Menyuan rapeseed Flower

Every July, the Menyuan Hui Autonomous County in the northeast of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau will be submerged in a golden color-600,000 mu of rapeseed flowers stretch for 100 kilometers along the river valley between Qilian Mountain and Daban Mountain, spreading out into a “earth palette” on a plateau 3,000 meters above sea level. The snow-capped peaks of Gangshka in the distance stand like a silver crown, and the waves of flowers nearby fluctuate with the wind. The blue sky, white clouds, snow-capped mountains and the golden sea of flowers form a shocking picture. This is not only the most spectacular viewing place for rapeseed flowers in China, but also the ultimate destination for summer vacation and photography in Northwest China. This guide will take you to unlock all the mysteries of the sea of flowers, from the timing of flowering to the hidden seat, and easily enjoy this limited highland romance.

1. Core overview: The Golden Miracle on the plateau

Menyuan rapeseed flower is not an ordinary farmland landscape, but a unique existence that integrates agricultural civilization and plateau scenery. As an important rapeseed planting base in Qinghai Province, Menyuan’s 600,000 mu rapeseed flowers are mainly concentrated in the main production areas such as Haomen Farm, Machang Village, and Dawan Village, Quankou Town. The planting history can be traced back decades, and now it has formed a ”promoting tourism with flowers and cultivating agriculture with tourism’.Characteristic industrial model.

Compared with Jiangnan rapeseed flowers, the Menyuan Flower Sea has a unique highland temperament: due to its high altitude (about 3,000 meters), sufficient sunshine, and large temperature difference between day and night, the rapeseed flowers here have a late flowering period (concentrated in July), and the flowers can be as high as 1.5 meters, and the flowering time is synchronized, forming a “hundred miles’.The magnificent scene of ”sea of Flowers’. Every year during the peak blooming period, about one million tourists flock to this small plateau town. The former agricultural county has been transformed into a “golden tourist paradise”. The average summer temperature of 18℃ makes it a natural summer resort. Affected by the high temperature in 2025, the best flowering period will be advanced to July 4-18, which is about one week shorter than in previous years, and the limited viewing window is even more precious.

Menyuan rapeseed flower is not an artificially created ornamental scenic spot, but a real agricultural landscape, which is the perfect blend of plateau ecology and human farming wisdom.

• Planting area: About 600,000 mu, accounting for more than 70% of the total cultivated land of the source, which is the largest in the country.
• Flowering time:From July 1st to August 20th every year, of which around July 10th is the blooming period, the sea of flowers is the fullest and the color is the strongest.
• The best viewing period: about 40 days, harvested one after another after mid-August, and can last until the end of August in some areas.
• Unique charm: Unlike the soft and graceful rapeseed flowers in the south of the Yangtze River, the Menyuan Flower Sea is known for its “grand scale, saturated colors, and magnificent background”. The golden flower fields are set against the mountains, and they complement the unchanging snow-capped mountains of Qilian, the azure Haomen River, and the verdant pastures all year round, forming a three-dimensional landscape of “snow-capped mountains+ sea of flowers + river valleys”, which is known as “One of the top ten exotic plant landscapes in the world.”

2. Geographical location: the golden node of the Qinghai Ring Line

It is about 150 kilometers away from Xining City in the east (1.5-2.5 hours by car), Qilian County in the west (2.5 hours by car), Qinghai Lake in the south (3 hours by car), and Wuwei City in Gansu Province in the north. It is a must-pass connecting the Qinggan Great Ring Road and the Qinghai Northern Line.

From the topography point of view, Menyuan rapeseed flowers are mainly distributed in the river valley plains and hilly areas on both sides of the Haomen River, forming a three-dimensional view of the ”basin + mountain’ flower and sea view: the flower fields in the river valley are flat and open, suitable for walking through; the hilly area can overlook the level of the sea of flowers, with the distant GangshkaXuefeng and Dabhan Mountain constitute the iconic picture of “Xueshan Reflecting the Sea of Flowers”, which is also the core advantage that distinguishes Mengyuan from other rapeseed flower viewing places.

