Jiaozuo 4-Day Tour: White Horse Temple & Laojun Mountain

Today's White Horse Temple Buddhist worship tour follows the guide from Qiyun Pagoda to the Sutra Pavilion, listening to lectures and understanding the 2,000-year-old incense of China's oldest temple; Strolling around the temple in the afternoon, resting in the evening.

Attraction introduction: One highlight of the itinerary is White Horse Temple, located east of Luoyang city. It was first built during the Yongping era of the Eastern Han Dynasty to commemorate the White Horse Carrying Scriptures and the early introduction of Buddhism to the Central Plains. It is honored as "China's First Ancient Temple" and the first government-run temple built after Buddhism was introduced to China. Inside the temple, the Qiyun Pagoda Courtyard, the Great Buddha Hall, and the Heavenly King Hall are arranged along the central axis, with red walls and green cypress trees where incense offerings have continued for over two thousand years. It is worth mentioning that the temple also features exotic-style Buddhist halls donated by countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, and India, showcasing the unique landscape of Buddhist culture flowing eastward and backward. My understanding is that when entering the temple, first see the main hall along the central axis, then circle around to the Qiyun Pagoda Courtyard, and finally visit the foreign Buddhist halls on both sides to experience cultural fusion; Come early in the morning when there are fewer people; the sunlight shining on the red walls and ancient cypress trees creates the most poetic atmosphere, and you can also avoid the peak of tour groups.

Friendly reminder: The temple has many stone steps and thresholds; do not step over the thresholds. During worship, follow the order of steps and do not push. Visitors generally report that the foreign style Buddha halls (Thai/Burmese/Seal Temple) have a high photo rate and feel they are more spacious than expected; Reminder: The international temple area is quite far to walk, so leave some space for your footing. Based on actual conditions, don't just focus on taking photos; pay attention to your footing and the surrounding environment. Be sure to stand firmly on the viewing platform and boardwalk edges.

In the morning, take the cable car up to Laojun Mountain to the Golden Summit Daoist temple. On clear days, you will encounter a sea of clouds; Have a light lunch at the summit at noon, then walk the ten-li Huaping Trail in the afternoon, overlooking the mountains from the glass viewing platform, and check in at the hotel in the evening.

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 mountain roads are slippery, so be sure to shift your center of gravity back and slow down downhill. Knee pads are recommended. 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 temperature difference at the summit and long cable car queues are key—be sure to arrive early during peak season. Depending on the situation, shoot early or late — the morning is quiet and soft, the dusk golden light is best; the noon summit is cramped and flat, so it's better to rest.

Start early in the morning and take a leisurely walk along the creek trail while it's cool—especially refreshing in summer; Free time in the afternoon, you can reshoot the Skyline Skirt, and return in the evening.

Friendly reminder: Free time is suitable for catching up on sleep and leisurely strolling. It's recommended to rest in the morning, eat and stroll in the afternoon according to your interests, and avoid staying too late at night and affecting your schedule the next day. Visitors generally report that most spend their free time sleeping until they naturally wake up, then go shopping, eat, and take extra photos, making for a very relaxed experience. Based on the actual situation, when taking photos, don't just focus on getting good photos—pay attention to your steps and surroundings. Always stand firmly at the edge of the viewing platform and boardwalk.

Transfer to the station/airport per your departure, ending a pleasant journey.

Friendly tips: Pack the night before and keep ID, power bank and souvenirs together; allow extra time for the station/airport; bring your ID and stay with your guide, noting the meeting time and place. Traveler feedback — Return-day travelers remind: pack ID and souvenirs the night before; allow extra time. Practical note — Return-day tip: pack ID, power bank and souvenirs the night before; allow extra time—mountain roads are unpredictable.