Pingliang

Pingliang’s mountain areas have a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so it is best to bring a light jacket.

Pingliang is an old city in eastern Gansu where mountains and rivers meet. It has the refined atmosphere of the “First Taoist Mountain in China” and also preserves the rich everyday food culture of northwest China, making it well suited to a relaxed trip.

• Kongtong Mountain, Pingliang: A national 5A-rated scenic area known as the “First Taoist Mountain in China.” Danxia peaks and ancient buildings form a layered landscape. The Imperial City, Heavenly Ladder, and Leisheng Peak plank road are the main sights, and after rain you may have a chance to see a sea of clouds.

• Liuhu Park, Pingliang: This ancient garden dates back to the Northern Song dynasty and is famous for its scenery of “a lake among willows, and willows in the lake.” The Zuo Gong willows are sturdy and shady, and at night the lights reflect on the water, making it ideal for an evening walk.

• Pingliang Museum: A national first-class museum. The exhibition halls are relatively new and the visiting environment is fairly quiet, offering a systematic look at Pingliang’s thousand-year history and Silk Road culture. You need to scan your ID card to enter.

• Dayun Temple · Queen Mother Palace: Located in Jingchuan County, this site brings together the ancestral temple of the Queen Mother of the West and a sacred Buddhist relic site on the same mountain. Red walls and ancient pagodas set each other off, creating a strong historic architectural atmosphere. It is also good for photographing architecture and cultural scenery.

• Yunya Temple: Located in Zhuanglang County, this group of suspended grottoes from the Northern Wei period is embedded in Danxia cliff faces. The surrounding Guanshan forests are quiet and lush, making summer visits especially comfortable.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Seeking the Way on the Immortal Mountain and City Food: In the morning, take a taxi from the city center to Kongtong Mountain (about 30 minutes). It is recommended to take the scenic shuttle bus directly to Xiangshan, then follow the route downhill to visit the Imperial City, Leisheng Peak, and Heavenly Ladder. This saves energy and also makes it easier to enjoy the overall mountain views. At noon, you can have lamb paomo in Kongtong Ancient Town or in the city. In the afternoon, take a walk in Liuhu Park and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the “Pearl of Eastern Gansu.” In the evening, go to Xinmin Road Night Market or South Gate Night Market to try snacks such as chao bola and niangpi.

• Day 2: History, Culture, and an Urban Oasis: Visit Pingliang Museum in the morning to learn about Silk Road culture and the history of eastern Gansu (note that it is closed on Mondays). At noon, you can try the time-honored stir-fried sliced pork. In the afternoon, you can go up Nanshan Park for a view over the city, or visit Yuantong Temple for a quiet atmosphere. In the evening, choose a local-style warming hot pot or traditional “Eight Bowls” meal in the city to taste eastern Gansu flavors.

• Day 3: Ancient Temples Nearby or a Hidden Natural Retreat: If you have enough time, you can drive yourself or hire a car to Dayun Temple · Queen Mother Palace in Jingchuan County (about 1 hour by car) to enjoy ancient architecture that blends Buddhist and Taoist elements. Alternatively, visit the Yunya Temple grottoes in Zhuanglang County and see the spectacular terraced fields along the way. Return in the afternoon.

Must-Try Local Foods in Pingliang

Portions in Pingliang are usually generous, so order according to the actual number of people in your group.

Transport and Practical Tips

• Getting there: Pingliang currently has no high-speed rail. You can take a train to Pingliang Railway Station, or drive there yourself (about 4 hours from Xi’an by car, about 3 hours from Lanzhou). Taxis and buses are both convenient for getting between city attractions.
• Kongtong Mountain tickets: Peak season (April–October) is 110 yuan; low season is 55 yuan. It is recommended to buy the scenic shuttle bus ticket (48 yuan from the ancient town to Xiangshan), as it greatly reduces the amount of walking.
• What to wear: Mountain areas have a large temperature difference. Bring a light windproof jacket for mornings, evenings, and time on the mountain. Choose non-slip athletic shoes; the Heavenly Ladder has a slope close to 75°, so it requires a certain level of fitness.
• Things to note: Do not trust unlicensed guides at the foot of the mountain offering “low-price guiding.” Incense offerings at Taoist temples and Buddhist temples are voluntary; if you encounter hard-selling, refuse clearly. Prices on the mountain are relatively high, so bring bottled water and a small amount of snacks with you.
• Local gifts: Jingning roast chicken (vacuum-packed), Pingliang Golden Fruit apples, Huating walnuts, and Zhuanglang vermicelli all make suitable souvenirs.