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Guest User: The facilities are complete, the garden landscape is first-class, and staying in the hotel seems to be in a sanatorium, which is very comfortable and pleasant. The first-class facilities are matched with first-class services. Whether it is the reception and proactive service at check-in or the after-service, it reflects the hotel's high-level service capabilities. I never thought that there would be such a good hotel in Pingliang, Gansu!
Zhaizijie Village, Kongtong Town
From € 30
Lvshe: The hotel has a small yard with more parking spaces. The room is large, the air conditioning hot air is OK, the hot water is not bad, the room is large, the bed is large, the TV is also large
No. 86 West Street
From € 19
Anonymous User: The first stay was 2 years ago. At that time, I was facing a ten-year marriage change. I came back to the city from Zhejiang. At 2 o'clock in the middle of the night, the front desk was still very enthusiastic. I thought I would stay again next time. This stay may also be very different from the previous depressed mentality. Just like returning home, there are many roads and forks on the road of life, just like the characteristics of the whole season. The room is very well furnished, the quilt is very comfortable, the service staff is warm and thoughtful, clean and clean, check-in is also very fast In addition, this evaluation is especially grateful to the night shift that checked in for me and the day shift that sent me the comb after I left the store. I hope everything goes well and I hope to put an end to my years.
1st Floor, Lobby 1, 5th Floor, Building 6, Jinghailidu Community, No. 41 Guodian Street
From € 32
Guest User: The experience of staying at Yixuan Hotel alone is great. The room is smart in the whole house, equipped with capsule coffee, minibar refrigerator, Yunnan Baiyao toiletries are very intimate. The creative space in the lobby has a full atmosphere, and Piye coffee can be napped. The 24-hour front desk responds promptly and the gym is fully equipped. Breakfast combines more than 130 dishes with a wide selection of dishes. The room is clean and quiet, cost-effective, preferred for business trips, will come again next time.
1st Floor, Renshou Building, at the intersection of Liuhu West Road and Xingbei Road
From € 26
Guest User: The room was very clean, and I was extremely satisfied with my stay! From the front desk reception to the housekeeping, the staff were very attentive. The room was warmly decorated, fully equipped, and comfortable; I'll definitely choose this place again!
Panxuan East Road
From € 9
Guest User: 一共住了三晚，第一天剛到問能否升房，前台告知需要加錢，到了房間之後明顯的很濃的煙味，打前台電話告知他們有煙味，也明確告知前台我要的是無煙房，前台告知我需要換房的話還是同房型，想要通風好的房間需要加錢，根本就溝通不了，來回就是一句要無煙房通風好的就加錢，後找了攜程客服幫我解決好了房間，特大床房我們睡前問前台要一床被子，前台告知酒店沒有多餘被子，當晚我回酒店時間已經很晚了，酒店入住率並不高，加一床被子的要求我認為是很合理的要求。但並不能和酒店達成一個很好的溝通，隨即又找了攜程客服，客服依然很給力的幫我協調解決了。晚上很吵，他們的房間我住的兩間都是管道又問題，上面有人用水，下面就會發出噠噠噠的聲音，早上找了他們工程人員來看，説可以換房，因為懶得換酒店，隨即又訂了雙床房，他們經理帶我看了另一間，住進之後隨口問了一句能不能送早餐，經理説他們餐廳外包的他做不了主，但可以第二天早上可以找她付一份錢讓倆小孩去吃。然而早餐我們沒趕上所以也沒吃。發現這個房間仍然有噠噠噠的聲音，告知了經理，她講讓我們互相理解下，我請問我花錢買服務也沒有，安靜的環境也沒有，我還得被你道德綁架？第三晚我們白天出門酒店沒有告知我們卡得重新刷，我們晚上回酒店前台頭也不抬，理都沒理我們，我們到了房間之後發現門打不開，正好遇上他們保安大叔，讓他幫忙問下前台咋回事，好幾分鐘都沒動靜，後來説卡失效了得讓我們自己下去重新刷，我請問呢？我們白天出去的時候你也不講，晚上回來你也不講，那你們前台起到什麼作用。後來還是保安大叔幫我們去重新刷了拿上來。住了三天，沒有一天是讓我覺得這個酒店服務給力的，太拉垮了作為一個連鎖的酒店，可以説是我住過所有麗風酒店裡麪服務最差的，但最會道德綁架的。
Dingbei Building, No. 296 Jinghe Avenue
From € 29
Guest User: Hotel service has nothing to say, whether it is the front desk or the room staff, always smile at the very good hotel chain, because with four months of children, also helped to send the luggage to the room, also presented a welcome drink, especially honey dumpling tea my favorite, so rich, When I went out, I also took the initiative to introduce the surrounding commercial and food, attractions, there is a Jingdong convenience store opposite where we purchased supplies, fried meat slices to eat at night, big mouth big mouth meat is cool, by the way, night toured Liuhu Park (the staff told it was the park of the Northern Song Dynasty), Especially Zuo Gongliude five people can reflect its heavy history. Of course, children like to row boats the most. The room facilities are very personal, soundproofing and hygiene are superb. The bedding is very comfortable and sleeps until dawn. I went to Lushan the next day. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the entrance of the scenic spot. The overall experience is very nice!
