Jiaozuo 7-Day Tour: Laojun Mountain & Jiguan Cave

Start early and enter Chongdugou, taking advantage of the cool morning to walk along the bamboo forest trail and visit the waterfalls, suitable for a leisurely family stroll; in the afternoon, enjoy free activities, which can include catching up on photos or taking a short rest, and return in the evening.

Warm tips: Free activities are suitable for catching up on sleep and leisurely strolling. It is recommended to rest in the morning and explore or eat according to personal interest in the afternoon. Avoid staying out too late at night to prevent affecting the next day's schedule. Visitors generally report that many feel the free activity day is the most relaxed day, allowing them to go at their own pace. Take into account the actual situation and respect local customs; dress appropriately when visiting religious sites, do not point casually, and a simple greeting can receive goodwill in return.

Today's in-depth tour: After taking the cable car up the mountain, we focused on visiting the Golden Summit, Ten-Mile Screen of Scenery, and the Glass Viewing Platform, while following the guide to learn about Taoist culture and the geology of Funiu Mountain; in the afternoon, we descended the mountain to rest and recharge for the next day.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights of the itinerary is Laojun Mountain, located in Luoyang Luanchuan County, which is the main peak of Funiu Mountain and a famous Taoist mountain, traditionally believed to be the place where the founder of Taoism, Laozi, retired to cultivate. The Golden Summit Taoist Temple complex stands on a peak over 2,000 meters above sea level, with golden tiles, red walls, and rolling sea of clouds. It is praised as "a surprising feast for the eyes of the world, a glimpse of the splendor of the human world." The Ten-Mile Screen of Scenery is the highlight of the entire trip, a high-altitude plank road suspended on a cliff where the scenery changes with every step, encompassing the peaks, clouds, and sunrise in full view. Visitors can ascend the mountain via a two-stage cable car. On sunny days, you can witness the cloud sea and sunrise from the top, while in winter, it is a highly popular spot in central China for snow-viewing. My understanding is that you must take the cable car early to get the best light for the Golden Summit and Ten-Mile Screen; it is windy and cold at the top, so a windbreaker and thermos are standard. Those afraid of heights should not force themselves on the glass viewing platform.

Tips: The mountain paths are often slippery, especially downhill, so pay attention to shifting your center of gravity backward and slow your pace; knee pads can be helpful. Visitors generally agree that the main attractions are the cloud sea and sunrise at the Golden Summit, with many staying overnight at the top specifically to catch dawn. Remember that the temperature at the top fluctuates greatly and cable cars may have long queues, so during peak season, go early. Based on the actual situation, when taking photos, do not only focus on getting good shots; pay attention to the ground and surroundings. Always hold on and stand securely near viewing platforms and plank road edges.

Morning tour: Enter the karst cave to see the diverse stalactites; have lunch nearby at noon, and in the afternoon you can continue with Longtan Grand Canyon. One cave and one gorge complement each other; return in the evening.

Attraction introduction: Today's itinerary includes Jiguan Cave attraction. Jiguan Cave is the karst cave in Luanchuan. Inside the cave, the stalactites take various forms, and stalagmites, stone pillars, and stone flowers transform into magnificent colors under the lights. The cave maintains a constant temperature all year round, warm in winter and cool in summer. The attractions inside the cave are densely packed, changing with every step. With the explanation, you can understand the wondrous geology shaped over hundreds of millions of years. Together with Longtan Grand Canyon, one cave and one gorge complement each other, forming a classic geological sightseeing route in Western Henan. My understanding is that when entering the cave, remember to listen to the guide, as the formation and naming of the stalactites are very interesting and easily missed if viewed on your own. The cave floor is slippery, and some areas are low, so wear anti-slip shoes and watch your head.

Tips: The hiking sections have many steps and steep slopes, so be sure to wear anti-slip sports shoes. People with mobility issues are advised to use the cable car for ascent and descent. Most visitors report that Jiguan Cave is worth visiting specifically. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Depending on circumstances, the best photo times are early morning or late afternoon—fewer people and soft light in the morning, golden glow at dusk; midday light is harsh and crowded, better reserved for rest.