2024 The Laojun Mountain Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)
Mount Laojun.
Luoyang Mount Laojun Scenic Area is located in Luanchuan Township, Luanchuan County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, covering an area of 26,660,000 square meters. Mount Laojun, formerly known as Jingshi Mountain, was named after Laozi, the founder of Taoism in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, who retired and practiced here. It is the main peak of the 800-mile Funiu Mountain, with an altitude of 2,217 meters. Mount Laojun was formed during the continental orogeny 1.9 billion years ago, creating its diverse landscape. It is a national 5A tourist attraction.
Mount Laojun combines natural landscapes and Taoist culture, and has developed eight scenic spots and 138 attractions.
"The majestic Laojun Mountain, 'surpassing the Five Sacred Mountains and crowning the Three Sacred Mountains'.
I came to Laojun Mountain with great interest, and the inscription on the gate, 'surpassing the Five Sacred Mountains and crowning the Three Sacred Mountains', made me curious.
We chose to save energy by taking the Zhongling and Fenglin cable cars up the mountain. The Zhongtianmen Square is located between the two cable car stations. Then there is a long plank road, with beautiful scenery at every step, making tourists forget their fatigue. The uphill road is a one-way street, so you can see everything at once.
After more than an hour, we arrived at the Funiu Peak, and then came to the most wonderful Taoist temple complex: Nantianmen, Laojun Temple, Morality Palace, Golden Hall, Jade Emperor Peak, and Liangbao Terrace.
Without waiting for the night to see the lights, we went down the mountain to take the Zhongling cable car. There were some small scenic spots along the way, but they were not as attractive as the ones we saw on the way up. It's not easy to see people carrying potatoes up the mountain!
The inscription on the gate, 'Peak Forest Wonderland, Five Heavenly Palaces', is quite apt.
Laojun Mountain left me with wonderful memories, and I will come again if I have the chance.
I would also like to mention that there is a prompt on the guide map in the visitor center: scan the QR code to purchase tickets and drive into the park. We were reminded by a peddler selling lucky charms in the parking lot to drive into the park. The locals are very honest.
A Journey to the Wonderland in the Clouds
Attraction Highlights: Laojun Mountain, a hidden wonderland in the clouds, boasts magnificent mountains and enchanting scenery. With a rich Taoist culture and ancient relics, every corner tells a story of a thousand years. The changing seasons bring diverse landscapes, resembling a dynamic landscape painting that captivates visitors.
Transportation: Visiting Laojun Mountain is as convenient as a poetic journey. Whether by bus, taxi, or self-driving, you can easily reach the destination. The picturesque scenery along the way seems to prelude the wonderland.
Must-Visit Spots: The Golden Summit Taoist Temple, with its ancient charm, has every brick and tile engraved with historical traces; the South Heaven Gate stands tall, overlooking the mountains with grandeur; the Jade Emperor Peak, suspended high, offers breathtaking views of sunrises, sunsets, and rolling clouds.
Other Tips: Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring Laojun Mountain. Bring water and food for contingencies. Warm clothing is necessary for viewing the scenery at the summit. On your way back, consider picking up some handicrafts to extend the beauty of the wonderland into your daily life.
A place that refreshes the mind and spirit. Whether you seek solace in nature or cultural nourishment, this place can fulfill your poetic aspirations.
Luanchuan is more than just Laojun Mountain
⛰️Wow! I never thought there would be such a beautiful natural summer resort in the Central Plains! 😃 How many people, like me, only knew about Luanchuan because of Laojun Mountain? 😎 At that time, I just wanted to rush to Laojun Mountain and climb to the top! ‼️ But during the climb, I met a guy who casually mentioned something, and that opened up a whole new world for me. 😜 It turns out that if you follow the guides and play for a few days, you will realize that the beauty of Luanchuan is far more than just Laojun Mountain! 💖
📖 Now, let me present you with a 3-day, 2-night nanny-level travel guide for Luanchuan! 😉
DAY1️⃣ Laojun Mountain -- Intangible Cultural Heritage Tie-Dye Experience -- Blue City Spring Breeze Jiangnan Homestay
✨ Laojun Mountain is an absolute must-visit! 😎 Be sure to book in advance and check the weather. 😃 Arranging it on the first day of the trip is really wise, so you should muster up the energy to climb up. 😜 Note that there will be a temperature difference between the top and bottom of the mountain, so remember to bring a slightly thicker jacket just in case. 🧐 Travel route: Laojun Mountain Ticket Office -- First Cableway -- Zhongtian Gate -- Ten Mile Painting Screen -- Nantian Gate -- Golden Summit Taoist Temple Group -- Descent. 👏
✨ The Intangible Cultural Heritage Tie-Dye Experience is also amazing! 😃 Using the unique herbs of the Luanchuan area, you can dye natural color patterns on fabrics. 😉 You can bring your favorite T-shirts, headbands, etc., and go to Yi He Jia to fully experience the unique charm of the local intangible cultural heritage. 💃
DAY2️⃣ Tianhe Grand Canyon -- Baodu Village -- Hidden Heart Valley Homestay
✨ Tianhe Grand Canyon is simply the perfect combination of mountain climbing and water play! 😃 Taking the round-trip cableway is not tiring at all! Climb the rock wall steps, play in the water and catch fish along the way, and fully enjoy the beauty of nature. 😎 It is really stunning here! The average temperature is only about 20 degrees, no wonder it is a summer resort in China. 💖
✨ Baodu Village is named after the myth of a shepherd boy who ate lingzhi grass and ascended to heaven with a calf; it is also famous for the battle in which the People's Liberation Army attacked it three times from 1946 to 1948, finally capturing it at the cost of more than 500 casualties. 😮 It is known as the "First Ancient Village of China," and the live performance on site is truly shocking! 👏
DAY3️⃣ Jiguan Cave -- Wangfu Bamboo Sea
✨ Jiguan Cave, with an average temperature of around 18 degrees all year round, is especially suitable for summer visits. 😃 There are staff members who provide explanations and help with taking photos 📷, and there is also a cave music festival that will make you have a blast. 💃
✨ Wangfu Bamboo Sea, located in the deep mountains and valleys of northern Luanchuan, even the villagers' houses are tightly surrounded by mountains. 😃 The mountain spring water is clear and cold, the waterfalls are rushing down, and the bamboo forest is densely shaded. Here you can enjoy free oxygen, super healing and relaxing~ 😉
🍴What to eat
Luanchuan's specialty Eight Bowls, and various snacks: Luanchuan tofu, stewed dishes, knife-cut noodles, special braised meat, beef soup, baked potatoes... 😋 The noodles and meat soup of the Central Plains are really incredibly delicious! 😍
🛏️ Where to stay
The development of homestays in Luanchuan is quite good, with many choices. 😃 The two homestays we stayed at this time had different styles, the scenery and environment were particularly good, the overall price was not high, comfortable and quiet, the experience was great, very suitable for completely relaxing after a day of play. 😉
🚗 Transportation
Laojun Mountain and Jiguan Cave are in Luanchuan County, while Tianhe Grand Canyon, Baodu Village, and Wangfu Bamboo Sea are on the outskirts of the county town. 😃 You can rent a car for a self-driving tour with your family or a few friends, which is both convenient and free. 😎
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