No. 26 Kongtong Avenue West Section
From € 17
Guest User: Highly recommend this hotel! The overall environment is beautiful, quiet and comfortable. The room was cleaned and the details were handled well. The service staff is friendly and responds promptly to needs. All kinds of facilities and equipment in the room are very new and easy to use. This stay experience exceeded expectations, the price is good, the next trip will consider here!
No. 129 Jiefang Road
From € 24
Qinghuaci6678: The location is in the most core area of the city center, walking distance to Century Commercial Plaza and Liuhu Park, there is a western restaurant downstairs that uses specialty Red Bull to make burgers, which tastes great. The front desk and room service staff were warm and courteous, the room was clean and the facilities were very new. Praise the window glass, very thick, although there is a road and traffic in front of the building, the window can not hear the noise at all, visible decoration quality. The bedding is very comfortable, the breakfast is good, overall, very cost-effective, recommended.
No. 89 Xingbei Road, Xijiao Subdistrict
From € 30
Guest User: Very good, highly recommended, trip.com rate is very competitive, 挑不出瑕疵
Building 36, No. 15 Xuanhe North Road
From € 15
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Pingliang dishes and foodie spots.
I came to Pingliang this time and took a chance on this Lavande Hotel near Greenland Plaza. I was just looking for something clean and hygienic, but I didn't expect the stay experience to be top-notch! The location is truly impeccable, right next to the Government Service Center. Getting around, taking taxis, and finding places to eat are all super convenient. It's the kind of prime location where you can just walk downstairs and explore. As soon as I pushed open the lobby door, I was greeted by that familiar, faint scent of lavender. The front desk staff were super efficient with check-in, and the hot herbal tea and hot towel they handed me instantly washed away half of my travel fatigue. The room really pays attention to detail: ✨ The whole-room smart controls are very responsive. The curtains open automatically when you enter, the lighting is excellent, and watching the sunlight stream in is truly healing. ✨ Every corner is cleaned thoroughly, and the bedding has no odors at all—a dream come true for germaphobes! ✨ The shower water pressure is powerful, and the hot water comes out quickly. Paired with the hotel's signature lavender toiletries, it felt like an immersive aromatherapy spa after my shower. ✨ The mattress is just the right firmness and offers great support. Plus, the soundproofing is surprisingly good. As someone who is picky about beds, I actually slept soundly until dawn. When you're away from home, feeling safe and comfortable is so important. This hotel is a "can't-go-wrong" choice that you can book with your eyes closed. I'll definitely be staying here again next time I'm in Pingliang! 🔒 Lavande Hotel (Pingliang Greenland Plaza Government Service Center Branch)
If you love grotto art, historical sites, and the scenery of the Loess Plateau, North Grotto Temple is worth a dedicated short visit. Carved into the mountain, the scale of the Buddha statues and caves is impressive. Walking along the cliff walkways and looking up, you will truly feel the weight of history. The scenic area is not huge, making it perfect for a slow-paced visit with plenty of photo opportunities. We recommend pairing it with local noodles and the surrounding Loess Plateau scenery for a relaxing yet fulfilling one-day itinerary. The first highlight is the group of grotto statues, especially the Buddha statues, Bodhisattva statues, and wall carvings in the core caves. They are rich in detail and best appreciated slowly while reading the historical descriptions. Second is the cliff walkway; walking along it allows you to experience the spatial relationship between the grottoes and the mountain up close, which is great for layered photography. Third is the Loess Plateau landscape; the plateaus, gullies, and rural roads around the scenic area carry the open, expansive feel of the Northwest. Recommended photo spots include the front of the main grotto, the side of the cliff walkway, the platform outside the caves, the Loess Plateau viewing road, the area by the ancient tree at the temple entrance, and the hillside overlook. For Buddha statues, use low-angle shots to emphasize their solemnity. For panoramas, frame your shot from the middle section of the walkway. For portraits, we suggest wearing beige, black, red, or ethnic-style clothing, which coordinates well with the earthy yellow rock walls. Please respect cultural relics: do not use flash and do not touch the rock walls. Travel tips: The scenic area is best visited in the morning when the light is clear and there are fewer crowds. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will need to walk and climb stairs. Protect yourself from the sun and sand in summer, and stay warm in winter. Check if photography is allowed inside the caves before taking pictures. Do not climb over railings for a better angle. Overall, North Grotto Temple is perfect for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, and travelers who enjoy niche destinations. Hashtags:
