Luoyang 7-Day Tour: Laojun Mountain & Chongdu Valley

Today's in-depth tour: After taking the cable car up the mountain, we focused on the Golden Summit, Ten-Mile Picture Screen, and the glass viewing platform, following the guide to learn about Taoist culture and the geology of the Funiu Mountains. In the afternoon, we descended and rested to recharge for the next day.

Attractions introduction: One of the highlights arranged in the itinerary is the Golden Summit, located in Luanchuan County, and it is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains as well as a famous Taoist mountain. It is said to be the place where Laozi, the founder of Taoism, once secluded himself to cultivate. The Golden Summit Taoist temple complex stands atop a peak over 2,000 meters above sea level, with golden tiles and red walls, surrounded by a sea of clouds, earning the reputation of "a dazzling feast in the mortal world, a glimpse of the earthly splendor." The Ten-Mile Picture Screen is the essence of the trip—a high-altitude plank road suspended along a cliff, offering changing views of peak forests, cloud seas, and the sunrise. You can take a two-stage cable car to the summit; on a clear day, you can see the sea of clouds and sunrise, while in winter, it is a very popular snow-viewing spot in the Central Plains. My understanding is that it is essential to take the cable car early to enjoy the best light at the Golden Summit and Ten-Mile Picture Screen; the summit is windy and cold, so a windproof jacket and thermos are standard, and nervous visitors should be cautious on the glass viewing platform.

Tips: The temperature difference is large in the mountains between morning and evening, and the wind at the summit is strong, so a windproof jacket and warm layers are necessary. Tourists generally report that the sea of clouds and sunrise at the Golden Summit are the main attractions, with many staying overnight at the summit to watch the dawn; note that the temperature difference is big and cable car lines can be long, so it is crucial to start early during peak seasons. Considering actual circumstances, dehydration is a major concern on long trips, so keep a water bottle on hand and drink small amounts frequently. On the first night in the highlands or mountains, avoid washing hair or taking long baths to allow your body some time to adjust.

Morning tour: Walk along the Jinji River and Dicu River to see bamboo forests and flying waterfalls; at noon, taste farm-style dishes with wild mountain vegetables; in the afternoon, stroll through villages in western Henan, enjoying the coolness typical of Jiangnan water towns.

Attraction introduction: This stop is at Chongdugou, which is located in Luanchuan. With tens of thousands of acres of bamboo forests, waterfalls and flowing streams, and the farming customs of western Henan, it is a rare "Jiangnan water town" style summer resort in Henan. The scenic area is divided into two sections: Jinji River and Dicu River. Jinji River is famous for its waterfall clusters, with splashing water and a refreshing atmosphere; Dicu River features continuous bamboo forests, with greenery wherever you walk. Here you can stay at local farms, taste wild mountain vegetables, and experience the authentic life of western Henan mountain villages. The pace is relaxed, making it especially suitable for slow family trips and summer vacations. My understanding is to slow down the pace and not rush through the attractions—walking in the bamboo forest and sitting by the stream is the right way to enjoy Chongdugou; summer visits are the most comfortable, so refreshing that you won’t want to leave.

Warm tips: Signal may be poor inside the canyon, so arrange a meeting point with your guide in advance and do not act alone. Most tourists have reported that Chongdugou is worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide’s commentary, and leave time for the details that touch you most and the best photo spots. Based on practical conditions, be punctual; arrive five to ten minutes early for gatherings. It is better for people to wait for the vehicle than for the vehicle to wait for people. Don’t keep everyone waiting for you.

Set off from the hotel early in the morning straight to Erlitou. First, listen to the guide explain the background and highlights, then explore freely at a leisurely pace and take additional photos according to your interests. After lunch, take a short rest, and return to the hotel in the evening to conserve energy for the next day.

Introduction to the Attraction: Today's itinerary includes Erlitou attractions. The Erlitou site is located in Luoyang Yanshi and is acclaimed by scholars as 'the earliest China.' It is a large city site from the middle to late Xia Dynasty, where turquoise dragon-shaped artifacts, bronze jue, bronze ding, and other significant relics were unearthed, revealing the appearance of the first royal capital of the Huaxia. The turquoise dragon-shaped artifact is made of more than two thousand turquoise pieces and is known as 'the first dragon of Huaxia,' serving as important evidence of dragon worship in China. The Erlitou Site Museum presents the archaeological site vividly and is an indispensable stop for studying the origins of Chinese civilization. My understanding is that before visiting, it is better to first learn about the scholarly debates surrounding the 'Xia Capital,' and then view the exhibits for a deeper understanding; the museum's display is carefully curated and worth examining slowly.

Tips: The hiking sections have many steps and steep slopes, so make sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with mobility issues are advised to use the cable car. Visitors generally reflect that most travelers consider Erlitou worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide's explanations, and leave time for the details that move you the most and the best photo spots. Depending on the actual situation, when taking pictures, do not just focus on getting the shot, but also pay attention to your feet and surroundings. Make sure to stand firmly at the edge of viewing platforms and boardwalks.