Kongtong Mountain

Posted on In Views: Word count in article: 3.2k Reading time ≈ 3 mins.

Scenic Spot Introduction

Kongtong Mountain is one of the famous Taoist mountains in China, known as the “First Mountain in the Northwest”. With its majestic mountains and beautiful scenery, it is a perfect combination of Taoist culture and natural beauty. Located in Pingliang City, Gansu Province, the main peak of Kongtong Mountain stands at an elevation of 2,123 meters. The mountain is composed of red sandstone, forming a unique Danxia landform. This place is not only the legendary site where Huangdi inquired about the Tao from Guangchengzi, but also one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China. It is known as one of the Four Great Taoist Mountains along with Wudang Mountain, Qingcheng Mountain, and Longhu Mountain.

Kongtong Mountain is renowned for its “unusual, precipitous, beautiful, and serene” natural landscapes. It boasts 72 peaks, 36 caves, and 18 waterfalls. The ancient trees tower into the sky, and streams gurgle along, offering varying scenery in each season: blooming mountain flowers in spring, a cool summer escape, autumn’s colorful forests, and a winter wonderland. The most famous landscapes include the “Twelve Scenic Spots of Kongtong”, such as the “Iron Pillar of Heaven’s Gate” and the “Fairy Trails of the Chessboard”, each carrying a touching mythical legend.

As a Taoist holy land, Kongtong Mountain preserves a wealth of precious Taoist cultural heritage. There are over 30 existing temples and palaces on the mountain, among which architectural complexes like Santai Pavilion, Laojun Cave, and Taibai Tower are built against the mountainside, exhibiting a magnificent aura. These structures not only reflect exquisite architectural art but also embody profound Taoist cultural connotations. The Kongtong Mountain Temple Festival, held on the third day of the third lunar month every year, attracts tens of thousands of believers and tourists for pilgrimage and sightseeing.

Kongtong Mountain also serves as a significant historical witness. Emperors such as Qin Shi Huang and Han Wu Di have visited here, leaving numerous historical relics. The mountain preserves a considerable amount of cliff inscriptions and steles, recording the inscriptions of scholars and poets throughout the ages, possessing exceptional historical and artistic value.

Spot Introduction

In 1982, Kongtong Mountain was listed as a national key scenic spot, and in 2007, it was rated as a national 5A-level tourist attraction, becoming one of the most representative tourist destinations in the northwest region.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Santai Pavilion

    • Taoist architecture
    • Historical relic
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

  2. Laojun Cave

    • Taoist holy place
    • Place of cultivation
    • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes

  3. Taibai Tower

    • Scenic viewpoint
    • Ancient building complex
    • Suggested visiting time: 40 minutes

  4. Kongtong Ancient Path

    • Stone-stepped ancient path
    • Natural scenery
    • Suggested visiting time: 120 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best touring route

    • Take the cable car up the mountain → Santai Pavilion → Laojun Cave → Taibai Tower
    • It is suggested to hike down the mountain to experience the ancient path

  2. Visiting schedule

    • Depart in the morning
    • Avoid summer vacation periods
    • Allow sufficient time

  3. Practical tips

    • Wear comfortable hiking shoes
    • Bring enough drinking water
    • Act according to your ability

Transportation Guide

  • Airplane: Pingliang Airport
  • Train: Pingliang Station
  • Bus: Kongtong Mountain special line
  • Self-drive: 30 minutes from Pingliang city center
  1. Kongtong Vegetarian Meal
  2. Pingliang Beef
  3. Sugar and Oil Cake
  4. Cold Noodles

Special Reminders

  1. Steep steps
  2. Anti-slip equipment is essential
  3. Bring enough drinking water
  4. Act according to your ability
  5. Avoid rainy days
  6. Prepare snacks
  7. Suitable for hiking
  8. Bring a camera