Just arrived in Pingliang, and after a full day of travel, I was feeling a bit tired. The moment I pushed open the hotel doors, a faint scent of lavender greeted me, and my tense nerves were instantly soothed~🌿 This time I chose this Lavande Hotel near Greenland Plaza. It was super easy to find. Opening the door, the room was spotless. The spacious windows let in plenty of natural light, and the view was wide and open. What really impressed me were the smart details in the room: electric curtains and a smart panel for one-touch lighting control. I could handle everything while curled up in the soft bed—pure bliss🛌. I have to praise the bedding; it was the perfect balance of soft and firm, very comfortable against the skin, and once I lay down, I didn't want to get up. The bathroom was stocked with the same lavender-scented toiletries. The water pressure was great, and after a comfortable hot shower, I slept until I woke up naturally🌙. The surrounding area is also very convenient. It's located in the Dingbei Building. Just a few steps downstairs is Greenland Plaza, making it easy to find food or go for a walk in the evening. The front desk service was also warm, thoughtful, and polite. It was a very comfortable stay. If you're coming to Pingliang for business or travel, you can book this with confidence! Lavande Hotel (Pingliang Greenland Plaza Government Affairs Hall Branch) 📌 Dingbei Building, No. 296 Jinghe Avenue, Kongtong District
Many people don’t know that such a divine mountain is hidden in the vast northwest! Kongtong Mountain is hailed as the Number One Taoist Mountain in China and the First Mountain of the West. It is also the birthplace of the Kongtong Sect martial arts in Jin Yong’s novels. Since ancient times, when the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan specially ascended the mountain to seek Tao from Guangchengzi, emperors like Qin Shi Huang and Han Wu Di have visited it. For thousands of years, the Taoist aura has persisted and incense has never ceased. The Danxia cliffs hold temples suspended in midair, the forest sea is wrapped in mist around strange peaks, combining the grandeur and majesty of northwest mountains with the serene and ethereal atmosphere of a Taoist immortal mountain, fully immersing visitors in a martial arts ambiance. 🏔️ Peak Height The main peak, Xiangshan, stands at 2,123 meters above sea level, with the overall elevation ranging from 1,456 to 2,123 meters, and a vertical drop of over 600 meters. The peaks are staggered and continuous, with solitary peaks rising abruptly, standing out uniquely on the Loess Plateau. From the summit, you can overlook the entire landscape of eastern Gansu’s mountains and fields. 💪 Hiking Difficulty Overall difficulty ★★★☆☆, with both leisure cable car routes and hardcore hiking trails. Taking the sightseeing bus plus cable car is easy and suitable for elderly and children; The classic “Heaven Ladder” section has 369 stone steps, with the steepest slope over 75 degrees, requiring holding iron chains to climb, which tests both physical strength and courage; Pure hiking to the summit takes a long time and is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who often hike. 🪨 Geological Features It features rare high-altitude Danxia landforms, with the mountain mainly composed of purplish-red sandstone and conglomerate. After hundreds of millions of years of mountain-building and erosion, it has formed strange peaks, sheer cliffs, canyons, natural caves, and stone pillars. The red rocks paired with ancient pines, deep ravines, and overlapping ridges create a high forest coverage area, making it a rare Danxia forest-sea composite geological secret realm in the northwest. ☁️ Climate Characteristics Temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate, best visited in spring and summer. The mountain area is cool and moist, with an average summer temperature around 20°C, a natural summer resort and oxygen bar; There is a large temperature difference between day and night, with morning fog and clouds common, and the sea of clouds after rain is breathtaking; Most precipitation occurs in summer, with rapidly changing weather and occasional showers. 🛤️ Trail Features Mainly composed of ancient thousand-year-old bluestone paths, cliff stone steps, forest-shaded trails, and suspended plank roads. Most shaded forest paths are gentle and easy to walk, with dense tree cover providing shade; The core “Heaven Ladder” and “Imperial City” stone steps are steep and narrow, requiring slow walking and holding onto railings; The trails are built along the mountain, with Danxia cliffs on one side and deep forest valleys on the other, offering highly scenic walking experiences. ⛰️ Must-Visit Sections 1. Heaven Ladder: The iconic ancient path of Kongtong Mountain, with 369 steep stone steps, climbing it feels very ceremonial. 2. Imperial City Taoist Temples: The core Taoist temple complex at the summit, nestled between cliffs, full of ancient charm and Taoist spirit. 3. Zhongtai: The scenic area’s transportation hub, with concentrated temples and Taoist sites, a must-stop for rest and photos. 4. Thunder Peak: A cliff-hanging plank road with wide views of strange peaks and sheer cliffs, perfect for stunning photos. 