Anyang 6-Day Tour: Erlitou Site & Laojun Mountain

Gather in the morning and depart for Erlitou. Follow the guide to tour the main attractions, leaving ample time for photos and rest. Enjoy a local specialty lunch at noon, check into the hotel in the evening, and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights of the itinerary is Erlitou. The Erlitou ruins are located in Yanshi, Luoyang, and are esteemed by scholars as "the earliest China." It is a large city site from the mid-to-late Xia Dynasty, where significant artifacts such as turquoise dragon-shaped ornaments, bronze jia, and bronze ding have been unearthed, revealing the appearance of the first capital of the Huaxia civilization. The turquoise dragon-shaped ornament is inlaid with over two thousand turquoise pieces and is hailed as "the first dragon of Huaxia," serving as important evidence of dragon worship in China. The Erlitou ruins museum presents the site in an archaeological context and is an essential stop for studying the origins of Chinese civilization. In my understanding, visiting the exhibits with prior knowledge of the academic controversies surrounding the "Xia capital" offers a deeper insight. The museum's displays are meticulously curated and worth exploring slowly.

Tips: The mountain sections have many steps and steep slopes; be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with mobility issues are advised to use the cable car. Visitors generally report that most believe Erlitou is worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide's explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Considering practical matters, keep ID and wallets separate, take photos of important documents as backups on your phone, so that in case of loss they can be quickly replaced without affecting your itinerary.

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

Attraction introduction: Today's itinerary includes Laojun Mountain attractions. Laojun Mountain is located in Luoyang Luanchuan County, is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains, and is also a famous Taoist mountain. It is said to be the place where Laozi, the founder of Taoism, retired and practiced. The Jinding Taoist temple complex stands on the peak at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. The temple features golden roofs and red walls, surrounded by a sea of clouds, and is renowned for the saying, 'Travel far to witness the stunning beauty of the human world.' The Ten-Mile Screen is the highlight of the entire route, a high-altitude plank road suspended on a cliff that offers changing scenery with every step, allowing visitors to see the peak forest, sea of clouds, and sunrise all at once. You can take a two-stage cable car up the mountain; on clear days, you can see the sunrise over the sea of clouds from the top, and in winter, it is a very popular place for snow viewing in the Central Plains. My suggestion is to make sure to take the cable car up early to secure good lighting for Jinding and Ten-Mile Screen; the top is windy and cold, so a windproof jacket and thermos are essential. If you are afraid of heights, don’t force yourself on the glass observation deck.

Tips: The temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains is large, and the top is windy, so a windproof outer layer and warm inner clothing are necessary. Visitors generally report that the sea of clouds and sunrise at Jinding are considered the main highlights, with many staying overnight at the top to catch the dawn. Keep in mind the large temperature differences at the top and long queues for the cable car, so make sure to go early during peak season. Based on actual conditions, carry some small change and individually packaged snacks with you, as the signal in the scenic area is poor and may come in handy if you need quick supplies—don’t wait until you’re hungry to search for food.

Gather in the morning and depart for Sui-Tang Luoyang City, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing ample time for photos and rest; enjoy a local specialty meal at noon, check into the hotel in the evening, and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Sui-Tang Luoyang City attractions. The Sui-Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park centers on Ying Tian Gate, Ming Tang, and Tian Tang, recreating the palace atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty's "Divine Capital" Luoyang. Ying Tian Gate is the south gate of Sui-Tang Luoyang City, grand in scale, and from the top you can overlook the central axis. At night, there is a stunning light show; Ming Tang was the "Palace of Myriad Phenomena" during Wu Zetian's period, while Tian Tang is a tall tower for Buddhist rituals. The interiors of both buildings recreate the magnificent furnishings of Tang Dynasty palaces. Walking along Jiuzhou Pool is also pleasant, evoking the grandeur of the royal gardens. This place is closely connected with TV dramas such as "Wu Zetian" and "The Wind Rises in Luoyang", and has become one of the most popular Tang culture landmarks in Luoyang in recent years. My advice is to definitely visit at night — the lights at Ying Tian Gate and Ming Tang Tian Tang at dusk show what the "Divine Capital" should truly look like; see the palace furnishings during the day and the light show at night for two different experiences in one day.

Tips: The ancient capital has many night tour options. Keep warm when going out at night and remember the meeting point. Visitors generally feedback that most believe Sui-Tang Luoyang City is worth making a special trip for. It's suggested to slow down, listen to the guide, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Considering practical circumstances, mountain weather can change quickly, so a windproof jacket is indispensable; choose non-slip, comfortable shoes — it's better to take fewer photos than to twist an ankle.