Kaifeng 5-Day Tour: Laojun Mountain & Sui-Tang Luoyang City

Today’s deep tour involves taking the cable car up the mountain and focusing on the Golden Summit, Ten-Mile Painted Screen, and the glass viewing platform, while following the guide to learn about Taoist culture and the geology of the Funiu Mountains; in the afternoon, descend the mountain to rest and recharge for the next day.

Attraction introduction: One of the highlights arranged in the itinerary is the Golden Summit, located in Luanchuan County, the main peak of the Funiu Mountains and a famous Taoist mountain, traditionally known as the place where Laozi, the founder of Taoism, retreated for cultivation. The Golden Summit Taoist temple complex stands atop peaks over 2,000 meters above sea level, with golden-tiled and red-walled temples and rolling sea of clouds, widely praised as 'a feast for the eyes beyond the human world, witnessing the grandeur of the mortal realm.' Ten-Mile Painted Screen is the essence of the whole trip; a high-altitude walkway suspended on a cliff offers changing views with each step, encompassing the peak forest, sea of clouds, and sunrise. You can ascend the mountain by a two-stage cable car; on clear days you can watch the sea of clouds and sunrise from the summit, while in winter it is a popular snow-viewing spot in the Central Plains. My understanding is that it is essential to take the cable car early to secure the best lighting for the Golden Summit and Ten-Mile Painted Screen; with strong winds and low temperatures at the top, a windbreaker and thermos are a must, and the glass viewing platform is not recommended for the faint-hearted.

Tips: There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains, and the summit is windy, so a windproof jacket and warm inner layers are very necessary. Visitors generally agree that the sea of clouds and sunrise at the Golden Summit are the main highlights, with many staying overnight on the mountain to catch the dawn; note the large temperature difference and long cable car queues at the summit, so be sure to go early during peak season. Depending on your situation, bring some small change and snacks with you, as the signal in the scenic area is poor and they might come in handy for emergency supplies; don’t wait until you’re hungry to search for them.

Assemble in the morning and set off for Sui-Tang Luoyang City. Follow the guide along the main route, visiting all the key highlights, leaving ample time for photos and rest; at noon, enjoy local specialty meals, then continue exploring in the afternoon. In the evening, check into the hotel to rest and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is Sui-Tang Luoyang City. Sui-Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park centers around Yingtian Gate, Mingtang, and Tiantang, recreating the palace grandeur of the Tang Dynasty 'Divine Capital' Luoyang. Yingtian Gate is the main southern gate of Sui-Tang Luoyang City, magnificent in scale; climbing the tower offers a view along the central axis, and there is a spectacular light show at night. Mingtang was the 'Palace of Myriad Phenomena' during Empress Wu Zetian's reign, and Tiantang is a high tower for Buddhist rituals; the interiors of both buildings recreate the splendid furnishings of the Tang royal court. It is also pleasant to stroll along the shores of Jiuzhou Pond, imagining the grandeur of the imperial gardens of the past. This site is closely associated with TV dramas like 'Wu Zetian' and 'Feng Qi Luoyang', making it one of the most popular Tang culture tourist spots in Luoyang in recent years. In my opinion, a night visit is a must—when the lights are first turned on, the lighting of Yingtian Gate and Mingtang-Tiantang represents the true appearance of the 'Divine Capital'; see the palace furnishings in the day and the light show at night to enjoy two experiences in one day.

Tips: The ancient capital offers plenty of night tourism options; dress warmly and remember the meeting point. Most tourists feel that Sui-Tang Luoyang City is worth a dedicated visit, so it is recommended to slow down, follow the guide, listen to explanations, and give yourself time for the most moving details and the best photo spots. Considering practical needs, mountain weather can change suddenly, so a windproof jacket is most reliable; choose shoes that are comfortable and non-slip—it's better to take fewer photos than to twist an ankle.

Enter the cave early in the morning and stroll through the constant-temperature cave to see the stunning stalactites transformed by the lights; in the afternoon, enjoy free activities to take additional photos of the vegetation outside the cave, and return in the evening.

Tips: Free activities are suitable for catching up on sleep and leisurely strolling. It is recommended to rest in the morning, explore and eat according to your interests in the afternoon, and avoid staying out too late at night to not affect the next day's schedule. Visitors generally report that most people use their free activity day to sleep in, explore, eat, and take extra photos, enjoying a relaxed experience. Based on practical situations, carry some small change and snack-size packaged food with you, which can be useful when the park has poor signal or for temporary supplies—don't wait until you're hungry to look for food.