Pingliang City Travel

Pingliang, Gansu — Birthplace of Taoism, a famous cultural city in Eastern Gansu. Climb Kongtong Mountain to visit the ancestral court of Taoism, tour Wangmugong Palace to appreciate grotto art, and explore Yunya Temple to experience the Zen-like landscapes.

5000+
Years of Taoist History
1
National 5A-level Scenic Area
4
National Key Cultural Relic Protection Units
15+
Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects

3-Day 2-Night Cultural and Natural Tour of Pingliang

Seek Taoism at Kongtong Mountain, pilgrimage to Wangmugong Palace, explore Yunya Temple, and taste Pingliang's delicacies

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Kongtong District, Jingchuan County, Zhuanglang County
Suitable For
Culture Lovers, Nature Explorers, Religious Travelers
Per Capita Budget
¥850-¥1250
01
Taoist Sacred Land
Kongtong Mountain · Pingliang Museum
Itinerary Highlights

Arrive in Pingliang and climb Kongtong Mountain, a famous Taoist mountain. Visit Pingliang Museum in the afternoon to learn about the history and culture of Eastern Gansu.

Attraction Arrangement
Kongtong Mountain
National 5A-level scenic area, one of the birthplaces of Taoism, known as "the first mountain of Taoism". It integrates wonder, danger, steepness and beauty, with 42 existing palaces and temples.
Pingliang Museum
National second-class museum with a collection of more than 12,000 cultural relics, systematically displaying Pingliang's history and culture from prehistoric times to modern times, especially famous for its Buddhist art collections.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Pingliang Hotel
  • Kongtong Villa
  • Urban Business Hotels
Food Recommendations
  • Pingliang Lamb Soup
  • Jingning Roast Chicken
  • Jingchuan Pot Steamed Buns
Travel Tips
  • Hiking is required to climb Kongtong Mountain
  • Photography is prohibited in the museum
  • Temperature difference in mountainous areas, bring a coat
02
Grotto Art
Wangmugong Palace · Dayun Temple
Itinerary Highlights

Visit the grotto art of Wangmugong Palace, and tour Dayun Temple Scenic Area in the afternoon to experience the charm of Buddhist culture.

Attraction Arrangement
Wangmugong Palace
National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, first built in the Northern Wei Dynasty, is the birthplace of West Queen Mother culture. It has existing grottoes, ancient buildings and other relics, integrating Buddhist and Taoist cultures.
Dayun Temple
A royal temple of the Sui Dynasty, with existing Tang Dynasty relic pagoda and underground palace, where hundreds of precious cultural relics including Sakyamuni's relics were unearthed.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 60 km from Pingliang to Jingchuan
  • It is recommended to charter a car or take a tourist special line
  • Driving time is about 1.5 hours
Ticket Information
  • Wangmugong Palace: ¥50
  • Dayun Temple: ¥30
Travel Tips
  • No touching inside the grottoes
  • Keep quiet in the temple
  • Respect religious customs
03
Landscape Secret Realm
Yunya Temple · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to Zhuanglang County to visit Yunya Temple Scenic Area and appreciate the perfect combination of Danxia landform and Buddhist art. Return in the afternoon according to flight/train schedule.

Attraction Arrangement
Yunya Temple
National 4A-level scenic area, integrating Danxia landform, grotto art and Buddhist culture, with more than 80 existing grotto niches and over 300 statues.
Practical Information
Notes
  • Mountain roads are rugged, pay attention to safety
  • Protect cultural relics and historic sites
  • No graffiti or carving
Featured Experiences
  • Danxia landform photography
  • Zen landscape sketching
  • Zhuanglang terraced fields sightseeing
Return Suggestions
  • Pingliang Airport is 15 km from the urban area
  • High-speed rail to Xi'an direction is available
  • It is recommended to depart 2 hours in advance

Must-Try Foods in Pingliang City

Pingliang Lamb Soup

Using high-quality lamb from Eastern Gansu, matched with specially made steamed bun pieces, the soup is fresh, the meat is tender, and the buns are chewy. It is the most representative traditional food in Pingliang.

Jingning Roast Chicken

A specialty of Jingning, Pingliang, made from local free-range chickens using traditional techniques. It has a golden color, tender meat and crispy bones.

Jingchuan Pot Steamed Buns

A characteristic pasta of Jingchuan, steamed in traditional clay pots, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with rich wheat aroma. It is better to eat with lamb soup.

Huating Walnuts

A specialty of Huating, Pingliang, with plump kernels, crispy taste and rich nutrition. It is a local characteristic agricultural product and souvenir.

Pingliang City Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Blossoming flowers
  • Autumn (September-October): Pleasant climate
  • Avoid rainy season (July-August) as some sections are slippery
Must-Try Foods
  • Pingliang Lamb Soup
  • Jingning Roast Chicken
  • Jingchuan Pot Steamed Buns
  • Huating Walnuts
  • Lingtai Apples
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥180
  • Accommodation: ¥150-250 per night
  • Catering: ¥50-90 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥250
  • Total: ¥850-1250
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Why is Kongtong Mountain a famous Taoist mountain? → It is said to be the place where the Yellow Emperor sought advice from Guangchengzi
  • What are the characteristics of Wangmugong Grottoes? → Integrates two religious arts: Buddhism and Taoism
  • How to get from Pingliang to Xi'an? → High-speed rail takes about 1.5 hours, bus takes about 3 hours
  • Best shooting time for Yunya Temple? → Early morning or evening for the best light