• AdministrativeDivision: Menyuan Hui Autonomous County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province
• Geographic coordinates: 100°53’～101°50′ east longitude, 37°09’～37°52′ north latitude
• Core ornamental belt: from Haomen Town to Qingshizui Town, Sujitan Township, and along the Huangcheng Grassland, it is distributed in a belt along the Haomen River Valley.
• Altitude range: 2300 meters to 3000 meters, it has a highland continental climate with cool summers and large temperature differences between day and night.

Menyuan is located at the junction of Qinghai and Gansu, and is a key hub on the Qinggan—Gansu Great Ring Road (Xining—Qinghai Lake—Qilian—Zhangye-Dunhuang). Every year from July to August, millions of tourists pass by here, just to witness the “golden storm of the earth” with their own eyes.

3. Transportation guide: Multiple ways to reach Huahai directly

Menyuan is located on a plateau but has convenient transportation. It can be reached by car, motor vehicle, and bus. Among them, self-driving and motor vehicle are the most popular ways for tourists, and they can be flexibly selected according to their itinerary.

(1) External arrival method

1. Emu travel (recommended, efficient and convenient):
   1. Line: Lanxin High-speed Rail Xining Station → Menyuan Station, there are multiple trains a day, the journey time is only 0.5-1 hour, and the second-class fare is about 30 yuan. It is the best choice to travel to and from Menyuan.
   1. Connection: Menyuan Station is about 5 kilometers away from the county seat, and it is within 10 yuan to take a taxi to the county seat; if you go directly to the core area of Huahai (Qingshizui Town), take a taxi for about 15 kilometers at a cost of 30-40 yuan. You can also carpool in the station square (10 yuan per person). During the peak season (July), the demand for carpool is strong.No need to wait for a long time.
2. Self-driving travel (high degree of freedom, scenic views along the way):
   1. Classic route:
      1. Xining→Menyuan: Follow the G227 National Highway (or Ningda Expressway to Zhangwen Expressway), the whole journey is 130-150 kilometers, the drive is 1.5-2.5 hours, ordinary family cars can pass, and you can stop at Heiquan Reservoir and Dabanshan along the way.Free attractions such as observation decks can stop at any time to take pictures of the sea of flowers and snow-capped mountains in the same frame.
      1. Qinghai Lake→Menyuan: Starting from the west bank of Qinghai Lake, passing through Gangcha County and Mule Town, follow the S204 provincial Highway, the whole journey is about 200 kilometers, and the drive is 3.5 hours. Along the way, it can connect the Qilian Mountain grassland, which is suitable for tourists on the loop.
   1. Parking reminder: Free parking is available at all observation decks. During the peak season (mid-to-late July), parking spaces around Qingshizui Town are tight. It is recommended to arrive before 9 o’clock in the morning or after 4 o’clock in the afternoon to avoid congestion.
3. Buses and chartered buses:
   1. Buses: Xining Bus Station has 6 direct buses to Menyuan every day. The fare is 55 yuan/person and the journey takes 2.5 hours. The terminal is Menyuan Bus Station (located in the county seat), which is suitable for tourists without self-driving plans.
   1. Charter / carpool: Xining City or the airport can charter a car to and from Menyuan. The average daily cost of a 5-seater SUV is 600-800 yuan, which can flexibly stop at attractions along the way; carpool is 100-150 yuan per person/round trip, suitable for solo travelers, and can be booked in advance through hotels or travel platforms.

(2) Transportation in scenic spots

• Sightseeing train: There is a sightseeing train in the core area of Huahai (Baili Rapeseed Flower Sea View Area). The fare is 50 yuan /person. The whole journey is about 5 kilometers and stops at multiple viewing platforms. It is suitable for tourists who do not want to walk. It takes 40 minutes by car to experience the ups and downs of the waves in an immersive way.
• Bicycle rental: There are bicycle rental points in Qingshizui Town and around the observation decks. It is 30 yuan /hour. It is recommended to rent an electric bicycle (50 yuan / hour), which can go deep into the fields and trails to flexibly find shooting positions.
• Hiking tour: There is a wooden plank road in the core viewing area (such as the Yuanshan Observation Deck). The whole journey is stress-free. You can reach many of the best shooting spots along the plank road. It takes about 1-2 hours to walk, which is suitable for in-depth experience of the flower sea atmosphere.

