Kongtong Mountain

Kongtong Mountain, located 15 kilometers west of the Pingliang City in Gansu Province, has been known since ancient times as 'the number one mountain of Taoism in China.' It is a strategic pass on the Silk Road leading out of the Guanzhong area, connecting to the Liupan Mountain in the west, overlooking the Guanzhong Plain in the east, relying on the Guan Mountains in the south, and standing against the Xiao Pass in the north. The Jing River and the Yan River embrace it from the south and the north, converging in front of the main peak, Wangjia Mountain. The altitude ranges between 1456 and 2123.5 meters, with a vertical height of 667.5 meters, and the main peak is 2123 meters above sea level. The forest coverage rate is over 95%, with a total area of 83.6 square kilometers. Legend has it that Xuanyuan Huangdi, revered as the progenitor of Chinese civilization, once visited Kongtong Mountain to seek advice from the sage Guangchengzi on the art of governance and health preservation. Emperors like Qin Shi Huang and Han Wudi also climbed the mountain due to its fame, and literati such as Sima Qian, Du Fu, Bai Juyi, Zhao Shichun, Lin Zexu, and Tan Sitong have praised it in their writings.

"The spring rain surprises the clear valley sky in spring, and the summer is full of the heat connected with the summer of grain. The autumn dew falls with the cold frost of autumn, and the winter snow brings the severe cold of the little and big cold." The catchy song of the twenty-four solar terms, with twenty-four Chinese characters, represents the wisdom of the Chinese nation that has been passed down for thousands of years. It is an eternal melody of the Chinese land, 'on repeat' but never lacking in vitality and vigor. Kongtong Mountain is located in Pingliang, Gansu Overlooking Xi'an to the east, connecting to Lanzhou in the west, neighboring Baoji to the south, and reaching Yinchuan to the north Jing River and Yan River embrace it from the south and the north It is the fortress of the ancient Silk Road exiting the Guanzhong area Since ancient times, it has been known as 'the first mountain of Taoism in China' Kongtong Mountain is reputed for its beauty as 'the most beautiful under heaven'

⛰️ Kongtong Mountain - the first mountain of Chinese Taoism. Located 12 kilometers west of Pingliang City, Gansu Province, overlooking Xi'an in the east, connecting Lanzhou in the west, neighboring Baoji in the south, and reaching Yinchuan in the north, it is a key point on the ancient Silk Road. The natural landscape is peculiar and beautiful, and the cultural landscape is simple and exquisite, with extremely high ornamental, cultural and scientific research value. ⛰️ The main peak is 2123 meters above sea level, with majestic peaks and cliffs, like the work of gods; beautiful forests and ravines, shrouded in smoke and fog, like a fairyland; high gorges and flat lakes, blending with the mountains and waters, possessing the charm of the Li River. It has been known as the 'first mountain in the west' and 'wonderful sight in the west' since ancient times. 🏃‍♂️ Hardcore hiking route 1⃣️ Drive from the city or take bus No. 13/21 directly to 'Kongtong Mountain East Gate' - 1400 steps to (Middle Platform), take pictures and stroll around, about 1.5 hours 2⃣️ There are two routes from the Middle Platform, first go to the East Platform, the core is the Pagoda Courtyard, very beautiful~ about 30-40 minutes to finish 3⃣️ Then return to the Middle Platform, go to the West Platform, take the straight ladder, pass the 'Emperor Huang's Questioning Place', continue to 'Tiantai Mountain', about 1 hour⏰ 4⃣️ From Tiantai Mountain, continue to climb the steps to 'Imperial City', about 40 minutes 5⃣️ Down from the Imperial City, the No. 48 shuttle bus 🚎 goes directly to the Kongtong Ancient City at the foot of the mountain 🚗 Transportation ▶️ Pingliang does not have a high-speed rail station, you can take a train to this small city in the northwest, and climb the main hit a special soldier on the same day. ▶️ Take bus No. 13 to Kongtong Ancient Town or Kongtong Mountain. ▶️ Payment method WeChat Mini Program Bus Code Select Pingliang Bus Code. 🎫 Tickets ➡️ Adult ticket 114, senior ticket, student ticket half price 57 ➡️ Kongtong Mountain is divided into off-season and peak season, after November is the off-season 🍟 About food Halal food can be seen everywhere in Pingliang City, and the price of noodles is about 11 yuan. A small bowl is enough for girls, the quantity is large. 👀 Recommendation: Mutton Paomo! It's not quite the same as Xi'an's, you have to tear the bread and soak it in the soup here. There's a lot of mutton! Although the southern buddies can't eat spicy 🌶️, they must put chili, it's flavorful! Mountain Climbing Temple Mother Palace Grottoes Paomo

