Kongtong Mountain

Kongtongshan is counted among the first mountains of Daoism, its standing resting on the tradition that the Yellow Emperor came here to ask the sage Guangchengzi about the way of governing and of long life. Temples, halls and gates were built across its red sandstone crags from the Tang onward, connected by stepped paths, ridges and a stretch of stairs cut up a steep face, with the main cluster on the summit around Huangcheng. The rock is danxia sandstone weathered into cliffs and pinnacles, forested on the slopes, with a reservoir below reflecting the mountain.

What you actually see

• The cliff temples - halls and gates built on sandstone crags.
• The summit cluster - the main temple complex at Huangcheng.
• The stepped ascent - stairs cut up the steep faces between levels.
• The reservoir below - water reflecting the mountain from the valley.

When to go

April to October; autumn brings colour to the forest and clearer air. Winter ices the stairs. Daoist festival days bring pilgrims. Summer weekends are busy with Pingliang visitors.

Honest expectations

Most buildings are modern reconstructions after earlier destruction. The climb is steep with many steps unless the cable car is used. Entry plus cable car adds up and English interpretation is minimal.

Nearby

Pingliang lies east; Xi'an is southeast in Shaanxi.