Kongdong Mountain

崆峒山，Kong Tong Shan is located in the small Gansu city Pingliang 平凉。It is easy to get there by public transportion. Even most of Chinese people has no any idea about this place, foreign travelers almost never reach this location. But I would like to mention Kong Tong Shan 崆峒山 because this place is considered the land of Taoism origin. Yes, this is true. Exactly from Kong Tong Shan the Taoism religious and philosophy beliefs spread out and penetrated into other parts of China. There are several schools practicing qi kong and traditional medicine. Schools are not widely opened but accept new comers. This is hidden unexplored world, differing from that "well known" temple, where crowds of tourists arriving to watch the show. #triplocal

Winter in Kongtong Mountain is like an elegant piece of classical music, quietly narrating, just like the sparkling sunlight on the lake surface, and like the notes hanging on the branches, singing out the serenity and purity from the bottom of the heart. Kongtong Mountain brings the unique coolness of the Loess Plateau, which is especially biting in the winter days. Kongtong Mountain, only 'three feet three' from the sky, has sunrises, sea of clouds, snowscapes, and everything you love. Come to Kongtong Mountain to experience the different beauty of winter. Kongtong Mountain combines the characteristics of being strange, majestic, dangerous, illusory, and beautiful all in one. Standing on the plank road and looking around, you can feel the grandeur of the sheer cliffs and deep valleys, and appreciate the poetic and picturesque scenery of competing peaks, peculiar pines, and clever stones. Many people think that Kongtong Mountain is not suitable for travel in winter, but in fact, the winter in Kongtong Mountain is quiet and peaceful. Coming here, you can calm down to comprehend life, faith, and freedom. The sky without smog, the warm sunshine, and the sea of clouds in winter, these are all reasons to visit Kongtong Mountain in the winter season. If you have missed the lushness of spring, the greenery of summer, and the splendor of autumn, then you must grasp the winter of Kongtong Mountain well. The winter sky here is very blue, carrying tranquility, leading the sunshine, come to listen to the voice of Kongtong Mountain in winter. Tips: When visiting Kongtong Mountain in winter, choose a short-distance climbing route. The days are short in winter, and make sure to check the sunset time before climbing to ensure you descend the mountain before 4 pm. Winter weather is cold, and the weather in the mountains is even more unpredictable. Anticipate possible severe weather and bring enough supplies. If you encounter rainy or snowy weather along the way, adjust your itinerary accordingly. Be sure to consider comprehensively and do not overestimate your strength. Pay attention to the announcements of the scenic area.

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.

Kongtong Mountain is situated 12 kilometers west of Pingliang City in Gansu Province, serving as a strategic pass on the ancient Silk Road. The scenic area covers 84 square kilometers, with the main peak reaching an altitude of 2123.5 meters. It boasts natural landscapes that are both rugged and exquisite, as well as cultural landscapes that are simple yet sophisticated, earning it the reputation of 'the foremost mountain in the west' and 'a marvelous spectacle in the western stronghold' since ancient times. The Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area, overlooking Xi'an to the east and connecting to Lanzhou in the west, was a strategic pass on the ancient Silk Road. It combines the natural beauty of rugged and exquisite landscapes with the cultural beauty of simple yet sophisticated human landscapes. Within it, the mountains are bright and the waters are beautiful, with a multitude of scenic spots. There are towering peaks and vast forests; clear streams and springs, with waterfalls and secluded pools scattered throughout; bizarre rocks and mysterious caves can be seen everywhere; temples and Taoist monasteries are built upon precipitous cliffs and peaks, shrouded in the fragrance of incense amidst ancient pines and cypresses, presenting a picture of a Taoist holy mountain and a Buddhist paradise. Kongtong Mountain is not only a fusion of natural beauty, historical beauty, cultural beauty, and legendary beauty, but it also possesses the typical Danxia landform of China's high-altitude regions. It is an outstanding representative of the cultural and ecological tourism destinations on China's western Loess Plateau, comparable to Mount Tai in the eastern part of the country.

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.

⛰️ 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

Lushan, with its peaks and towering peaks, steep cliffs, secluded and sturdy, culverts, strange rocks, lush green hills, both the northern country and the southern landscape, is known as Jidong A bright pearl on the Loess Plateau. It was also said that the ancestor Xuanyuan Huangdi had personally asked the Guangchengzi to be the "first mountain of Taoism in the world". In recent years, tourists from all over the world have come to the fore, making their popularity more and more popular. There are three explanations for most of the existing materials: one is the place where the ancient clan lived; the second is that Lushan is a Taoist resort, taking Taoist empty caves, quiet and natural meaning; There is a hollow meaning. Three kinds of arguments are not without reason. To say the origin of the name of Lushan, you must first say the source of the word "", generally the word ", in Gansu". The book "Erya", which was first seen in the Spring and Autumn Period, contains: "The North Daidou is extremely embarrassing." Pingliang Lushan is located below the Beidou constellation, which is what it means. "" records: "" is Daxia, Shache, Gudi, Danluo, Huaihu, Qiyou, Yi, Xiongnu, Lou rotten, Yueshi, Jiaohu, Beiqiu, etc. The leader of a clan. So is the name of a powerful clan tribe in Zhou. Also recorded in "Historical Records, Zhao Shijia", "Survey of Surnames", etc.: The descendants of the ancestor of the Shang Dynasty were sealed in the Kongtong (the also wrote the same, the empty Tong, the same name), and the country is the surname . Lushan is a famous mountain in the local area.

