A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Kongtong Mountain and Surrounding Cuisine

—— I. Overview and Practical Information for Kongtong Mountain Kongtong Mountain, one of the birthplaces of Taoism, features a beautiful combination of Danxia landforms and ancient architectural complexes. The main peak is 2,123m above sea level. Advantages of visiting in April: After the spring snow melts, the mountain springs are abundant, azaleas are in full bloom from Zhongtai to Xiangshan, and you can avoid the peak crowds of the May Day holiday. Ticket Policy: • Full price ticket: CNY 120 (including scenic area transportation to Zhongtai) • 20% discount with a student ID/senior citizen card • Hidden perk: Make a reservation in advance on the "Kongtongshan Wenlv" WeChat official account to receive a free tea coupon for the Xiangshan Viewing Platform —— II. Transportation and Accommodation Guide 1. Transportation Guide: ① Pingliang Railway Station to the scenic area: Taxi approx. CNY 35 (it is recommended to book via Didi to avoid price increases from unlicensed taxis) ② Self-driving parking: The parking lot at the east gate of the scenic area costs CNY 20/day. It is recommended to arrive before 8:30am to park closer to the shuttle bus location. ③ Tested time-saving route: Take the first shuttle bus at 7:00am directly to Zhongtai, which saves 1.5 hours compared to walking up the mountain. 2. Accommodation Recommendations: ① High-end: Kongtong Mountain Villa (the only star-rated hotel in the scenic area, with views of the Hunyuan Pavilion from the window; off-season price approx. CNY 680/night) ② Cost-effective: Guangchen Inn B&B (800m from the east gate, provides free hiking poles, CNY 150 per person) —— III. Must-Visit Attractions and Hidden Gems 1. Classic Route (6–8 hours): Zhongtai > Qipan Ridge (Glass Viewing Platform) > Leisheng Peak (Iron Chain Climbing Section) > Xiangshan Temple > Tongtian Bridge (Sunset Viewing Point) 2. Leisheng Peak Experience: Walking on the iron chain bridge in the clouds and mist after rain, the most dreamlike experience is when visibility is less than 10m. 3. Photo Tip: The ancient pine platform on the west side of Xiangshan Temple is perfect for taking silhouettes when the sun penetrates the mist at 10am. 4. Lesser-Known Gems: ① Yaowang Cave: Requires a guide (CNY 50/person). The cave contains existing Ming Dynasty medicine-collecting tools. ② Tanzheng Lake Night Tour: Lighted bamboo rafts are available every Friday and Saturday evening from April (CNY 80/person). The lake reflects the stars, moon, and mountain shadows. —— IV. Food Map and Must-Try List 1. Refreshment Stations in the Scenic Area: ① Zhongtai Vegetarian Restaurant: Recommended: mushroom and tofu buns (CNY 5/piece), made with Kongtong Mountain spring water ② Leisheng Peak Tea Stall: Ancient method of brewing codonopsis pilosula honey water (CNY 10/cup) to relieve mountain climbing fatigue 2. Food Scene at the Foot of the Mountain (concentrated in Santianmen Ancient Town): | Category | Recommended Store | Signature Dish | Price per Person | Experience Highlights | | Mutton | Lao Majia Braised Mutton | Bone-in braised mutton ribs | CNY 68 | Stewed in a pottery pot for 4 hours, served with Longdong black wheat cake | | Noodles | Zhouji Heluo Noodle Restaurant | Sour soup buckwheat noodles | CNY 15 | Century-old soup recipe, free refills | | Snacks | Zhang's Fried Bola | Fried mutton offal bola | CNY 30 | Teppanyaki flame show, served with exclusive Elaeagnus angustifolia tea | | Desserts | Longxiangzhai | Walnut oil pastry | CNY 8 | Freshly baked flaky crust, limited to 200 pieces per day | 3. Night Market Guide: Xinmin South Road Food Street (open 18:00–23:00): ① Must-try: Jingning roasted chicken (look for stalls with the "Intangible Cultural Heritage Certification" sign) ② Avoid: "Wild fern root noodles" priced below CNY 10 are mostly starch products —— V. Anti-Pitfalls Guide and Seasonal Tips 1. Shopping Traps: ① Be cautious when buying "wild lingzhi" on the roadside. Genuine products cost no less than CNY 300/50g on the market. ② Recommended souvenir: Artemisia argyi sachets from the Kongtong Mountain Taoist Medical Hall (CNY 38/piece), mosquito repellent effect tested to last over 6 hours 2. Exclusive Reminders for April: ① The temperature difference between day and night reaches 15℃, so it is recommended to dress in layers (fleece + windproof jacket). ② Cable car maintenance day: Suspended operation every Wednesday afternoon, pay attention to avoid this when planning your route. —— VI. Recommended Itinerary Combinations Two-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour: Day 1: Climb the mountain early to see the sea of clouds > Vegetarian lunch experience > Explore Yaowang Cave in the afternoon > Stay overnight in the mountain villa to watch the stars Day 2: Ancient town intangible cultural heritage morning market (7:00–9:00) > Pingliang Museum (free visit to bronze artifacts from the Warring States period) > Purchase walnut oil pastries before returning