Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area is located in Kongtong District, Pingliang City, Gansu Province. As one of the first national 5A-level tourist attractions, a national geopark, a national nature reserve, and a national key scenic area, it is also one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China. The scenic area covers a total planned area of 84 square kilometers, with an altitude ranging from 1,456 to 2,123.5 meters, a vertical height of 667.5 meters, and a main peak altitude of 2,123 meters. With typical Danxia landforms and a forest coverage rate of over 95%, the area features towering peaks, precipitous cliffs, vast forests shrouded in mist, and clear streams, creating a fairyland-like landscape that combines the majesty of northern mountains with the elegance of southern scenery. The scenic area also boasts numerous ancient buildings, basically restoring the 42 architectural complexes of the historically renowned "Nine Palaces, Eight Terraces, and Twelve Courtyards."
History and Culture
Kongtong Mountain is the legendary hermitage of Guangchengzi, a Taoist immortal, and is renowned as the "First Mountain of Taoism Under Heaven." After defeating Chi You, the ancestor of the Chinese nation, Xuanyuan Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor) visited here to seek advice from Guangchengzi on state governance and the art of health preservation. From the Yellow Emperor's inquiry about the Tao to emperors such as Qin Shi Huang, Han Wu Di, Tang Tai Zong, and Ming Cheng Zu, many rulers personally visited Kongtong Mountain, either to seek immortality and Taoist wisdom or to perform fengshan ceremonies (rituals of worship to heaven and earth).
During the Qin and Han dynasties, Kongtong Mountain was a vital passage on the Jitou Road, a major east-west thoroughfare connecting central China with the West. After the unification of the Sui Dynasty, monks and Taoists successively established temples and monasteries here. In the Tang Dynasty, Zen Master Renzhi built multiple temples, Taoist monasteries, and pagoda complexes on Kongtong Mountain, including Xuanyuan Palace and Shuhua Temple. Emperor Cheng Zu of the Ming Dynasty (Zhu Di) issued an imperial stele in Kongtong Mountain, explicitly decreeing the protection of its monasteries and temples, thereby making it a northern Taoist sanctuary for the Ming imperial family.
The mountain also embodies a historical culture of "the unity of the three teachings" (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism), and numerous scholars and poets have left behind verses inspired by its grandeur.
Main Attractions
Imperial City (Huangcheng)
Located on Mazong Mountain, the main peak of Kongtong Mountain, the Imperial City (Taihe Palace) is the main Taoist structure of the mountain and the best-preserved group of Ming Dynasty buildings in Kongtong Mountain. It includes eight main halls such as the Lingguan Hall and Taibai Hall, covering an area of about 200 square meters, with a architectural style featuring "halls built upon halls, halls within halls, and halls hidden behind halls."
Yuhuang Tower
Located behind the Zhenwu Grand Hall, the Yuhuang Tower (Lingxiao Hall) enshrines Yuhuang Dadi (Jade Emperor), the supreme ruler in Taoism, flanked by the Golden Boy and Jade Girl, along with four standing deity statues. The mountain walls feature murals of the Big Dipper (Beidou Qixing) and Nandou Liulang, representing the masters of life and death.
Chessboard Ridge (Qipanling)
Also known as Tieqiping, Chessboard Ridge is located at the bottom of the Leisheng Peak architectural complex, facing Danzheng Gorge. Named after the legend of Guangchengzi and Chisongzi playing chess here, it is a three-sided (overhanging) platform covering about 360 square meters, with millennium-old giant pine trees at its center and the Sansheng Hall and Bodhisattva Hall.
Mzhen Guan (Needle-Grinding Temple)
Situated above Lanyun Pavilion, Mzhen Guan was built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. With a hexagonal double-eaved masonry structure, it is one of the best-preserved Ming Dynasty buildings on the mountain. It commemorates the place where the Goddess Lishan Laomu enlightened Wuliang Patriarch to achieve enlightenment and is one of the best spots to overlook the eastern and central landscapes of Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area.
Shangtianti (Heavenly Ladder)
The Heavenly Ladder (Shangtianti) was constructed during the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty (627–649 AD), under the supervision of Zen Master Renzhi. Serving as the main pathway to the mountain summit, it is chiseled into the vertical stone cliffs of a gorge. The ladder spans over 80 meters in length and approximately 2.5 meters in width, consisting of 369 stone steps divided into three sections with gradients of 45 degrees, 65 degrees, and 75 degrees. Hazardous sections along the path are secured with iron pillars and chains for safety. On the middle cliff, there is a stone inscription engraved with the characters "黃帝問道處" (Where the Yellow Emperor Sought Wisdom).
