Lazy Guide to Climbing Hengshan (Part One)

Let me share the route I took to Hengshan. I think following my route is really not that tiring, and you won't miss most of the attractions. First, let's talk about the main transportation. If you are driving from Datong, be sure to take the highway. Although the provincial road is shorter, it is full of large trucks and is not safe. There are three ways to tour: 1. Take the cable car. 2. Take the shuttle bus. 3. Climb step by step. I recommend buying a one-way cable car ticket for 70 yuan to go up the mountain. After getting off the cable car, you will reach Kuixing Tower. Then, follow the mountain path and walk slowly. You basically don't need to climb much to reach the temple area, where you will find Wenchang Temple, Guandi Temple, Dragon King Temple, Chunyang Palace, etc. Further ahead are Chongling Gate and Qinglong Baihu Hall. Here, you need to climb about a hundred steps to reach the Chaodian and Yuhuang Pavilion. Pay attention here: if you want to reach the top, continue climbing from here, which will take about another hour. Alternatively, you can follow my route down the mountain to the Sleeping Palace, admire the Dressing Tower and Flying Stone Cave, and then continue down to reach the Bittersweet Well and Ten Kings Hall. After checking in at the iconic Hengshan building 'Paifang,' continue forward. You will pass by places like Tiger Wind Pass and Hengzongzi along the way. Finally, you will reach the Hengshan parking lot, which is also where the shuttle bus stops to drop off passengers. There is also a fairly large Zhenwu Temple here. After visiting, take the shuttle bus for 13 yuan back to the scenic area parking lot to end your trip. This route basically requires no climbing, but you can still see most of the attractions on Hengshan. I think it's pretty good, especially when you see those gasping, leg-rubbing, waist-rubbing climbers with faces full of despair along the way, you will feel even more wise and mighty