Aba Moon Bay: A Pastoral Symphony Under the Starry Sky on the Grassland

🌙 Encounter the most graceful river bend at 3,500 meters above sea level
When the Bai River carves a crescent-shaped curve across the Hongyuan Grassland, you'll understand why Tibetan locals call it "Moon Bay." At dawn when the mist lingers, the river flows like a silver ribbon across the prairie; at sunset, the entire bend turns golden, with herdsmen's tents sending up wisps of smoke, creating a scene as beautiful as a flowing oil painting.

Best viewing periods:
- June-August (lush green grasslands with wildflowers in full bloom)
- September-October (golden autumn grass with rich colors)
- Sunrise/sunset (the most magical moments of light and shadow)

📸 In-depth experience guide
1⃣ Panoramic view from the observation deck
Climb the wooden observation deck for a bird's-eye view of Moon Bay. At dawn, herdsmen often drive yak herds along the riverbank—perfect for stunning photos.

2⃣ Leisurely horseback riding on the grassland
Choose a gentle grassland horse and let a Tibetan guide lead you along the river (remember to bargain, usually ¥50-80/hour). As the horse treads through wildflowers, butterflies will flutter around you.

3⃣ Overnight in a stargazing tent
The glass-ceiling tents in the scenic area offer unforgettable experiences—lift the curtain to see the Milky Way at night. Cold-sensitive visitors can opt for heated glass cabins with floor heating and electric blankets.

🏕 Stay amidst the scenery
- Hotels in Hongyuan County: Recommend "Homeland Hotel" with oxygen-enriched rooms to combat altitude sickness and distinctive Tibetan decor
- Grassland homestays: Experience authentic herdsmen's tents, sipping butter tea by the stove while listening to their melodious pastoral songs

🍵 Must-try grassland delicacies
- Yak hotpot: "The First Pot on Grassland" uses 8-hour-simmered yak bone broth with freshly sliced tender yak meat
- Yogurt tsampa: Homemade yogurt paired with roasted barley flour—sweet, sour, and fragrant, a perfect remedy for altitude sickness

⚠ Tips to avoid pitfalls
❌ Beware sudden weather changes: Prairie weather shifts unpredictably—bring down jackets even in midsummer
❌ Be cautious with "wild mushrooms": Roadside "matsutake" might be ordinary mushrooms—purchase from certified specialty stores
❌ Avoid stepping on pika holes: These delicate creatures' burrows are hard to restore once damaged

🌠 Final gentle reminder
When sunset paints Moon Bay rose gold, follow local tradition by placing a white stone on the riverside mani pile. Every bend here whispers: the most beautiful scenery isn't the destination, but the curves that make us pause. Bring a glass bottle to capture prairie wind scented with wildflowers—Moon Bay's natural souvenir for you.