5. Tanzheng Lake: A serene lake at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by clear water and mountains, peaceful and healing. ⏱️ Estimated Time to Summit and Tour · Sightseeing bus + cable car to visit highlights: 3–4 hours · Leisurely tour of Zhongtai + Imperial City + Thunder Peak: about 5 hours · Pure hiking on ancient paths round trip: 6–7 hours · For sea of clouds and sunrise viewing, a two-day one-night slow tour is recommended 💰 Cost Details · Kongtong Mountain entrance ticket: 110 RMB per person, half price for students and seniors · Scenic area sightseeing bus: round trip required, convenient unified shuttle service · Xiangshan cable car: one-way fare, saves effort and energy on steep climbs · No extra small tickets for mountain temples, overall fees are transparent with no hidden charges 🎒 Preparation Before Hiking 1. Clothing: Wear non-slip, durable sports shoes as steep stone steps can be slippery; choose breathable long sleeves to protect against insects and sun. 2. Essentials: ID card, sun hat, sunscreen, disposable raincoat, power bank; mountain weather is changeable, always carry rain gear. 3. Useful Gear: Bring trekking poles to save energy and protect knees; a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings. 4. Supplies: Bring bottled water and energy snacks in advance, as mountain shops are few and prices are high. 🍜 Nearby Food Recommendations · Jingning Roast Chicken: A signature dish of Pingliang, tender and flavorful, fresh and not greasy. · Pingliang Lamb Paomo: A northwest specialty, with fresh soup and fragrant meat, perfect to warm up after hiking. · Jingchuan Steamed Bread: Local traditional staple, solid texture, filling and delicious. · Farmhouse Wild Vegetables: Stir-fried local wild vegetables from the forest, original flavor and fresh mountain aroma. · Lingtai Heluo Noodles: Chewy and smooth, a classic northwest noodle dish, affordable and satisfying. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations · Kongtong Ancient Town Homestays: 120–280 RMB, very close to the visitor center, convenient for dining and travel, top choice. · Mountain Zhongtai Area Mountain Lodges: 180–380 RMB, stay inside the scenic area, no rush to see the sea of clouds early in the morning. · Pingliang City Hotels: 80–200 RMB, many options with full dining, great value for self-driving travelers. ❌ Pitfall Avoidance Tips 1. Don’t trust strangers at the entrance offering cheap guides, ticket evasion, fortune-telling, or expensive incense offerings—these are all scams. 2. Do not take undeveloped wild paths or Danxia cliff trails on your own; they are easy to get lost on and have rockfall risks. Only use official trails. 3. When climbing the Heaven Ladder, avoid crowding and pushing; hold the iron chains and walk slowly, watch your step. 4. Don’t buy wild medicinal herbs, strange stones, or antiques from roadside vendors; prices are inflated and fakes are common. 5. The mountain has large day-night temperature differences; don’t wear only short sleeves, always bring a jacket to avoid catching cold.
Here’s something you might not believe—I spent a July in Pingliang, Gansu, without needing air conditioning😶 This city has an average annual temperature of just 8.6℃. In summer, daytime highs only reach about 27–28℃. Once the sun sets, temperatures drop to the teens, and you’ll want a light blanket at night. For someone like me who hates the heat, it’s pure paradise!! 🚗 Travel tips Pingliang station is on Jiefang Road in Kongtong District downtown. There’s a direct train K359 from Yinchuan taking about 6 hours, and K360 from Shanghai also goes directly. In 2026, Pingliang station runs 7 pairs of passenger trains daily, covering major routes like Lanzhou, Yinchuan, Xi’an (transfer), Shanghai, and Guangzhou. ⚠️ There’s currently no high-speed rail to Pingliang. The Qingping railway is under construction and expected to open in 2028. The nearest high-speed option is to take a train to Tianshui or Baoji, then transfer to a regular train to Pingliang. Driving is the most convenient option, with Qinglan Expressway + Fuyin Expressway coverage. It’s 3.5 hours from Xi’an, 4 hours from Lanzhou, and 3 hours from Yinchuan. 🗺️ Three-day, two-night itinerary Day 1|Kongtong Mountain all day Get up early and head straight to Kongtong Mountain (admission 110 CNY). It’s best to hike from the east gate, following the trail from Phoenix Ridge up to the middle terrace. This route is quiet and scenic, surrounded by primeval forest, with the fresh scent of pine resin in the air🌲 If you’re fit, continue from the middle terrace to the imperial city and Xiangshan peaks. At the summit, you’ll see endless mountains and the Jing River winding like a ribbon—instantly wiping away all fatigue. After descending, explore Kongtong ancient town and try the Pingliang red beef skewers. The meat is firm and not gamey. Sprinkle on some cumin and chili powder, and the aroma carries for two blocks. Day 2|Huatting Lotus Terrace + Guanshan forest sea Huatting is about an hour’s drive south of Pingliang city. Lotus Terrace is seriously underrated!! Green mountains, clear water, and babbling streams. Walking the forest trail, you’ll feel a cool breeze and dappled sunlight through the canopy. Every photo looks like a cinematic masterpiece📷 Guanshan forest sea features layered peaks. July is when the greenery is at its fullest. From a high vantage point, the endless green stretches from your feet to the horizon—a grandeur no photo can capture. ⚠️ Attractions in Huatting are far apart. It’s best to rent a car or drive yourself. There’s no shuttle bus between sites. Day 3|Jingchuan cultural route In the morning, visit the Queen Mother of the West cultural site (combined ticket for Dayun Temple + Queen Mother Palace 60 CNY). In the afternoon, stroll through Tianjiagou ecological park, where the water shimmers and the vegetation is lush—perfect for a slow, relaxing walk. 