Southern Silk Road·Qinghai Road (1)

Mentioning the Overland Silk Road

The sight of the yellow sand in the desert can't help but appear in front of my eyes.

The Silk Road started from Chang'an (now Xi'an)

Via Gansu Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

to Central Asia and West Asia

And connect the Mediterranean countries with land routes

People and Luo Qun (Photo source: @bing)

But do you know

In the south of the Qilian Mountains, which are covered with snow all year round

There is a Qinghai Road parallel to the Hexi Corridor

It was also one of the most prosperous Silk Roads in the Tang Dynasty

Known as the “Silk Road Qinghai Road”

Countless envoys and business travelers have passed by Qinghai Lake.

Travel through the vast Qaidam Basin

Crossing the Altun Mountains

Finally entered the Western Regions

Route map of the Silk Road Qinghai Road during the Han and Tang dynasties (Source: @海西州民馆)

let us be together

Along the ancient paths traveled by our ancestors

Go explore the Silk Road Qinghai Road

Beautiful scenery along the way

Xining

In ancient times, it was called Qingtang City, Xiping County, and Shanzhou.

It is the capital of Qinghai Province

Located in northwest China, eastern Qinghai Province, and the upper reaches of Huangshui River Valley Basin

It is the eastern gateway of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The only place to pass by the South Road of the ancient "Silk Road" and the "Ancient Tang-Tibet Road"

Since ancient times, it has been an important transportation artery and military center in the northwest.

Known as the "Key to the West Sea" and the Throat of the Hidden Sea

It is one of the world's high-altitude cities

Drive west from Xining City

Came to 40 kilometers away

Huangyuan Dangar Ancient City

It is located in Huangyuan County

Located on the north bank of the Yellow River

The source of Huangshui River, connected to Xining in the east

Looking west to Xinjiang, Nantong to Tibet

With a long history of nearly 2000 years

Dangar Ancient City (Source: @bing)

Old photos of the ancient city (Source: @bing)

The buildings in the city have rigorous layout and unique structure.

The streets and alleys are well organized and prioritized.

Gonghaimen (Photo source: @bing)

Gonghaimen

"Gong" means bowing

"Sea" refers to Qinghai Lake (West Sea), which means handing over the West Sea

It is the west gate of the ancient city of Dangar

It is said

The Qing government celebrated the 15th day of the seventh lunar month every year.

The imperial envoys will be dispatched to the shores of Qinghai Lake

Summon the princes and heads of various Mongolian and Tibetan tribes to offer sacrifices to the Haihui Alliance

Passing through the ancient city of Dangar

They will all be outside the West City Gate

Hold a simple sea ceremony

Therefore, the west city gate is called "Gonghai Gate"

Scene of the ancient city (picture source: @bing)

As the landmark building of Dangar City in Huangyuan, Huozu Pavilion

It stands in the downtown area southeast of the ancient city.

It is a pavilion built in memory of the God of Fire, Emperor Yan.

The locals call Huozu Pavilion "the first floor on the upper reaches of Huangshui River"

The carved balustrades and painted buildings have overhanging eaves.

Elegant, simple, majestic

Ming and Qing old streets

As an important part of the old town of Huangyuan

Connected to the Chenghuang Temple, Guandi Archway,

Ancient buildings such as the Confucian Temple and Dangar Hall

They are all worth a visit as well.

The smell of fireworks in the ancient city (Source: @bing)

now

Qinghai-Tibet Highway, Qinghai-Tibet Railway, 109 National Highway and 315 National Highway

and Xidao (Xining to Daotanghe) first-class highway runs through the entire territory of Huangyuan

Located at the intersection of Xining Grand Tourism Circle and Qinghai Lake Tourism Circle

Dangar ancient city

It has also become a platform leading to the third level in the world - the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

and Qinghai-Tibet travel online

"The first station"

Riyueshan

Located 40 kilometers southwest of Huangyuan County

It belongs to the Qilian Mountains and is 90 kilometers long.

It is a natural dam in the east of Qinghai Lake

The average altitude is about 4000 meters

The highest altitude is 4877 meters

at the same time

Riyue Mountain also has very important geographical significance.

It is located on the dividing line between monsoon and non-monsoon areas in my country.

Located in the overlapping area of ​​the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

It is the natural dividing line between the internal and external river basins of Qinghai Province.

Divide agricultural civilization and nomadic civilization

When the sky is clear, the field of vision is extremely wide (Source: @bing)

Riyue Mountain before the Tang Dynasty

It’s called “Red Ridge”

From a distance it looks like spitting fire, from up close it looks like blood

It got its name because when you look at the mountains from a distance, "the soil and rocks are all red, and the red ground is hairless."

Riyue Pavilion on Riyue Mountain (Source: @bing)

Riyueshan

It has been in history since ancient times

Important passages of the "Middle Qiang Road", "South Silk Road" and "Tang-Tibo Ancient Road"

The close connection between Riyue Mountain and Princess Wencheng (Source: @bing)

This is where Princess Wencheng married and moved to Tibet.

It is said that she carried the "Sun and Moon Mirror" given by the Queen.

Climbing the peak and looking east, I can’t see my hometown of Chang’an

Can't help but take out the mirror

The charming scenery of Chang'an suddenly appeared in the mirror

Mixed joy and sorrow

Falling under the empty mirror and landing on two hills

Half reflects the afterglow of the setting sun

Half illuminated by the rising moonlight

The sun and the moon complement each other

Riyue Mountain got its name from this

Princess Wencheng Temple in Yushu City (Source: @bing)

Princess Wencheng Temple with a history of more than 1,300 years

Alias ​​"Gaza Princess Temple"

Beina Valley is located 25 kilometers southeast of Jiegu Town, Yushu City.