Throughout the ages, Lushan has attracted many talents. Xuanyuan Huangdi, who was respected by the Chinese nation as the ancestor of humanity, personally boarded the mountain, and asked the wise man Guangchengzi to teach the way of governing the country and the health of the health. The Yellow Emperor asked this ancient event in "ZhuangziYi" and "Historical Records" There are records in it; Qinhuang and Hanwu embody the Yellow Emperor Xi Dengyu because of the "Mu Huang Emperor" and "Good God Fairy"; Sima Qian, Wang Fu, Du Fu, Bai Juyi, Zhao Shichun, Lin Zexu, Tan Wei and other literati also left A large number of poems, Huazhang, monuments, inscriptions. martial arts and Shaolin, Wudang, Sui, Kunlun and other martial arts genres are well-known in China. The earliest birthplace of Taoism. During the Qin and Han Dynasties, Lushan had a human landscape. Built successively in the past, pavilions, pavilions, temples, temples, ancient towers, all over the peaks. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, people called the scenic spots on the mountain "the twelve scenic spots": Xiangfeng Dou Lian, Xianqiao Rainbow Cross, Shantou Pinnacle, Moonstone Beads, Chunrong Candle, Jade Spray Glass, Hedong Yuanyun, Fengshan color fog, Guangcheng Dan point, Yuanwu pin cliff, Tianmen iron pillar, Zhongtai pagoda. It has basically restored the 42 buildings in the Nine Palaces, Eight Taiwans and 12th Yuan. As early as the Qin and Han dynasties more than 2,000 years ago, it was the place where monks and Taoists gathered. According to historical records, Qin Shihuang went to Lushan in the second year of his throne. He was afraid of climbing because of the high mountain road. He only went back to the stone village in the foothills. In May of the 5th year of Yuan Ding (112 BC), Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty boarded Mount Lushan and looked at the ancestral calendar. During the Tang dynasty, the Zen master of Renzhi opened up the jungle in Lushan and cut through the only passage leading to the highest peak. Tang Taizong's imperial concubine, the establishment of the Buddhist temple, and the construction of the "Vedas Temple", "Xuanyuan Palace", "ask the official." The "Falung Temple" was built in the Song Dynasty, and the "Baoqing Temple" was built in the Yuan Dynasty. In the Ming Dynasty, Pingliang Hanwang Taihao built a large number of temples, and built many temples and temples, such as Taiheguan on the top of the mountain. At that time, Lushan had the Juxian Bridge, the Deadwood Bridge, the Shifangyuan, the Eight Immortals, and the Zhao Hetang, Lingkong Tower, Xuanyuan Palace, Zhencheng Temple, Shuhua Temple, Xiangshan Temple, etc. 8 sets, 9 palaces, 12 courtyards, 42 buildings and Xianhe Temple, Fenghuangling, Cuiping Mountain, Elephant Mountain, Qipanling, Xianren More than 40 places of interest such as Feng, Leishengfeng, Laojunfeng, Shexian Cliff, Yixiantian, Yueshixia, Huanglongquan, Longshui, Jiuding, Jingjing and Guangchengdan.

Lushan is located 12 kilometers west of Pingliang City. It is connected to Liupan Mountain in the west, 800 kilometers to Qinchuan in the east, Guanshan in the south, Xiaoguan in the north, and the north and south of the Weihe River. It meets in front of the mountain and is at an altitude. Between 1456 and 2123.5 meters, the vertical height is 667.5 meters, and the overall planned area is 83.6 square kilometers. Lushan is the branch of Liupan Mountain and belongs to the Danxia landform composed of the purple-red pointed hard conglomerate of the Upper Triassic. is rich in the majesty of the northern mountains and the beauty of the southern scenery. The dignified and elegant eight-story Jiugong 12th courtyard and the forty-two buildings of the 72-story Shifu Dongtian are magnificent and rich in heritage. Throughout the ages, Lushan has attracted many talents. Qinhuang and Hanwu embody the Yellow Emperor Xi Dengyu because of "Mu Huang Emperor" and "Good God Fairy"; Sima Qian, Wang Fu, Du Fu, Bai Juyi, Zhao Shichun, Lin Zexu, and Tan Wei also left a large number of poems. Huazhang, monument, inscription. martial arts and Shaolin, Wudang, Sui, Kunlun and other martial arts genres are well-known in China.

Gansu has a profound history and culture and is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization and an important tourist province. There is a mountain in Pingliang City, Gansu Province. It is known as the first mountain of Chinese Taoism. It is not only beautiful, but also has many legends and allusions. Many scholars and visitors have visited. , is the fortress in the west of the Silk Road. The status of Lushan is very important. It is connected to Liupan Mountain in the west, Qinchuan in the east for 800 miles, Guanshan in the south, Xiaoguan in the north, and the forest coverage rate is over 95%. The scenery is beautiful. Many people's impressions of Lushan come from Jin Yong's martial arts novels, and there is a sect in it. Jin Yu's novels are somewhat exaggerated, but martial arts do have a long history and are one of the top five martial arts schools in China. The relationship between Lushan and Taoism is very deep. It is said that when he was in the Xuanyuan Yellow Emperor, he once visited the Lushan Mountain and asked the wise man Guangchengzi to teach the way of governing the country and the technique of health. is more than 300 kilometers away from the ancient capital of Xi'an. It is also a strategic location. Many emperors have come to visit the mountains, such as Qin Shihuang, Han Wudi, and Tang Taizong. Sima Qian, Du Fu, Bai Juyi, Zhao Shichun, Lin Zexu, and Tan Wei are equally acclaimed to Lushan.