🏡 Where to stay ⛰️ The courtyard is by the Jing River at the foot of Nanshan in Pingliang city. Cross the bridge and turn into a tree-lined lane to reach it. It’s a 5-minute drive from downtown but completely free of city noise. ⛰️ The floor-to-ceiling windows face the Jing River channel. At dusk, the river reflects the colors of the sunset beautifully. There’s a big walnut tree in the yard with stone tables and benches underneath. Sitting there in the evening, sipping tea and feeling the river breeze, all worries melt away🍵 ⛰️ The owner is local and makes fresh Pingliang steamed bread and potato jelly for breakfast. The steamed bread is bigger than your face, soft yet firm with a rich wheat aroma. Paired with chili oil, it’s amazing. 🍽️ What to eat without missing out Pingliang’s food is seriously underrated! ✔️ Hele noodles: buckwheat noodles in lamb broth, the soul of local breakfast and brunch, a big bowl for just a few yuan ✔️ Pingliang red beef: a nationally recognized geographic product, perfect for hot pot or barbecue, tender meat with beautiful marbling ✔️ Niangpi: different from Shaanxi liangpi, thicker and chewier, with perfectly balanced vinegar and chili ✔️ Guokui: crispy outside, soft inside, fresh from the oven with a strong wheat aroma. Best eaten hot on the spot ✔️ Guanguan tea: a local specialty morning tea, brewed in a clay pot with fu brick tea and served with steamed bread, very ceremonial 📦 Must-bring items □ Sunscreen SPF 50+ (the highland UV is no joke) □ Light down or fleece jacket (temperature difference over 10℃ between morning and night) □ Hiking shoes (Kongtong Mountain steps are steep and mossy in parts) □ Power bank (signal on the mountain is weak and drains battery fast) □ Snacks and water (few and expensive supplies on the mountain) □ Mosquito repellent (lots of bugs near the river and forest) 💰 Cost breakdown (per person for 3 days, 2 nights) Round-trip train ticket: about 350 CNY Tickets + transport: about 280 CNY Accommodation for 2 nights: about 400 CNY Meals for 3 days: about 250 CNY Car rental/taxi: about 200 CNY Around 1,500 CNY per person, which is very affordable for a summer getaway in northwest China. To be honest, Pingliang is one of those places you don’t expect much from before you go but can’t stop thinking about after. It has no influencer filters or over-commercialization—just quiet mountains, water, and great food. The summer coolness will make you want to stay forever. Go before the crowds discover it in July🏃♀️
West of Xi'an, a 1.5-hour high-speed train ride. When you get off, a 21℃ wind blows in from the Kongtong Mountain direction—completely different from the sultry heat of Xi'an. Pingliang was selected this year as one of the "Top Ten National Summer Resort Cities," with an average summer temperature of 20℃, a July average of 21.8℃, and nighttime lows around 10℃. The core scenic area, Kongtong Mountain, is a national 5A-level tourist attraction with a forest coverage rate of 95%, known as "China's Number One Taoist Mountain." The Jing River and Yanzhi River embrace the mountain, and over a thousand species of wild plants create a natural ecological oxygen bar. Please keep this itinerary 🗺️ Day 1: Full day at Kongtong Mountain Depart from downtown Pingliang in the morning and head to Kongtong Mountain (about a 30-minute drive). It’s recommended to start from the Middle Terrace, then go along Chaotian Gate, Medicine King Cave, and climb the Heavenly Ladder to the summit—the Heavenly Ladder has 369 stone steps, flanked by ancient towering trees, with cool breezes passing through the forest every few steps. From the top, you can overlook the Jing River winding like a silver ribbon, with mountains spreading beneath your feet. Taoist temples are scattered across the mountain, each with its own character—Imperial City, Thunder Peak, and Chessboard Ridge. In the afternoon, you can take the cable car down for a different perspective of the mountain. There are tea stalls in the scenic area where you can sit under the shade and enjoy a cup of covered bowl tea while listening to the wind rustling through the pines. Overnight in Pingliang city. Day 2: Pingliang Museum + Liuhu Park + Return trip In the morning, visit the Pingliang Museum, a national first-class museum with a rich collection of cultural relics, offering insight into the thousand-year cultural heritage of eastern Gansu. In the afternoon, visit Liuhu Park—a century-old garden by the Jing River, with ancient willows shading the area and a mirror-like lake surface, perfect for cooling off in the hot summer. Return in the evening. ⏰ If time allows, you can add: Jing River main stream waterfront scenic belt, with eight major scenic nodes featuring clear water and green banks Kongtong Ancient Town, where you can experience the cultural exhibition and the "Kongtong Taoist Discussion" show Yunya Temple (Zhuanglang County, a cool secret spot deep in the Guanshan Mountains with a temperature of 17.2℃) 🏠 Where to stay Hotels in downtown Pingliang range from 200-400 RMB per night. Around Kongtong Mountain scenic area, there are guesthouses and farm stays with mountain views from your window and forest surroundings at night. Book early for the July peak season. ⚠️ A few reminders The average temperature on Kongtong Mountain in July is about 21℃, but there is a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a light jacket There are many steps on the mountain, wear non-slip hiking shoes Sun protection! Sun protection! Sun protection! The UV rays are not to be underestimated Nighttime lows can drop to around 10℃, so keep warm if you go out at night The photos in the text are for artistic reference; please refer to the actual scenery on site.