🏞️ Hidden in the vast northwest, in Pingliang City of Gansu Province, lies a transcendental fairyland—Kongtong Mountain. It is not only a treasure of Taoist culture but also a solitary green emerald 🌿 on the Silk Road heading west. 🌞❄️ Can you imagine? In this Loess Plateau, there is a cool world with a forest coverage rate of 95%, where the average summer temperature is no more than 25℃, making it an excellent choice for summer retreat! 🚗🚗 Travel Tips ✈️ Attention please, although Pingliang has not yet opened high-speed rail service, taking a train or driving are both good choices. 🚌 Bus No. 13 is your exclusive wind messenger💨, heading straight to Kongtong ancient town or the foot of the mountain, no need to wait anxiously. Before 6 pm, the bus is still on duty, perfectly connecting with the closing time of the park at 7 pm🕒. 🎟️🎟️ Ticket Strategy 🎫 The ticket to Kongtong Mountain is like a token through time 💰 The peak season price is only 55 yuan/person, and it drops to 110 yuan/person in the off-season, while the package ticket including bus is 155 yuan/person, which is economical and worry-free. ❗ The ticket for the descent from the Central Platform must be purchased on-site, 32 yuan/person, and the cable car round trip allows you to enjoy a stroll in the clouds for just 50 yuan/person🚠. 🗺️🗺️ Hiking Guide 💪 The true warrior's route: Hike the entire way, challenge yourself, with an estimated time of 6 hours, a supreme test for body and mind! 🏞️ Leisurely mid-mountain tour: Take the bus to the Central Platform, hike to the top of Xiangshan, saving energy while still having fun. 🚠 Take the cable car up and walk down lightly, enjoying the scenery along the way, a blessing for the lazy! 💫💫 Highlights Focus 🏰 The architectural complex of Kongtong Mountain spans east to west, with the Buddha's light shining in the east and the Taoist wind sweeping the west. The number of Taoist temples far exceeds that of Buddhist temples, demonstrating the harmonious coexistence of both religions and the inclusiveness of Chinese culture. 🗡️ For fans of martial arts novels, this is not only one of the 'Nine Great Sects' in the works of Jin Yong and Gu Long, but also the starting place of that indelible dream of the Jianghu in their hearts! 📝📝 Practical Tips: ✅ For those without a ticket, start your journey from the last bus stop. 🚫 You can bypass the South Platform, and the West Platform is under renovation, do not enter. 👣 After leaving the Imperial City, visit the Three Religions Cave and the Twelve Marshals Cave in order. Remember, resist the temptation of the Heavenly Ladder, it's a test for your legs! Return to the Imperial City, walk along the Chessboard Ridge, enjoy the picturesque scenery, continue to the Nine Heavens Goddess Temple, and finally to the Chaotian Gate, take the vehicle down from the Central Platform, concluding the trip perfectly🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️. 👟👟 Dressing Advice 👟 Dress lightly, sports shoes are the best companion, and don't forget sunscreen, the sun is nice but sunburn is not fun! 🛍️🛍️ Mountain Top Surprises 💎 Creative shops await you to discover treasures, Imperial City cold noodles are unforgettable, mountain snacks are reasonably priced, bring your own food and drink, and travel worry-free!🍲🥤