4. Tickets and open information: full analysis of charges and free spots

Menyuan rapeseed flower viewing is divided into two categories: paid viewing platform and free wild flower sea. It can be selected according to demand. There is no need to purchase global tickets, which is extremely cost-effective.

(1) Ticket price

1. Paid observation deck (core recommendation):
   1. Yuanshan Observation Deck: 60 yuan/person, the most classic observation deck in Menyuan, located in Qingshizui Town, is a natural hill with a wooden plank road and a cable car (one-way 40 yuan/person), the top can overlook the sea of flowers in 360°, with distantGangshka Snow Peak is an excellent place to take panoramic views.
   1. Zhaobishan Scenic Area: 30 yuan /person, located on the south bank of Haomen River, you need to climb to the top on foot (about 20 minutes). The view from the top of the mountain can frame the sea of flowers, rivers, villages and snow-capped mountains in the same frame, which is suitable for close-up portraits and layered pictures.
   1. Fragrant bath scenic area: 40 yuan /person, the flower field has built-in European-style wooden houses, windmills and other landscapes, the main “immersive flower viewing”, suitable for parent-child families and net celebrities to check in, but the price is slightly lower than the natural observation deck.
2. Free viewing point (cost-effective choice):
   1. Halfway up Dabhan Mountain: The free observation deck next to the G227 national highway, you can enjoy the magnificent scene of “the sea of flowers spreading to the snow-capped mountains” without getting off the car. It is a must-stop point on the way to self-driving. The effect of the sunrise in the early morning is excellent.
   1. Around Qingshizui Town: The herdsmen’s trail on the road outside the town can enter the flower fields for free, and you can walk along the ridge to enjoy the flowers up close. Some areas can also be framed with cattle and sheep, which is suitable for taking documentary-style photos.
   1. On the hillside opposite the fragrant bath: A free seat hidden by local herdsmen. The viewing angle is comparable to the paid observation deck. You can take pictures of the scattered landscapes of the sea of flowers and the village. You need to pay attention to walking along the designated route and do not step on the crops.
3. Preferential policies:
   1. Ticket-free people: children under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.2 meters tall (inclusive), elderly over 70 years old (inclusive) (with ID card), persons with disabilities (with disability certificate), active-duty soldiers (with officer certificate)；
   1. Half-price group: minors aged 6-18, full-time undergraduate and below students (with student ID card), 60-69 years old (with ID card), after half-price Yuanshan Observation deck 30 yuan / person, Zhaobishan 15 yuan / person.

(2) Opening hours and best time

• Opening hours: The paid observation deck is open from 7:00-19:00 (peak season), and the free viewing point is open all day, but it is recommended to visit from 6:00-20:00 to take into account safety and light.
• The best time of day:
  • 6:00-8:00 in the morning: the light is soft, the flowers and kelp are dewy, and there are very few tourists. You can take a dreamy picture of the sea of red flowers at sunrise. The Yuanshan Observation Deck is the best observation point.；
  • 17:00-19:00 in the evening: The oblique setting sun makes the sea of flowers appear warm golden, with rich levels of light and shadow, which is suitable for shooting portrait silhouettes and sunsets in flower fields, and the afterglow of the snowy mountains can be photographed from the direction of the mountain.
• Reminder to avoid pits: The light is strong from 12:00 to 15:00 noon, and the reflection of the sea of flowers is serious. The photos are easy to overexpose and lack a sense of layering. It is recommended to rest or taste food in the county seat at this time and avoid strong light periods.

5. Core attractions and places to take pictures

1. Yuanshan Observation Deck-the Vantage Point of Bailihuahai

Located at the mouth of Dabanshan Pass, about 3,000 meters above sea level, it is recognized as thebest viewing spot. Standing here, the sea of flowers on the north and south sides spread out to the sky like a golden carpet, the snow-capped mountains of Qilian stand towering in the distance, and the beehives nearby are dotted with them, forming a three-dimensional picture scroll. Especially suitable for aerial photography, drone enthusiasts should not miss it.