Departing from Zhuanglang County, the car drove more than forty minutes into the depths of Guanshan. The altitude climbed from 1,400 meters to 2,200 meters, and the temperature dropped from 30℃ to 17℃. The moment I turned into Yunya Temple, the Danxia red cliffs and lush forest greeted me. Yunya Temple is hidden deep in Guanshan, southeast of Handian Town, Zhuanglang County, Pingliang City. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, a national forest park, and a key national cultural relic protection unit. The average summer temperature is about 17.2℃, with a forest coverage rate of over 95%. Unlike the vast landscapes common in Northwest China, here the green mountains overlap, clear waters flow gently, towering peaks rise sharply, and dense forests spread everywhere, surrounded by refreshing mountain breezes. Walking along the bamboo forest by the water, the clear water reflects the strange peaks, and a gentle breeze brushes my face. The Danxia red cliffs and the verdant forest complement each other, with stone cave plank roads distributed in layers. Within the scenic area, the Five Terraces, Eight Temples, Sixteen Peaks, and Eighteen Views are scattered like stars. Climbing to the highest peak and looking far away, the mountains stand majestically, the forest sea is vast, the high gorges and flat lakes blend, and the water and sky merge into one. I found a stone by the water to sit on. The water is emerald green, reflecting the Danxia red cliffs and the clouds in the sky. Nearby, a local was playing by the water with a child. The child reached out to touch the water surface, splashing water and laughing, saying, "So cool!" Zhao Qiang, a tourist from Sichuan, said that his trip to Yunya Temple completely overturned his preconceived notions about Gansu: "In my impression, Gansu might just be a place with a lot of yellow sand, but here the mountains are clear, the water is beautiful, and the temperature is pleasant." About the route Day 1: Depart from Pingliang or Zhuanglang County, charter a car to Yunya Temple National Forest Park (about 40 minutes from Zhuanglang) → Stroll along the bamboo forest by the water, explore the stone cave plank roads (recommended 3-4 hours) → Climb high to overlook the forest sea and Danxia cliffs → Overnight in Zhuanglang County Day 2: Continue exploring the scenic area, return in the afternoon About food and accommodation Hotels in Zhuanglang County cost 150-300 RMB per night, offering great value. There are farmhouses around the scenic area where you can taste local wild vegetables and native chicken. Handy tips Yunya Temple’s summer average temperature is 17.2℃, a true natural oxygen bar The forest sea provides shade and the waterside is cool, so you rarely get sunburned Large temperature difference between morning and night; short sleeves during the day, light jacket at night The scenic area’s walking paths are gentle, suitable for family outings July and August are the best summer retreat months at Yunya Temple, with lush forests and sparkling waters The photos in the article are for artistic reference; please refer to the actual scenery.
It is the "Number One Taoist Mountain in China" in Jin Yong's novels ⛰️ It’s not as perilous as Mount Hua, nor as elegant as Mount Emei, but here the majestic northern mountain terrain and the beautiful southern scenery blend perfectly. When the sea of clouds surges after the rain, it feels like stepping into an ink painting! 🗡️ Martial arts fans rejoice This is the birthplace of Kongtong Martial Arts, one of China’s five major martial arts schools! Swords, spears, and halberds are just the basics; the Kongtong school emphasizes "unconventional weapons"—fans, dusters, and even rolling pins can be used as weapons! Standing atop the Imperial City, you can almost hear the soundtrack of "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber," igniting your inner martial arts spirit! 🏛️ A glimpse of a thousand years 1. Heavenly Ladder: 369 stone steps with an almost 75° steep slope, climbing with both hands and feet, the sense of accomplishment is immense! 2. Imperial City: A Ming Dynasty Taoist architectural complex at the summit, with red walls and black tiles hidden in the mist—every snapshot looks like a fantasy epic! 3. Thunder Peak: A Taoist temple on a narrow ridge where thunder echoes through the valley during storms, thrilling and breathtaking! 4. Sky Tower: An ancient Northern Song Dynasty pagoda with an ancient pine growing on top—the "Ancient Tower Supporting Pine" spectacle is simply amazing! 📷 Photo Tips Climb the mountain early on a rainy morning, and you’re likely to encounter a sea of clouds! Wear a plain-colored long dress or Hanfu and stand before the Danxia red cliffs for a naturally ethereal shot. 📍 Address: Kongtong Ancient Town, Kongtong District, Pingliang City, Gansu Province 🎫 Tickets: 110 RMB in peak season, 55 RMB in off-season (free for those over 70) 🚌 Transportation: Take bus routes 9, 13, or 21 from Pingliang city center directly to Kongtong Ancient Town
