Anyang 5-Day Tour: Laojun Mountain & Baiyun Mountain

In the morning, take the cable car up Laojun Mountain and visit the Golden Summit Taoist Temple complex. On clear days, you may encounter a sea of clouds. Have a light meal at the mountain top at noon. In the afternoon, walk along the Ten-Mile Painting Screen Trail, overlook the mountains from the glass observation deck, and descend in the evening to check into a hotel.

Attraction introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Laojun Mountain. Laojun Mountain is located in Luan County, Luoyang, and is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains. It is also a famous Taoist mountain, traditionally known as the place where Taoist founder Laozi retired to cultivate. The Golden Summit Taoist Temple complex stands at over 2,000 meters above sea level. With its golden tiles and red walls and surrounded by a rolling sea of clouds, it is renowned for the saying, 'Travel far to witness the feast of the mortal world, and behold the beauty of the earthly realm.' The Ten-Mile Painting Screen Trail is the highlight of the route: a high-altitude plank road suspended along a sheer cliff, where you can enjoy views of peaks, the sea of clouds, and the sunrise. You can take a two-stage cable car to the top. On clear days, you can catch the sea of clouds and sunrise, while in winter, it is a popular spot for snow viewing in central China. My advice is to take the cable car early to secure the best light at the Golden Summit and the Ten-Mile Painting Screen; it is windy and cold at the top, so a windbreaker and thermos are essential. If you are timid, avoid the glass observation deck.

Tips: The climbing sections have many steps and steep slopes, so wear non-slip sports shoes. People with limited mobility are advised to use the cable car up and down. Visitors generally agree that the sea of clouds and sunrise at the Golden Summit are the main attractions, with many staying at the mountain top to wait for dawn. Be aware that temperatures can vary significantly at the top and cable car lines can be long, so during peak season, go early. To get the best photos, consider early morning or late afternoon—mornings have fewer people and soft light, while at sunset, golden light is best. Midday light is harsh and crowded, so it may be better to rest during that time.

Early in the morning, enter [0], enjoy the cool weather while walking along the bamboo forest trail and viewing the waterfalls, which is suitable for a leisurely family outing; in the afternoon, enjoy free activities, which can include taking additional photos or resting, and return in the evening.

Warm tips: On days with free activities, both taxis and walking are convenient. Check the routes to your destinations in advance and mark the stores and attractions you want to visit on a map. Visitors generally report that many feel the free activity day is the most relaxing day, allowing them to go at their own pace. Based on the actual situation, keep your documents and wallet separate, take photos of important documents and back them up on your phone. In case of loss, you can quickly replace them without affecting your itinerary.

Today's Baiyun Mountain vacation trip includes taking the cable car and sightseeing shuttle to connect Yuhuangding, Jiulong Waterfall, and the High Mountain Peony Garden, with a relaxed pace; in the afternoon, free activities, and in the evening, rest.

Attractions introduction: This stop is at Baiyun Mountain, located in the Funiu Mountains of Song County. From Yuhuangding, one can enjoy the sea of clouds and sunrise. The forest coverage is high, and the air is rich in negative oxygen ions, making it a natural large oxygen bar. In the scenic area, Jiulong Waterfall and the High Mountain Peony Garden each have their own characteristics. In summer, it's perfect for escaping the heat, and in autumn, for enjoying the red leaves. It is one of the few high-mountain resort-type scenic areas in Henan. You can take the cable car or sightseeing bus to connect the points. The mountaintop has wide views, with mist swirling around, like a fairyland. My understanding is that visiting in summer to escape the heat is the most worthwhile. The coolness in the mountains contrasts sharply with the scorching city. Getting up early to climb Yuhuangding for the sea of clouds at sunrise requires some luck, but even if you don’t see the sunrise, the mountain scenery in the morning mist is beautiful enough.

Tips: Many mountain roads are slippery, especially downhill—pay attention to shifting your weight back and slowing your steps; you might want to bring knee protection. Visitors generally feedback that most people think Baiyun Mountain is worth visiting specifically. It is recommended to slow the pace, follow the guide for explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Depending on the actual situation, be punctual—arrive five to ten minutes before gathering time. It’s better for people to wait for the bus than the bus to wait for people. Don’t make everyone wait for you.