Cuisine
Lamb Paomo
A characteristic Pingliang dish, Lamb Paomo uses fresh castrated lamb as the main ingredient, slow-cooked to create a rich broth, paired with hand-broken bread. The soup is mellow, and the meat is tender and succulent, costing about 30-40 RMB per bowl. It is a classic choice for breakfast or lunch.
Pingliang Liangpi
Made from high-quality wheat flour, it features a smooth and chewy texture. Served with homemade chili oil, balsamic vinegar, mashed garlic, sesame paste, and other seasonings, it offers a spicy and sour flavor that stimulates the appetite. Each serving costs approximately 8–12 RMB at street stalls and 15–20 RMB at restaurants around the scenic area.
Sugar Oil Cake (Tangyou Gao)
A traditional fried pastry, Sugar Oil Cake has a golden crispy outer layer made from glutinous rice flour and a sweet filling of brown sugar or jujube paste. Each cake costs about 2-3 RMB, often served as a tea-time snack or side dish.
Oat Rourou (a traditional oatmeal-based dish with a soft and chewy texture)
A specialty pasta steamed from oat flour, Oat Rourou is soft, glutinous, and chewy, served with minced meat sauce, pickled vegetables, or chili oil. Priced at about 10-15 RMB per serving, it reflects the culinary wisdom of local farming culture.
Guanguan Tea
A traditional Pingliang tea, Guanguan Tea is brewed in a small clay pot with green brick tea, fried soybeans, walnuts, eggs, and other ingredients. With a strong tea aroma and warming properties, each pot costs about 20-30 RMB in scenic area teahouses, suitable for sharing among multiple people.
Tickets
April 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Ticket sales start: 06:00
Last ticket sold: 16:30
Full price: 110 RMB/person
Half price: 55 RMB/person
One-way shuttle fare (Ancient Town ⇄ Xiangshan): 48 RMB/person
One-way shuttle fare (Ancient Town ⇄ Zhongtai): 32 RMB/person
Ticket discount policies (please inquire with staff for details at the scenic area). Generally:
- Children under 1.3 meters enjoy free admission.
- Seniors aged 60–69 receive a 50% discount with valid ID; seniors aged 70+ (inclusive) or Gansu residents aged 60+ enter free with valid ID.
- Students with valid student IDs receive a 50% discount.
Opening Hours
Generally, during the off-season (November–March), ticket sales are from 08:00–16:00, with the park closing at 18:00.
During the peak season (April–October), ticket sales are from 07:30–16:30, with the park closing at 19:00.
Subject to annual announcements from the scenic area.
Tour Routes
Start from Kongtong Ancient Town, take scenic area transportation or a cable car to Zhongtai (Middle Platform), then visit attractions in sequence: Shangtianti (Heavenly Ladder), Imperial City, Yuhuang Tower, followed by Leisheng Peak and Mzhen Guan. Finally, visit Qipanling (Chessboard Ridge), and return via the same route or choose an alternative path down. If time allows, explore additional areas like Danzheng Gorge and Yanzhi Gorge.
Transportation
- Self-driving: - From Xi'an: Take Fuyin Expressway for 3 hours, exit at Pingliang West, then go west 2 km along Kongtong Avenue. - From Lanzhou: Take Qinglan Expressway for 3 hours, exit at Pingliang West, then go west 2 km along Kongtong Avenue. - From Yinchuan: Take Jingzang Expressway to Fuyin Expressway for 3.5 hours, exit at Pingliang West, then go west 2 km along Kongtong Avenue.
- Bus: Daily buses from bus stations in various cities depart for Pingliang. Upon arrival at Pingliang Bus Station, transfer to tourist special lines, or take bus routes 13, 21, or 9 to directly reach Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area.
Must-See Attractions
- Imperial City: The best-preserved Ming Dynasty architectural complex in Kongtong Mountain, rich in Taoist cultural atmosphere and unique architectural style.
- Shangtianti (Heavenly Ladder): It has a profound historical and cultural heritage, and the steep stairs along with the stone inscriptions along the way make people feel the traces of time.
- Mzhen Guan (Needle-Grinding Temple): Features exquisite architecture and interesting legends, offering excellent panoramic views of the scenic area.
Tour Tips
- Check the scenic area’s opening hours and ticket policies in advance to plan your itinerary reasonably.
- Wear comfortable sports shoes for easier mountain climbing.
- Dress appropriately for the weather, as mountain temperatures may be lower than at the foot.
- If possible, spend more time in the scenic area to fully appreciate its cultural ambiance and natural beauty.
Notes
- Abide by scenic area regulations and do not damage the environment or cultural relics.
- Pay attention to safety during climbing and follow signposts and staff guidance.
- Mobile signal may be weak in some areas; inform family or friends of your itinerary in advance.
- During peak tourist seasons, be cautious with personal belongings due to large crowds.