🏔️The name "Kongtong" itself evokes a sense of江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world). It's not from Jin Yong's novels, but in Pingliang, Gansu—a severely underrated first-batch 5A-level scenic area, a Taoist holy site, and the birthplace of Kongtong martial arts. Here, you'll find both the grandeur of northern mountains and the beauty of southern waters. With over 90% forest coverage and an average summer temperature of only 25℃, it's an ideal summer retreat! ⛰️Experience 1: Climb the 369-step "Heavenly Ladder" and experience the feeling of ascending to heaven. From Chaotianmen to the Imperial City, there are 369 stone steps carved during the Tang Dynasty. The steepest part reaches 75°, and the cold iron chains on both sides test your courage with every step. Each step is engraved with verses from the *Tao Te Ching*. Reaching the top, the feeling of "viewing all the mountains as small" is overwhelming. Legend has it that the Yellow Emperor, seeking guidance from Guangchengzi, carved these stone steps here. 🏯Experience Two: At the Summit of the Imperial City, Witness the Spectacular "Ancient Pagoda Supporting a Pine Tree" Climb to the summit of the main peak, the Imperial City (2036 meters). The Ming Dynasty Taihe Palace's Golden Hall is located here, and the mural depicting Laozi's "Eighty-One Transformations" is well-preserved. Don't forget to visit the Zhongtai Falun Chan Temple to see the Song Dynasty Lingkong Pagoda—atop which grows a 200-year-old pine tree, a true miracle of life known as "Ancient Pagoda Supporting a Pine Tree." ⚡Experience Three: On Leisheng Peak, Walk the Most Dangerous Suspended Taoist Temple The most thrilling experience is undoubtedly Leisheng Peak! The entire ridge is 200 meters long and only 3-5 meters wide, with deep valleys on both sides. The Taoist temple is built on this narrow ridge, surrounded by sheer cliffs on three sides. During thunderstorms, the thunder is amplified many times over in the deep valleys, hence the name Leisheng Peak (Thunder Peak). Climbing it by using both hands and feet and gripping the iron chains is the norm. 🥢Experience Four: Learn Health-Preserving Boxing and Enjoy Taoist Vegetarian Cuisine Kongtong martial arts emphasize "surprise attacks and health preservation," even using farm tools as weapons. At the martial arts hall in the ancient town, spend 80 yuan/hour to learn a few moves of the Eight Pieces of Brocade from a Kongtong lineage master. If you get hungry, head to "Kongtong Mountain Villa" in Zhongtai for a 48 yuan Taoist vegetarian meal—wild mountain vegetables and Tai Chi tofu, focusing on a light and healthy approach. 📸Photography and Route Guide: · Effortless Route: Kongtong Ancient Town → 48 yuan sightseeing bus directly to Xiangshan (highest point) → descend along the way → Zhongtai → cable car down the mountain. No backtracking and saves your knees! · Must-Visit Photo Spots: ① Xiangshan Hunyuan Pavilion for panoramic views (a hidden gem of a viewing platform!); ② Leisheng Peak for silhouette shots of the suspended Taoist temple; ③ Zhongtai for photos of the "Ancient Pagoda Supporting the Pine Tree." · Tickets and Transportation: 110 RMB in peak season, 55 RMB in off-season; 3.5 hours by car from Xi'an, or take the high-speed train to Pingliang Station and then take bus route 13 directly. ➡️Tips: Half-price for ages 60-69, free for ages 70 and above, a great deal for families with seniors. It's windy at the summit, remember to bring a jacket!
Taking advantage of the rare free time during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, I revisited Longdong with friends to explore the grottoes. Although Gansu has the largest number of grottoes in the country, everyone only knows about the Mogao Caves and Maijishan, but few know that on the banks of the Jing River in Jingchuan, Pingliang, there is a nationally protected Northern Wei grotto—the Nan Grotto Temple. · Last time I came to Longdong, the Nan Grotto Temple was under renovation. This time it has finally reopened. Starting from the Arhat Cave, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the Nan Grotto Temple. There were fewer tourists than I expected. Even though it was a small holiday, there were almost no visitors when I arrived. A few locals were spreading out wheat to dry at the entrance, making it hard to imagine this was a tourist site. · The Nan Grotto Temple is carved into the red sandstone on the north bank of the Jing River. There are currently five caves, but only Cave 1 (East Large Cave) and Cave 2 (West Small Cave) are relatively well preserved. Cave 1 is the main cave of the Nan Grotto Temple. It features the same Seven Buddhas theme as Cave 165 in the Bei Grotto Temple but has much better lighting. Inside Cave 1, on the three stone walls facing you, seven standing Buddhas, each about seven meters tall, are lined up—three on the north wall and two each on the east and west walls. Each Buddha wears a snail-shell hairstyle, has a high nose and drooping ears, a full face, long robes hanging to the knees, and a gentle smile, exuding solemnity and serenity. This is a typical Northern Wei style, with clear and handsome facial features, slender body shapes, and flowing robe patterns like water waves, quite different from the plump and majestic Tang Dynasty style. On each side of every Buddha stands a Bodhisattva attendant, fourteen in total, graceful and elegant. The cave ceiling is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting stories from the Buddha’s life—birth under a tree, leaving the city to become a monk, meditating under a tree—unfolding in a concise and expressive manner. · Leaving Cave 1, walk around to the west side to Cave 2. If Cave 1 is awe-inspiring, Cave 2 feels intimate. It is a medium-sized square cave, much smaller than Cave 1. In the center sit three Bodhisattvas—Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Avalokiteshvara. On both sides, arranged