Kongtong Mountain is located in Pingliang City, Gansu Province, and is a fortress for the ancient Silk Road to exit Guanzhong. The scenic area covers an area of 84 square kilometers, the main peak is 2123 meters above sea level, and the forest coverage rate is 95%. The solemn and elegant eight platforms, nine palaces, twelve courtyards, forty-two building groups, and seventy-two stone mansions and caves are magnificent and profound, combining the strange and beautiful natural landscape and the simple and exquisite cultural landscape. It has extremely high ornamental, cultural and scientific research value. It is said that Guangchengzi once practiced immortality on Kongtong Mountain. Guangchengzi is the predecessor of Laozi, and Laozi is the ancestor of Taoism, so it has the reputation of "the first mountain of Chinese Taoism". Scenic area guide map (Figure 2), there are mainly two ways to visit: 1. Take the scenic area car or cable car (South Gate) to the Central Platform (mid-mountain), first visit the surrounding attractions of the Central Platform, and then start climbing from the Central Platform, climbing and visiting until the end of Xiangshan (mountaintop), and then take the car directly from Xiangshan Return to Kongtong Ancient Town. Or just climb to the Imperial City, return to the Central Platform after visiting the Imperial City, and return to Kongtong Ancient Town by car or cable car from the Central Platform. 2. Take the scenic area car directly to Xiangshan (mountaintop), and then walk down, visit while going down the mountain, until the Central Platform (mid-mountain), then visit the surrounding attractions of the Central Platform, and finally return to Kongtong Ancient Town by car from the Central Platform. 3. Self-driving to the East Gate, take the scenic area car or walk to the Central Platform, and then visit in the same way as the first 4. There seems to be another boat route, I didn't go to study Xiangshan Temple (Xiangshan View) (Figure 3), it has been prosperous and declined several times after the Song and Yuan Dynasties, and was rebuilt in the 29th year of the Republic of China. Although Xiangshan Temple is called a "temple", it is presided over by a Taoist priest, which is also a unique religious phenomenon of Kongtong Mountain Imperial City (Figure 4), also known as Taihe Palace, was created in the Qian De period of the Song Dynasty, and was changed to worship Sakyamuni Buddha in the Yuan Dynasty, known as Chong Buddha Pavilion. During the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, Han Wang, who was stationed in Pingliang, and his wife Guo donated money to expand again, becoming the main building of Taoism on Kongtong Mountain. The Imperial City covers an area of about 200 square meters. The architectural style is a palace on the palace, a palace in the palace, and a palace hidden behind the palace. It is built in imitation of Chinese palace architecture and is the most complete group of Ming Dynasty buildings preserved on Kongtong Mountain. Tianxian Palace (Figure 5), commonly known as Zisun Palace, is located on the left side of the Imperial City. It is a Siheyuan-style building. The south-facing one is Xuanyuan Hall, and the north-facing one is Zixiao Hall. Sanjiao Cave (Figure 6), the cave enshrines the founders of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Laozi is in the middle, and Sakyamuni and Confucius are on both sides. Sanjiao Cave was originally a Taoist place, and later evolved into a coexistence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Lanyun Pavilion (Figure 7), here you can see the basic layout of the Wutai Scenic Area of Kongtong Mountain, and the flat land on the lower right is the Central Platform. With the Central Platform as the center, you can choose different directions to go to the other four platforms in the east, south, west, and north. Danqin Lake (Kongtong Reservoir) (Figure 8), located under the South Gate of Kongtong Mountain, a reservoir formed by building a dam on the Jing River. Shangtian Ladder (Figure 9), originated from the religious meaning of communication with heaven, was built in the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty, and was presided over by Renzhi Zen Master, the founder of Kongtong Mountain. After renovation, the total number of steps is now 378. "One step is only one inch, the gate of heaven climbs the iron pillar; if you walk here, you can get on the road to heaven", this is also the only way to ascend the Imperial City. Yaowang Cave (Figure 10), was built in the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. The cave is carved with the statue of "Sitting Tiger and Needle Dragon" by Yaosheng Sun Simiao. In the spring of 1993, two east-facing stone caves were newly excavated on the left and right sides, each with colored sculptures of Bian Que and Hua Tuo. Candle Peak (Figure 11), southeast of Yaowang Cave, a typical solitary peak, the peak is more than 50 meters high. Chaotianmen (Figure 12), is the main thoroughfare for communication with the top, it was built in the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, it is a plaque-style building, called a day gate, with four great heavenly kings carved inside. Sanhuang Tower (Figure 13), was built in the third year of Xuantong in the Qing Dynasty, with colored sculptures of the three ancient emperors, the Emperor of Heaven, Shennong, and the Emperor of Man, Xuanyuan Huangdi. The four titles of Kongtong Mountain are listed on the front: National Key Scenic Spot, National First Batch 5A Tourist Scenic Spot, Kongtong Mountain National Geological Park, Taizong-Kongtong Mountain National Nature Reserve. Lingkong Tower (Figure 14), located in the tower courtyard of Kongtong Mountain, was built in the seventh year of Tian Sheng in the Northern Song Dynasty. The tower is an octagonal seven-story pavilion-style hollow brick tower, facing north and south, 32 meters high, with a circumference of 32 meters at the bottom. Its "Ancient Tower Supports Pine" is known as a great wonder of Kongtong Mountain. PS: 1. What I know about Kongtong comes from martial arts novels. It is said that in the famous work "Flying Swallow Shocking Dragon" published in 1958, there is a description of the Kongtong faction. I remember Yang Menghuan played by Er Dongsheng, but I don’t have any impression of Kongtong in this martial arts drama. The most impressive thing is Jin Yong's "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber". As a tourist attraction, it is not as famous as Emei Wudang Shaolin. Despite this, its scenery is unexpected. There is a stone tablet inscribed by Jin Yong in the Kongtong Central Platform, but unfortunately the previous strategy was not fully done, and I regret missing it. 2. If you want to visit in depth, it is estimated that one day is not enough. We only visited some of the attractions in Xiangshan and Wutai Scenic Area, that is, the main line from Xiangshan to Central Platform, and did not go to the fork. 3. Those who are physically unfit are advised to follow our route, that is, first take the scenic area tour bus to Xiangshan, and then go down to the Central Platform, and take the scenic area tour bus back to the visitor center from the Central Platform. This way of touring is more comfortable, and it is basically downhill. 4. It is recommended to stay at the foot of the mountain the day before, and go up the mountain early the next day to avoid queuing for the car. When we left the scenic area, the roads on both sides were already full of self-driving cars. Although Kongtong is low-key, there are still many tourists.