Standing under the blue sky of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Close to the 100-foot cliff, the scenery is quiet

The pines and cypresses on the mountain are picturesque, and the river below the mountain is poetic.

An overview of the temple (Source: @bing)

it's here

Not only can you appreciate the cultural landscape and enjoy the charm of history,

You can also see the vast expanse of grassland and the natural beauty of the magnificent mountain peaks.

You can also feel the Tibetan folk customs and sentiments firsthand

Colorful prayer flags (Photo source: @bing)

The 18.8-meter-high and 0.7-meter-diameter Fengma bronze pillar

Lucky clouds on the surface

Hanging colorful wind horses in an umbrella shape from the top to the ground

There is a circular pool inside

The clean water is drawn from the holy spring of Riyue Mountain

The wind and horse reflect on the water, extremely holy

Blowing in the wind (Source: @bing)

The wind blows constantly here all year round and the wind direction changes.

The colorful brocade was blown by the wind and rustled

It means that the wind and horses gather auspiciousness and pray for blessings reaching the sky.

with friends and family

Come breathe fresh air and be immersed in history

Also a good choice

Daotanghe

Flowing at the foot of the west side of Riyue Mountain

The altitude is about 3,300 meters and the total length is about 40 kilometers.

It is a seasonal river that relies on snowmelt and rainwater

The smallest branch of the Qinghai Lake water system

It flows into Qinghai Lake from east to west

Because it is different from most rivers that run from west to east

Hence the name "Daotang River"

All rivers flow east, but I flow west (Photo source: @baidu)

Starting from Riyue Mountain in the east and ending at Qinghai Lake in the west

A vein of clear water flows quietly

There are different opinions among the people about the origin of Daotang River.

Every legend adds a bit of mystery to it

The meandering Daotang River (Source: @bing)

Most people are curious

Or why does it flow westward?

In fact, the Daotang River is also a river flowing eastward.

It flows into the Yellow River together with Buha River and Luohantang River

Later, due to changes in the earth's crust,

Riyueshan uplift

Qinghai Lake becomes a completely blocked lake

The river that originally leaked out had to turn around and flow westward.

Qinghai Lake

The Tibetan name is "Cuowenbu" (མཚོ་སྔོན་པོ།)

Meaning "blue sea"

Located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Northwest of Xining City

Qinghai Lake, the largest inland lake in China (Source: Bing)

The lake is surrounded by four towering mountains

To the north is Datong Mountain and to the east is Riyue Mountain

To the south is Qinghai Nanshan and to the west is Rubber Mountain

Rapeseed flowers are in bloom (Photo source: @bing)

Every July and August

It’s a good time to watch rapeseed flowers

The large golden rapeseed flowers look particularly dazzling in the blue.

Yellow, azure, sky blue from near to far

Structured

Any photo taken at Qinghai Lake will turn out to be a good-looking picture

Bird Island on the west side (Source: @bing)

Bird Island is located in the northwest corner of Qinghai Lake

Divided into two islands, one east and one west

Far away from Bird Island

Visitors can hear birds singing with different sounds.

Extremely lively

Sunset on the lake (Photo source: @bing)

Sitting quietly by the lake

If only I could have a pot of tea, a plate of snacks, and a recliner at this moment

Humming music to yourself

It's so perfect

Erlangjian Scenic Area

Located on the south side of Qinghai Lake, it is also the main scenic spot of Qinghai Lake.

Erlangjian Scenic Area (Source: @bing)

Lake in Erlangjian Scenic Area

It is a narrow pointed peninsula more than ten kilometers long.

shaped like a sword

This is also the origin of the name of Erlangjian Scenic Area

Everywhere you look is beautiful scenery (Photo source: @bing)

To the south of the national highway in the scenic spot is the newly built folk custom town

A multifunctional town integrating food and accommodation

To the south of the town is Qinghai Hunan Mountain Photography

One of the best spots to photograph the sunrise

Heimahe Town

Affiliated to Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province

Located in the northwest of Gonghe County, on the south bank of Qinghai Lake

It borders Tanggemu Town in the southeast and east, Qieji Township in the south, and Shinaihai Town in the north.

Early morning at Heima River (Photo source: @bing)

black horse river

Located on the edge of Qinghai Lake about 220 kilometers west of Xining

It is the starting point of the road around Qinghai Lake.

The section of Heima River towards Bird Island is also called Huanhu West Road.

Many "bosozoku" travel friends or bicycle fans

They all choose to start their dream trip around the lake from Heima River

The tents by the lake are lined up one after another (Source: @bing)

Whether traveling with a group or driving by yourself

This is generally the preferred accommodation place for tourists visiting Qinghai Lake.

Catering and accommodation are the most mature along Qinghai Lake

The moment you see the sunrise, you will definitely feel overflowing with happiness (Photo source: @bing)

here

It is also one of the best places to watch the sunrise over Qinghai Lake

Stay here tonight

waiting for tomorrow

with loved ones or friends and relatives

Watch the sunrise over the lake together

Just thinking about this picture

All are undoubtedly happy

Southern Silk Road·Qinghai Road (1):

Xining-Huangyuan Dangar Ancient City-Riyue Mountain-Daotang River-South Bank of Qinghai Lake-Erlangjian-Heimahe Town, the whole journey is 231.5 kilometers, staying in Heimahe Town