in three tiers, are sixteen Arhats, eight Bodhisattvas, and six Vajra warriors, all made of stone core with clay sculptures. Interestingly, these statues are not from the same era; they were first sculpted in the Tang Dynasty and later restored in the late Qing Dynasty, blending two styles. The Tang sculptures have round, full faces and smooth robe patterns, reflecting the calmness of a prosperous era; the late Qing restorations have stiffer lines and vivid colors, less elegant than the Tang style but more complete. · The creator of the Nan Grotto Temple was the Northern Wei general Xi Kangsheng. In the second year of Yongping, the monk Liu Huiwang in Jingzhou led a rebellion. Xi Kangsheng was ordered to suppress it and was then appointed governor of Jingzhou, where he began carving the Nan Grotto Temple. Regarding the motivation for building the grotto, some say he was a devout Buddhist, while others say he built it to atone for the many killings. More intriguingly, the timing of the grotto’s construction coincides closely with the rise of Empress Dowager Hu—she gave birth to the crown prince in March of the third year of Yongping, and the grotto was completed a month later. A general building grand structures in the hometown of the Hu family, ostensibly to worship Buddha, was actually delivering a "token of loyalty." · 🏠 Name | Nan Grotto Temple 🎫 Ticket | 20 RMB ⛳ Address | Xia Jiangjia Village, Hot Spring Development Zone, Jingchuan County, Pingliang City, Gansu Province
This is the premier Taoist site and definitely worth a visit. The mountain is very high, and the steep steps are difficult to climb up and even more difficult to descend. We took the scenic area bus to Zhongtai, climbed the Imperial City, and then walked to Xiangshan. We took the scenic area bus down the mountain in 40 minutes.
Anonymous userDayun Temple in Jingzhou was built on the original site of Daxingguo Temple in the Sui Dynasty. The stone casket, relic bottle and relics under the original pagoda base were taken out, and the most skilled craftsmen in China at that time who were good at making miniature gold and silver wares were invited to select the most precious pearls, jade and gems of the time. The highest wisdom of an era was condensed, and gold and silver were carved to make gilded bronze boxes and gold and silver coffins. 14 Buddha bone relics were placed in glazed bottles and matched with stone caskets. They were reburied in the underground palace in 694 AD, and a pagoda was built to enshrine them. This was 180 years earlier than the underground palace of Famen Temple in Fufeng, Shaanxi.
M29***62As the most famous scenic spot in Zhuanglang County, the overall impression is good, with typical Danxia landforms, and the playability is equivalent to the Xianren Cliff Scenic Area in Tianshui, and the area is larger, with grottoes, temples, reservoirs, and pleasant scenery. It may take more than 6 hours to visit all of them. There are many guide maps in the scenic area, and basically every small scenic spot has one, which is better than many scenic spots. The only small drawback is that there is only a simple toilet from the entrance of the scenic area to the reservoir dam, which is far away and very inconvenient.
Anonymous userThey are all rushing for the UFO🛸 suspension bridge...
Anonymous userChina has many grottoes worth visiting, and today I'd like to recommend the South Grotto Temple in Pingliang. It's not as famous as the North Grotto Temple, but I prefer its tranquility. There aren't many tourists; I could enjoy it all to myself. Although it has suffered some significant weathering, it doesn't detract from its grandeur.
行走毛毛This is a relatively large comprehensive museum located in the center of Pingliang City. The building is simple and beautiful, and the collection is rich. Its special feature is that there are many historical artifacts unearthed locally. They are ancient, well-preserved, and of great historical and cultural value.
开心天涯客Longquan Temple is a large-scale temple, covering an area of more than 16,000 square meters and a building area of more than 4,000 square meters. The overall layout of the building is three courtyards. The first courtyard is from the mountain gate under the Kuixing Tower. After entering the temple, there is a welcoming pine tree to welcome and see off the people coming and going. The buildings in the first courtyard include the City God Temple, the God of Vehicles Temple, the God of Roads Temple, the Tai Sui Temple, the God of Fire Temple, the Dharma Protector Hall, the Grand Theater, the Dragon Sculpture, and the Release Pond.
M49***66This ancient town is a commercial ancient town at the foot of Kongtong Mountain. There is a small town here, but now it is much larger due to commercial reasons. You can still buy some water here before going up.
No.5旋风小子Zhuanglang Rice Terraces are large-scale rice terraces. They are free and spectacular to watch from the mountain. There is a viewing pavilion on the roadside at the top of the mountain. The pavilion is a bit short, so it would be better to build a high viewing platform for viewing. It is even more beautiful when the flowers bloom.
北京黄非红The sky and water merge into one, making it a great weekend getaway for kids in all seasons. There are many activities for kids to enjoy, including boating, painting, fishing, and playing in the playground. There are also bumper cars, but younger children need to be accompanied by their parents.
有文化的女士
