Q:Why you want to walk around the Qinghai Lake?
A:There are two reasons. The first is to respect the god of Qinghai Lake. The second is to steel myself.

Q:The way is so long and how can you live on?
A:Well, I put all my things such as tent, quilt, lunchbox and medicine on a cart. I go ahead while kowtowing for 100 meters and then come back to pull my cart. If there is house nearby, I’d like ask for some food and they treated me as their friend. If there is no house, I will cook by myself.

Q:How many days have you been here?
A:I have walked for 60 days, and about 20 days later I will finish my journey.

Q:Would you tell us something about walking around mountain?
A:Well, it is also a way to respect the god of mountain. It’s believed that people can bless good fortune and happiness for their family by waling around the mountain. Usually, it cost more than one week for the whole journey.

Time: 2006-10-8, 10：30－11：00
Interviewing at: Mountain Riyue
Interviewee: administrative staff of Mountain Riyue
Recorded by: Cao Yuan-zhang

Q:Would you briefly introduce the Mountain Riyue?
A:Yes, the Riyue Mountain was called Russet Ridge during the Tang Dynasty, because of its sunset mountaintop. With the highest peak reaching 4,877m above sea level, it extends tens of kilometers southward from Gahai, a small lake east of the Qinghai Lake, to Qunjia in Huangzhong County. It is the watershed between outflowing and continental rivers, and the natural demarcation line between the eastern agricultural area and the western pastoral area in Qinghai Province. Standing on the top of the mountain and looking to the east. You can see villages lying on terraced fields connected by crisscross footpaths, green crops growing sturdily and rapes blossoming in yellow flowers. Looking to the west then, you will get a full sight of continuous mountains and vast grasslands with white sheep, black yaks and brown horses scattered here and there. Precipitously and strategically located, the Riyue Mountain has always been a vital communication pass between Central China and the southwest frontiers. It provides a natural defense for the Qinghai Lake.

Q:What’s the story about Daotang River?
A:Daotang River, originates from Riyue Mount in the east, flows more than 40km westward Qinghai Lake. Compared to rainbow, it’s believed to a river with female characteristics. In spring, it is slender and delicate; in autumn, it becomes plump and wide. Unlike Changjiang River and Huang River’s big wave, it is mild and soft, insisting on its own direction, which is similar to a western woman’s characteristic.