Mount Kongtong is located in Pingliang City, Gansu Province, and was a strategic pass on the ancient Silk Road. It is also the birthplace of many past emperors. The Mount Kongtong scenic area has long been renowned for its beauty, with the saying 'The scenery of Mount Kongtong is the most exquisite under heaven.' Not only does it boast beautiful Danxia landforms, but it also has many cultural relics. Attractions such as the Chaoyang Cave, Leisheng Peak, Lotus Temple, and Zhenwu Hall are all worth visiting.

🔔Introduction: Kongtong Mountain is located in the Kongtong District of Pingliang City, with the main peak at an altitude of 2123 meters. It has been known as "the number one mountain of Taoism in China" since ancient times. ---- 📷Tour Guide: There are three ways to go up the mountain: 1⃣️ Sightseeing bus; 2⃣️ Cable car; 3⃣️ Hiking. 🌈The sightseeing bus has two routes: 1⃣️ Tourist Center - Zhongtai (32 yuan); 2⃣️ Tourist Center - Xiangshan Temple (48 yuan); 🌈The cable car runs from the Tourist Center to Zhongtai and back (one-way 50 yuan); 🌈Hiking entrances are at the East Gate, South Gate, and West Gate. 🌟It is recommended to take the sightseeing bus to the highest point, Xiangshan Temple, and then walk to Zhongtai. This way, the whole journey is downhill. Finally, take the sightseeing bus or cable car back to the Tourist Center. You can visit the following attractions in this order: 1⃣️ Take the sightseeing bus from the Tourist Center for about 40 minutes to reach the highest point, Xiangshan Temple, at an altitude of 2123 meters; 2⃣️ After getting off the bus, Xiangshan Temple is nearby. Descend the steps for about 20 minutes to reach Huangcheng; 3⃣️ Huangcheng, also known as "Taihe Palace", has a plaque with "Extremely Steep" hanging on the main gate, with bell and drum towers on both sides, and eight large halls, which are the most important Taoist buildings on Kongtong Mountain; 4⃣️ Pass through the Three Religions Cave, the Hall of Twelve Marshals, and the Needle Grinding View to reach Lanyun Pavilion, where you can overlook the entire Zhongtai; 5⃣️ Next is the most dangerous part of Kongtong Mountain, the Sky Ladder, with steps at an angle of sixty to seventy degrees. Remember to hold onto the iron chains for safety, and you will pass by the place where the Yellow Emperor sought the Tao; 6⃣️ After descending, you will reach Chaotian Gate, with a plaque bearing the three characters "Kongtong Mountain"; 7⃣️ Not far from there is Zhongtai, where you can find the Pagoda Courtyard and the Falun Zen Temple. The chanting and bell sounds in the temple echo softly in the clouds, making any hasty visitor involuntarily soften their gaze and breathe more gently; 8⃣️ Take the sightseeing bus or cable car back to the Tourist Center; 9⃣️ Kongtong Ancient Town is right next to the Tourist Center, where you can dine. Be sure to try the sugar oil cakes from Yangjiabao, with their crispy crust and sweet filling. 🌟To summarize the tour route: Tourist Center ➡️ (by sightseeing bus) Xiangshan Temple ➡️ Huangcheng ➡️ Three Religions Cave ➡️ Hall of Twelve Marshals ➡️ Needle Grinding View ➡️ Lanyun Pavilion ➡️ Sky Ladder ➡️ Yellow Emperor's Tao Seeking ➡️ Chaotian Gate ➡️ Zhongtai ➡️ Pagoda Courtyard ➡️ Falun Zen Temple ➡️ (by sightseeing bus or cable car) Tourist Center ➡️ Kongtong Ancient Town. ---- 📍Address: Kongtong Town, Kongtong District, Pingliang City. ---- 🚗Transportation: Take bus No. 9 or 13, get off at Kongtong Ancient Town station. ---- 🕙Opening Hours: 6:00-18:00 (entry stops at 16:30). ---- 💰Ticket Price: 110 yuan; Cable car one-way 50 yuan; Sightseeing bus to Zhongtai 32 yuan, to Xiangshan Temple 48 yuan.