Xikongtong Lotus Mountain

　　Introduction       Lotus Mountain stands majestically between Yangsha, Bajiao, and Yeliguan townships in Lintan County, bordering Kang Le County to the east. The mountain boasts over 12,000 hectares of pristine forest and approximately 180,000 mu of natural scenic area. To the east flows the Tao River, while the Yangsha River and Yemu River flank it to the south and north. Towering into the clouds, the bare rocky peaks of Lotus Mountain resemble blooming lotus flowers, creating a scene akin to a Buddhist paradise. It has long been known as the “Western Kongtong.”

　　      The main peak of Lotus Mountain rises 3,578 meters above sea level. Its elegant and upright peaks glow pink under the morning or evening sunlight, resembling the pistils of lotus petals in full bloom. Below the mid-mountain, dense forests thrive, dotted with cascading waterfalls and clear springs, accompanied by birdsong and fragrant blossoms—an absolutely breathtaking sight. Lotus Mountain combines the peril of Huashan, the wonder of Huangshan, the serenity of Qingcheng, and the beauty of Emei, making it a renowned destination for sightseeing, tourism, and summer retreat since ancient times.

　　      The journey up Lotus Mountain features numerous scenic spots along the way. These include the Lotus Temple Hall, statues of the Three Fairy Maidens, Second Heavenly Gate, Third Heavenly Gate, Fourth Heavenly Gate, Zixiao Palace, Needle-Grinding Hall, Wu Family Nunnery, Western Heavenly Gate, Guanyin Cliff, Black Tiger Hall, Snake Retreat, and Nine Peaks Summit. The mountain is also home to the Taibai Hall, White Oriole Pavilion, Zhangxian Pavilion, God of Wealth Pavilion, Wenchang Pavilion, Kuixing Pavilion, Queen Mother Hall, and Jade Emperor Pavilion. From the summit of the Jade Emperor Pavilion, one can gaze into the distance at surrounding mountains veiled in sea of clouds, three rivers winding like silk ribbons, and distant human settlements appearing misty and ethereal. Additionally, attractions such as the Nine Peaks competing in beauty, the Lotus Temple Hall, the Stone Gorge Valley, and the Curtain Cave Wonder are particularly captivating.

　　      Lotus Mountain is also a sacred religious site. Legend has it that the Lotus (a deity) once preached Buddhism here. During the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, monks traveling to the capital often passed through this area to worship on the mountain. Since the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, Buddhist devotees from Taozhou have built numerous temples on the mountain to promote Buddhism and Taoism.

　　      The Lotus Mountain Flower Festival is a renowned folk event in northwestern China since ancient times. Every year around the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, people from Han, Hui, and Tu ethnic groups in three prefectures and six counties near Lotus Mountain gather to enjoy the scenery and express their joyful love through song. The most interesting tradition is when locals tie ropes with marram grass to stop visitors, who must engage in duet singing to their satisfaction before being allowed to pass.

　　 Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province