2. Flower fields around Qingshizui Town

The town is surrounded by a sea of flowers and has a flat terrain, which is suitable for close contact with flower fields. When the mist is full in the early morning, the sea of flowers is looming, like a wonderland; in the afternoon, the sun shines, and the golden color is the most intense. You can also shoot cultural scenes such as farmhouses, cattle and sheep, and bee farmers picking honey.

3. Along National Highway 227-a moving scenic corridor

The entire highway runs between the sea of flowers, with parking belts every few kilometers. It is recommendedto stop at the sign of ‘Huahai Photography Corridor”. Both sides of the highway are golden, and the vehicles seem to be driving in a golden tunnel. It is a large area of classic highway filming.

. 4zhaobishan& Gangshka Snow Peak

The photo wall mountain is shaped like a screen, and after climbing to the top, you can take a shocking picture of the rapeseed flower and the 5254-meter-high Gangshka Snow peak in the same frame. If physical strength permits, half-day light hiking can be arranged.

5. Black Spring Reservoir

Located on the way to Menyuan, the lake is blue, surrounded by green mountains, and dotted with rapeseed flowers. It is suitable for stopovers to take pictures and add a sense of layering to the itinerary.

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6. Suggestions for the best time and season to visit

时间段	特点	推荐指数
July 1st-10th	In the early flowering period, the flowers open one after another, and there is less flow of people.	⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 10th-25th	During the blooming period, the sea of flowers is the most complete and the colors are the most saturated.	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(golden Period)
July 25th-August 10th	The flowers are still magnificent, and some parts have begun to turn yellow.	⭐⭐⭐⭐
After August 10	Harvesting began, and the sea of flowers gradually disappeared.	⭐⭐

📅 Suggestion: Tourists planning to go should try their best to arrange in mid-July, and pay attention to the local flower information in advance (real-time information can be obtained through the “Menyuan Cultural Tourism” public account).

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7. Precautions and Travel tips

1. Wearing recommendations: The temperature difference between day and night in the plateau is large, about 18-25℃ during the day, and it can drop to 5℃ at night. You need to prepare a windproof and warm jacket, jacket, hat, and sunglasses. Avoid wearing short skirts and shorts that are exposed for a long time.
2. Sun protection and anti-high reflection: Ultraviolet rays are extremely strong, so be sure to apply high-magnification sunscreen and wear a sun hat; a few people may experience mild altitude sickness. It is recommended to slow down and avoid strenuous exercise.
3. Respect farmland: Please do not step on flower fields, pick rapeseed flowers or destroy crops. Civilized viewing is the most basic respect for local farmers.
4. Environmentally friendly travel: Please do not litter, especially plastic bottles, food packaging, etc., to protect the fragile ecological environment of the plateau.
5. Photography advice：
   • Early morning (6:00-8:00): The light is soft and the mist is misty, which is suitable for shooting artistic blockbusters.；
   • Evening (18:00-20:00): Oblique shots of the setting sun, the sea of flowers is golden, suitable for silhouettes and character photos；
   • Use a wide-angle lens to take panoramic views, and a telephoto lens to capture details.
6. Accommodation options: You can stay in Menyuan County City (Haomen Town) or Qingshizui Town. The conditions are mature, the bed and breakfast and hotel are complete, and the price is moderate. If the itinerary is compact, you can also travel to and from Xining on the same day.

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8. Conclusion: A golden pilgrimage belonging to summer

The source of rapeseed flower is not just a flower, but also a kind of faith-awe of nature and praise for life. When you stand on the top of Dabhan Mountain and watch the golden waves surging, the snow-capped mountains towering, and the bees flying and butterflies dancing, you will understand: this is not just a trip, but a baptism of the soul.

Every July, let us meet under the Qilian Mountains and encounter China’s purest and most magnificent summer scenery in this golden ocean closest to the sky. Menyuan rapeseed flower, waiting for you to witness.