasn’t sure what they were. But once I learned their meaning, the sight took on a whole new depth.
Each flag carries written prayers and hopes. It felt as if the air was filled with invisible wishes, softly drifting all around me.
How many things do we live our lives praying for?
If all our prayers took visible form, the air might be thick with words, drifting from mountain to mountain.
🪨 Mani Stone Carvings
A Mani Stone is a rock carved with the Tibetan Buddhist mantra:
“Om Mani Padme Hum (唵嘛呢叭咪吽)”
This sacred phrase is believed to bring blessings, longevity, and inner peace.
Scattered throughout the grounds are more than 200 Mani Stones. Some of the largest weigh over 70 tons and were transported from Mount Tai in Shandong Province.
The mantra is commonly translated as “Precious Jewel in the Lotus”, where:
- Jewel (如意宝) represents compassion and wisdom,
- Lotus (莲花) symbolizes purity and universal love.
It is said that seeing, reading, or chanting these characters can cleanse the soul and promote well-being.
✍️ A Thought to Take With You
Riyue Mountain is a historic passage between inland China and Tibet, where legend and landscape breathe together.
Take a moment to pause your journey.
Look east, then west.
Let the contrast sink in, and reflect on those who once crossed this mountain, carrying hopes, farewells, and stories now lost to time.
🚩 Travel Info
🚘 Location: About 2 hours by car (100 km) from Xining
🎟 Entrance Fee: ¥50 (high season) / ¥30 (off-season)
🕖 Opening Hours:
- High Season (Apr 15 – Oct 14): 07:00–19:30
- Off Season (Oct 15 – Apr 14): 08:30–18:30
☘️ Best Time to Visit: June to August (wildflowers, grasslands, and clear skies)
If you’re planning a trip to Qinghai or simply want to know more,
👉 you can find the full itinerary and essential travel tips in the comprehensive guide linked below.
Before You Go: All You Need to Know About Traveling to Qinghai(青海)
