Seeking the ancient and mystical, every step is a fairyland! The first mountain of Taoism, a pilgrimage site for martial arts fans

🏞️ 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!🍲🥤