Zhengzhou 4-Day Tour: Laojun Mountain & Chongdu Valley

Early in the morning, take the first cable car to reach the Golden Summit, check in at the Taoist temple complex, and enjoy the sea of clouds and sunrise; in the afternoon, slowly descend along the Ten-Mile Painting Screen, changing scenery step by step, and return in the evening.

Attraction introduction: One of the highlights of the itinerary is the Golden Summit. Located in Luanchuan County, it is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains and a famous Taoist mountain, reputed to be the retreat of Laozi, the founder of Taoism. The temple complex on the Golden Summit stands over 2,000 meters above sea level, with golden-tiled roofs, red walls, and rolling seas of clouds, earning the reputation of "A magnificent feast in the human world, a glimpse of the peak beauty on earth." The Ten-Mile Painting Screen is the essence of the journey, a high-altitude walkway suspended along a sheer cliff, offering changing scenery with every step, encompassing the peaks, clouds, and sunrise. You can take a two-stage cable car up the mountain; on clear days, the summit offers views of the clouds and sunrise, while in winter, it is a popular spot for snow viewing in the Central Plains region. My advice is to take the cable car early to secure the best light at the Golden Summit and the Ten-Mile Painting Screen; the summit is windy and cold, so a windbreaker and a thermos are essential, and if you are afraid of heights, do not force yourself to step onto the glass observation deck.

Tips: The mountain trail has many steps and steep slopes, so wear anti-slip sports shoes. Those with mobility issues are advised to use the cable car. Visitors generally agree that the clouds and sunrise at the Golden Summit are the main highlights, with many staying overnight at the summit to catch the dawn. Be aware of the temperature difference on the summit and the long cable car lines; during peak season, it is essential to go early. Respect local customs according to the actual situation; dress appropriately when entering religious sites, do not point at things casually, and a simple greeting will earn you kindness.

Today's summer retreat trip has a relaxed pace, focusing on viewing the vast bamboo forests and cascading waterfalls; the afternoon is free to arrange, and in the evening, stay at a farmhouse to rest.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is Chongdugou, located in Luanchuan, known for its vast bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, and western Henan rural farming charm. It is one of the few 'Jiangnan water town' style summer retreat leisure destinations in Henan. The scenic area is divided into Jinji River and Dicui River zones. Jinji River is famous for its waterfalls, with splashing water that is refreshing and pleasant; Dicui River features continuous bamboo forests, where walking through offers endless greenery. Here, one can stay in a farmhouse, taste wild vegetables, and experience authentic western Henan village life. The pace is relaxed, making it especially suitable for slow-paced family tours and summer vacations. My understanding is to slow down the pace and not rush to see the spots—walking in the bamboo forest and sitting by the stream is the proper way to enjoy Chongdugou; visiting in summer is most comfortable, with such coolness you won’t want to leave.

Tips: The canyon trail runs along water and cliffs, so do not climb over railings or play in dangerous areas, and watch your children closely. Visitors generally report that most think Chongdugou is worth visiting specially; it is recommended to slow down, listen to the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Considering the actual situation, the worst thing on a group tour is rushing through; listening to the guide is the essence, as the cultural stories behind each attraction are often more memorable than the photos. Ask the guide immediately if anything is unclear.

In the morning, head to Longmen Grottoes, carefully observe the Faxiang Temple's Vairocana Buddha along the Yi River trail from the West Mountain Caves, then cross the bridge to the East Mountain Worship Platform to view the panoramic scenery; at noon, enjoy a Luoyang water banquet, in the afternoon tour Xiangshan Temple and Baiyuan, and return to the hotel in the evening.

Attraction introduction: A major highlight in the itinerary is Longmen Grottoes. Longmen Grottoes was carved on the cliffs on both sides of the Yi River in the south of Luoyang. Continuous construction started after Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang and continued through the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, Tang, and other dynasties. There are currently more than 2,300 caves, over 100,000 statues, and more than 2,800 inscriptions and steles. The most impressive is the Vairocana Buddha of Faxiang Temple, over seventeen meters high, with a full face and kind eyes, said to have been modeled after Wu Zetian, representing the pinnacle of Tang Dynasty stone carving art. Together with Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Yungang in Datong, it is known as one of the three major grottoes in China and is also a world cultural heritage site. When visiting, walk south from the West Mountain Caves along the Yi River trail; the Binyang Three Caves, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave, and the Lotus Cave each have their highlights. Crossing the bridge to the East Mountain Worship Platform allows a panoramic view. My understanding is that in the morning, first visit the main cave of the West Mountain and admire the Buddha while there are fewer people; in the afternoon, go to the East Mountain viewing platform for a panoramic view, as the lighting and angles are best for photography; walking both sides of the Yi River requires retracing steps, so a pair of comfortable shoes can save a lot of effort.

Tips: Most caves are built on cliffs, so maintain a distance from the cliffs when viewing, hold onto railings, and take care of the elderly and children. Many tourists report that most find the Vairocana Buddha the most impressive, and the sunset at West Mountain offers the best light for photos; walking both sides of the Yi River requires retracing steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended and allow for half a day. For authentic food, go deeper into the alleys; queues at the main gate are long and the taste is average; for specialties, always ask for the price and compare, as local supermarkets often offer more genuine products.

Transfer to the departure terminal per your booked train or flight; keep travel documents and tickets in your carry-on.