Embark on a 2-day spiritual and cultural voyage in the heart of Pingliang, where history and nature intertwine. Day 1 begins with an immersive experience at Kongdong Mountain, a place of tranquility and natural beauty that will captivate you for the entire day. As one of the sacred mountains of Taoism, it promises breathtaking views and a deep connection with ancient Chinese philosophy. Just a stone's throw away, Longyin Temple awaits to enrich your afternoon with its serene atmosphere and rich temple heritage, requiring just an hour to soak in its peaceful ambiance. On Day 2, the journey continues to Longquan Temple, nestled within its scenic area in Chongxin County, where two hours will allow you to explore its spiritual depths and architectural splendor. The day progresses with a visit to the Dayun Temple • Wangmu Palace, a Taoist temple that offers a glimpse into the divine and the mystical in just an hour. Conclude your Pingliang pilgrimage at the Wangmuugong Grottoes, a historic site that stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural tapestry, with an hour to marvel at its ancient artistry. This 2-day itinerary promises a blend of spiritual enlightenment and natural wonder, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1: Ascend the Mystic Peaks and Discover Ancient Serenity in Pingliang
Kongdong Mountain
Begin your Pingliang adventure with a visit to the awe-inspiring Kongdong Mountain, a place where nature and spirituality merge. As the first stop of your day, this mountain is not just a scenic marvel but also a significant site in Chinese Taoism. Spend your day traversing the rugged paths, taking in the panoramic views, and exploring the ancient temples nestled within the mountain's embrace. The serenity and the profound history of Kongdong Mountain will set a contemplative tone for your journey ahead.
Attraction Info
- Kongtong, Pingliang, Gansu, China
- Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
- Open from 7:30am-4:00pm
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Longyin Temple
After immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of Kongdong Mountain, continue your spiritual journey to the Longyin Temple. Located within the same mystical region of Kongtong, this temple offers a peaceful retreat for contemplation and discovery. Spend an hour marveling at the intricate architecture and absorbing the temple's serene atmosphere. The Longyin Temple, with its rich heritage and calming presence, is the perfect place to reflect on the day's experiences before the night falls on your first day in Pingliang.
Attraction Info
- Kongtong, Pingliang, Gansu, China
- Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
- Open from 8:00am-5:00pm
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Where to Stay Tonight
Day 2: Spiritual Sojourns and Ancient Echoes in Pingliang
Longquan Temple
Begin your second day in Pingliang with a peaceful morning at Longquan Temple, nestled within its scenic namesake area. This serene temple offers a tranquil escape, inviting visitors to spend a couple of hours exploring its spiritual ambiance. As you wander through the temple grounds, absorb the harmonious blend of nature and devotion that has drawn pilgrims and travelers alike for generations. The temple's architecture and surrounding greenery provide a picturesque setting for reflection and photography.
Attraction Info
- Longquan Temple Scenic Area, Chongxin County, Pingliang City
- Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
- Open from 8:00am-6:00pm
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Dayun Temple • Wangmu Palace
Continue your journey of tranquility at the Dayun Temple • Wangmu Palace, a Taoist temple that exudes a sense of timelessness amidst its sacred halls. Allocate an hour to immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of this spiritual haven. The temple's intricate designs and the peaceful aura of its courtyards are a testament to the profound Taoist philosophies that have influenced the region for centuries. It's a place where history and spirituality intertwine, offering a unique glimpse into the religious tapestry of Pingliang.
Attraction Info
- Jingchuan, Pingliang, Gansu, China
- Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
- Open from 9:00am-5:00pm
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Wangmuugong Grottoes
Conclude your day with a visit to the Wangmuugong Grottoes, a historic site that promises to transport you back in time. Spend an hour marveling at the ancient carvings and statues that adorn the grottoes, each telling a story of the region's rich cultural heritage. The intricate artistry and historical significance of the Wangmuugong Grottoes make it an essential stop for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike, providing a fitting end to your Pingliang adventure.
Attraction Info
- Jingchuan, Pingliang, Gansu, China
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
- Open from 9:00am-5:00pm
Where to Stay Tonight
Top Things to Do in Pingliang-2024
Kongtong Mountain has a long history and rich cultural connotations. It is the holy place where the ancestor of humanities, Xuanyuan Huangdi, climbed the mountain and asked questions. According to legend, Emperor Xuanyuan visited the western frontier after his achievements and personally visited Kongtong Mountain to ask Guangchengzi, who lived in seclusion in Kongtong Mountain, for advice on how to govern the country and maintain health. Kongtong became famous forever.
Kongtong is the cradle of religion where the three religions unite and respect and prosper together. According to Taoist classics, the predecessor of Laozi, the founder of Taoism, was Guangchengzi who practiced in Kongtong, and Guangchengzi was the teacher of the Yellow Emperor. Therefore, Kongtong Mountain is known as "the first Taoist mountain in the world." In addition, Buddhism and Confucianism have made great progress in Kongtong Mountain.
Kongtong Mountain is the birthplace of the Kongtong School, the five major martial arts schools in China. Kongtong martial arts is one of the five major martial arts schools along with Shaolin, Wudang, Emei and Kunlun. Kongtong martial arts is closely connected with Taoist culture. It is mysterious and strange, with unique characteristics. It is a wonder of Chinese martial arts.
Kongtong Mountain belongs to the Danxia landform in high-altitude areas, which has extremely high scientific research value and extremely beautiful natural scenery. The ancients commented that "Kongtong's mountains and rivers are the best in Guansai", and another commented that "it has the majesty of the mountains in the north and the beauty of the mountains in the south."
Kongtong Mountain is one of the country's first batch of 5A-level tourist attractions, a national geological park, one of the "50 Places Worth Visiting for Foreigners in China", and one of the first batch of "Chinese Tourism Culture Demonstration Sites". It is a natural kingdom of animals and plants, with various species of animals and plants. There are more than 1,300 species, and the forest coverage rate reaches more than 90%.
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