Daotang River (倒淌河), located in the northwest of China, originates from the western side of Sun and Moon Mountain. It stretches over 40 kilometers and is a seasonal river sustained by snowmelt and rainfall. Though it is the smallest branch of the Qinghai Lake water system, Daotang River is unique due to its westward flow, a rare phenomenon in China, where most rivers flow eastward due to the country’s topography. This unusual characteristic gives the river its name, “Daotang River,” meaning “reversed flow river.”
The river is steeped in legend, with various stories passed down over centuries. The most famous tale, prominent among the Han Chinese, involves Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. In the 7th century, Princess Wencheng was sent to marry the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to foster relations between the Han and Tibetan people. On her journey to Tibet, she reached Sun and Moon Mountain, from where she turned back to gaze at her homeland of Chang’an. Seeing nothing but barren land to the west and consumed by homesickness and longing for her family, the princess wept bitterly. It is said that her tears flowed westward, creating the Daotang River.
Geologists offer a different explanation. Over 200 million years ago, tectonic movements caused the formation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and Qinghai Lake became a completely enclosed body of water. This geological change forced the river to reverse its course, flowing westward into Qinghai Lake.
Visitors to the Daotang River can enjoy a mix of scenic and cultural experiences. To the east, the landscape offers idyllic views of farmlands, while to the west, the vast blue waters of Qinghai Lake stretch into the distance. The area offers activities like horseback riding and opportunities to explore Tibetan culture in local exhibition halls. Tourists can also observe the famous Tibetan Mastiff, try on traditional ethnic clothing, and take memorable photographs.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 40 RMB included in the ticket for Sun and Moon Mountain |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0974-5940686 |
Location and Transportation
Daotang River is located near the Xidao First-Class Highway in Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China. This area is situated on the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, close to Sun and Moon Mountain and Qinghai Lake.
Regular buses generally pass by Sun and Moon Mountain without stopping, but passengers can catch a glimpse of it from inside the vehicle. Buses heading to destinations like Qinghai Lake, Hatu, and Wulan pass through this area.
If you opt for a private car, you can make a stop at Sun and Moon Mountain to take photos. Renting a private car from Xining for a trip around Qinghai Lake typically takes about 2-3 days, with the cost of a small car ranging from 400 to 500 yuan per day.
