Anyang 5-Day Tour: Laojun Mountain & White Horse Temple

Assemble in the morning and depart for Laojun Mountain, following the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing plenty of time for taking photos and relaxing; enjoy a local specialty meal at noon, check in at the hotel in the evening, and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Laojun Mountain attractions. Laojun Mountain is located in Luoyang, Luanchuan County. It is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains and a famous Taoist mountain, reputed to be the place where the founder of Taoism, Laozi, retired to cultivate himself. The Golden Summit Daoist temple complex stands atop a peak over 2,000 meters above sea level. With its golden tiles and red walls amidst surging clouds, it is renowned as "a breathtaking feast on Earth, a glimpse of the world's grandeur." The Ten-Mile Painted Screen is the highlight of the trip, a high-altitude walkway suspended on a cliff offering ever-changing views, capturing forests of peaks, sea of clouds, and sunrises. Visitors can ascend by a two-stage cable car. On clear days, the summit provides a view of the sunrise over the sea of clouds; in winter, it is a highly popular spot for snow viewing in Central China. My advice is to get an early start to take the cable car to the top to catch the best light on the Golden Summit and the Ten-Mile Painted Screen; the summit is windy and cold, so a windbreaker and thermos are essential. Those afraid of heights should be cautious on the glass observation deck.

Tips: There are many steps and steep slopes along the hiking route, so wear non-slip sports shoes. People with mobility issues are advised to take the cable car up and down. Visitors commonly note that the Golden Summit sea of clouds and sunrise are the main highlights, with many staying at the summit overnight to catch dawn. Be aware of the large temperature difference at the top and long cable car lines; during peak season, it's essential to start early. Based on actual conditions, when taking photos, pay attention not just to good shots but also to your footing and surroundings; make sure to hold onto railings and stand securely on the observation deck and walkway edges.

Assemble in the morning and depart for White Horse Temple, following the guide to visit the main attractions, with ample time reserved for photography and rest; enjoy local specialty dishes at noon, and check into the hotel in the evening to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights of the itinerary is White Horse Temple, located in the eastern part of Luoyang City. It was originally built during the Yongping era of the Eastern Han Dynasty to commemorate the White Horse carrying scriptures and the initial transmission of Buddhism to the Central Plains. It is honored as the 'First Ancient Temple in China' and is the first state-established temple after Buddhism was introduced to China. Inside the temple, Qi Yun Tower Courtyard, the Great Buddha Hall, and the Hall of Heavenly Kings are arranged along the central axis, with incense burning continuously for over two thousand years amid red walls and green cypresses. Notably, the temple also features foreign-style halls donated by countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, and India, presenting a unique landscape of Buddhist culture spreading eastward and returning. My understanding is to first visit the main halls along the central axis, then circle to the Qi Yun Tower Courtyard, and finally go to the southern exotic-style halls to experience the cultural fusion; visiting early in the morning when there are fewer people allows the morning light to fall on the red walls and ancient cypresses, creating the best atmosphere, and also avoids peak travel groups.

Warm Tips: The temple has many stone steps and thresholds; do not step on the doorsteps. When worshiping, line up in order and avoid pushing. Visitors generally report that the foreign-style halls (Thai/Myanmar/Indian courtyards) are photogenic and feel more expansive than expected; note that walking in the international temple area requires a fair bit of walking, so conserve your energy. Practically, for good photos, aim for early morning or late afternoon — with fewer people and soft morning light or golden evening light being the most photogenic. Midday light is harsh and crowded, so it is better to rest then.

In the morning, gather and depart for Jiguan Cave, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing plenty of time for photos and rest; at noon, taste the local specialty cuisine, and in the evening, check into the hotel to rest and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Scenic Spot Introduction: This stop is Jiguan Cave. Jiguan Cave is a karst cave in Luanchuan. Inside the cave, stalactites take on various shapes. Stalagmites, stone pillars, and stone flowers transform into splendid colors under the lights. The cave maintains a constant temperature all year round, warm in winter and cool in summer. The cave has many attractions that change as you move along, and with the explanations, you can understand the marvels of geological changes over hundreds of millions of years. Together with Longtan Grand Canyon, one cave and one gorge complement each other, forming a classic geological sightseeing route in western Henan. My understanding is, when you enter the cave, remember to follow the guide; the formation and naming of the stalactites are very interesting, and it’s easy to miss the highlights if you explore on your own. The cave floor is slippery, and some areas are low, so wear non-slip shoes and watch your head.

Warm Tips: There are many slippery mountain paths. Pay special attention to shifting your weight backward and slowing down when going downhill, and you can prepare a pair of knee pads. Most tourists have given feedback that most of them think Jiguan Cave is worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow your pace, follow the guide's explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the photo spots that are most interesting. Considering the actual situation, on long trips dehydration is the most concerning, so carry a water bottle and drink a little water frequently; on the first night at a plateau or mountainous area, avoid washing your hair or taking a long bath to give your body some time to adjust.