Exploring Kongtong Mountain, the Home of Kung Fu

### 🌄 **Kongtong Mountain Travel Guide: The Top Taoist Mountain and a Pilgrimage Site for Martial Arts Fans!** **——A Complete Guide to Tickets/Transportation/Must-See Attractions/Money-Saving Tips——** --- ## **📍 Basic Information** - **Address**: Kongtong District, Pingliang City, Gansu Province - **Tickets**: Peak season (April–October): CNY 110; Off-season (November–March): CNY 55 - **Opening hours**: 7:30am–6:30pm (last entry at 4:30pm) - **Suggested visiting time**: 1 day (5–6 hours for hiking) --- ## **🚗 Transportation** ### **1. How to get to Kongtong Mountain?** - **From Lanzhou**: - 🚄 **High-speed rail**: Lanzhou West → Pingliang (2.5 hours, approx. CNY 100) → Taxi to Kongtong Mountain (CNY 20) - 🚌 **Bus**: Lanzhou East Bus Station → Pingliang (4 hours, CNY 80) - **From Xi'an**: - 🚄 **High-speed rail**: Xi'an North → Pingliang (2 hours, CNY 120) ### **2. Transportation within the scenic area** - **Sightseeing bus**: CNY 32 one way (foot of the mountain → Zhongtai, saves 2 hours of hiking) - **Cable car**: CNY 50 one way (Xiangshan Temple → Huangcheng, optional) --- ## **🗺️ Must-See Attractions & Recommended Routes** ### **1. Classic one-day tour route (suitable for those with average physical fitness)** **Visitor Center → Sightseeing bus to Zhongtai → Chaotian Gate → Yaowang Cave → Huangcheng → Leisheng Peak → Xiangshan Temple → Cable car/walk down the mountain** ### **2. Hiking challenge route (suitable for hiking enthusiasts)** **Visitor Center → Tanzheng Lake → Shiwangou → Zhongtai → Huangcheng → Leisheng Peak → Xiangshan Temple → Walk down the mountain** ### **🔥 Must-See Attractions** 1. **Huangcheng (highest point of Kongtong Mountain)** - Taoist temple complex, panoramic views from the top 2. **Leisheng Peak** - Steep and perilous peak, legendary site where the Yellow Emperor asked Guangchengzi for advice 3. **Xiangshan Temple** - Buddhist temple, forming a unique contrast with the Taoist architecture 4. **Tanzheng Lake** - Lake at the foot of the mountain, suitable for taking photos and resting --- ## **🏨 Accommodation Recommendations (Budget-friendly)** ### **1. At the foot of the mountain (convenient for early morning hiking)** - **Pingliang Kongtong Ancient Town Inn** - Price: CNY 100–150/night - Advantages: Close to the scenic area, ancient-style architecture - **7 Days Inn (Pingliang West Bus Station)** - Price: CNY 120–180/night - Advantages: Clean and comfortable, convenient transportation ### **2. On the mountain (suitable for watching the sunrise)** - **Kongtong Mountain Taoist Association Guesthouse** - Price: CNY 150–200/night (including breakfast) - Advantages: Excellent location, enjoy the sea of clouds in the early morning --- ## **🍜 Food Recommendations** - **Pingliang Mutton Paomo**: Lao Ma Jia Mutton Paomo (CNY 25 per person) - **Jingning Roasted Chicken**: Available in Kongtong Ancient Town - **Taoist vegetarian cuisine**: Available at Taoist temples near Huangcheng (CNY 30/person) --- ## **💰 Money-Saving Tips** 1. **Ticket discounts**: - Half price for student IDs - Gansu Cultural Tourism Vouchers can sometimes be used for discounts 2. **Bring your own snacks**: Food on the mountain is expensive (instant noodles CNY 15) 3. **Enter the park early**: Enter before 7:30am to avoid crowds --- ## **⚠️ Precautions** 1. **Clothing**: Non-slip sports shoes are a must! Some sections are steep. 2. **Weather**: Mountain weather is changeable, bring rain gear/sunscreen. 3. **Cash**: Some Taoist temples only accept cash (donation boxes). --- ## **💡 Hidden Gems** - **Night tour of Kongtong Ancient Town**: Free light show (starts at 8:00pm) - **Collect stamps**: Free souvenir stamps are available at various Taoist temples. - **Easter eggs for martial arts fans**: Look for the inscription by Jin Yong ("Kongtong martial arts, renowned in the western frontier"). --- **📌 Ultimate suggestion**: Kongtong Mountain combines Taoist culture, martial arts legends, and stunning Danxia landforms. It is recommended to wear Hanfu/martial arts-style clothing for photos and post on social media with the caption: **"The world of martial arts is not far away, it's right here on the top of Kongtong!"**