Luoyang 7-Day Tour: Chongdu Valley & Wangcheng Park

Morning tour: walk along the Jinji River and Dícui River to see bamboo forests and flying waterfalls; at noon, try farm meals with wild mountain vegetables; in the afternoon, stroll through villages in western Henan, enjoying the Jiangnan water-town style coolness.

Attraction introduction: This stop is at Chongdugou, Chongdugou is located in Luanchuan, famous for its tens of thousands of acres of bamboo forests, waterfalls, flowing springs, and western Henan farming culture. It is a rare Jiangnan water-town style summer resort in Henan. The scenic area is divided into two zones, Jinji River and Dícui River. Jinji River is known for its clusters of waterfalls, with splashing water and refreshing coolness. Dícui River, on the other hand, has continuous bamboo forests, and walking through them, the eyes are filled with green. Here you can stay in farmhouses, taste wild mountain vegetables, and experience authentic life in western Henan villages. The pace is relaxed, especially suitable for family slow travel and summer vacations. My understanding is to slow down the pace and not rush through the attractions—walking in the bamboo forest or sitting by the creek is the proper way to enjoy Chongdugou; visiting in summer is the most comfortable, so cool that you don’t want to leave.

Tips: The canyon trail is near water and cliffs; do not climb over railings or play in dangerous areas, and keep an eye on accompanying children. Visitors generally feedback that most think Chongdugou is worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide for explanations, and leave time for the details that touch you the most and the best photo spots. Considering actual conditions, when taking photos, pay attention not only to taking pictures but also to your footing and surroundings. On viewing platforms and boardwalk edges, make sure to stand firmly and hold on.

Leave the hotel early in the morning and head straight to Wangcheng Park. First, listen to the tour guide explain the background and highlights, then explore at leisure and retake photos at spots that interest you. After lunch, take a short rest, and return to the hotel in the evening to conserve energy for the next day.

Attraction Introduction: One of the main highlights in the itinerary is Wangcheng Park. Wangcheng Park is located in Luoyang. It is named because it is situated on the ruins of the Eastern Zhou Royal City. It has been one of the main venues for the Chinese Luoyang Peony Culture Festival over the years and is also the most well-known city park for the citizens of Luoyang. Every April, famous peony varieties like Yaohuang, Weizi, and Zhaofen bloom in succession, creating a spectacular scene of vibrant colors. The park also preserves the Eastern Zhou Royal City ruins and a zoo, combining historical significance with leisure functions, making it a classic spot for tourists to visit the “Peony Flower City.” In my opinion, if you come during peony season (April), you must include this place as a must-visit; early in the morning, there are fewer people, and the peonies are most charming with morning dew. During the off-season, it is more suitable for a relaxed stroll.

Friendly Tips: When visiting the park with children, be mindful of the risk of getting separated. Agree on a meeting point in advance and prepare a contact card for your child. Visitors generally feedback that most people think Wangcheng Park is worth visiting specifically. It is recommended to slow down, listen to the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that move you the most and the best photo spots. Depending on the situation, the best times for photography are early or late in the day—early morning has fewer people and soft light, while sunset offers golden light ideal for photos. Noon light is harsh and crowded, so it is more worth taking a break then.

Today's Laojun Mountain in-depth tour: after taking the cable car up the mountain, focus on seeing the Golden Summit, the Ten-Mile Painted Screen, and the glass viewing platform, and follow the guide to learn about Taoist culture and the geology of Funiu Mountain; In the afternoon, descend to rest and build up energy for the next day.

Attraction introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Laojun Mountain, located in Luanchuan County Luoyang. It is the main peak of Funiu Mountain and a famous Taoist mountain, said to be the place where Laozi, the founder of Taoism, retired for cultivation. The Golden Summit Daoist temple cluster stands atop a peak over 2,000 meters above sea level. Its golden tiles and red walls and surging sea of clouds are renowned as "a spectacular feast on earth and a glimpse of the flourishing world." The Ten-Mile Painted Screen is the highlight of the entire trip. A high-altitude plank road suspended above a sheer cliff changes views with every step, offering panoramic views of peaks, forests, sea of clouds, and sunrises. You can take a two-level cable car up the mountain; on sunny days, you can watch the sea of clouds and sunrise from the summit. In winter, it is a highly popular snow-viewing spot in the Central Plains. My understanding is: be sure to take the cable car up the mountain early to seize the golden summit and the beautiful scenery of the Ten-Mile Painting Screen; At the summit, the wind is strong and the temperature low; a windbreaker and thermos bottle are standard, and the glass observation deck is a must-have.

Friendly reminder: The climbing route has many steps and steep slopes, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with mobility difficulties are advised to take the cable car up and down. Visitors generally report that the sea of clouds and sunrise at the Golden Summit are recognized as the main highlights, and many people stay at the summit waiting for dawn. Reminder: The summit has large temperature differences and long cable car queues, so be sure to arrive early during peak season. Based on actual conditions, the biggest risk on long trips is dehydration; carry a water bottle and drink water in small amounts frequently; On the first night in plateaus or mountains, don't wash your hair or take too long a bath to allow your body some room to adjust.