Zhengzhou 8-Day Tour: Baiyun Mountain & Laojun Mountain

In the morning, take the bus to Baiyun Mountain and climb Jade Emperor Peak to see the sea of clouds; Have a light lunch at the summit at noon, then hike through Jiulong Waterfall and the alpine peony garden in the afternoon to breathe in the forest oxygen bar, and descend to check in in the evening.

Attraction introduction: This stop is Baiyun Mountain, located deep in Funiu Mountain in Song County. Yuhuang Peak offers views of clouds and sunrise, with high forest coverage and abundant negative oxygen ions, making it a natural oxygen bar. Within the scenic area, Jiulong Waterfall and the alpine peony garden each have their own unique features. Summer retreats and autumn leaf viewing make them rare high-altitude resort destinations. Taking the cable car or scenic shuttle connects various points, with wide views and swirling clouds at the summit, resembling a fairyland. My understanding is that summer is the best time to escape the heat, with the mountain coolness contrasting sharply with the city's scorching heat; Climbing Yuhuang Peak early to watch the sea of clouds and sunrise requires a bit of luck, but even if you can't see the sunrise, the mountain scenery in the morning mist is still beautiful.

Friendly reminder: The mountain area has large temperature differences between morning and evening, and the wind at the summit is strong. A windproof jacket and warm inner layer are very necessary. Visitors generally report that most think Baiyun Mountain is worth a special trip. It's recommended to slow down and follow the guide to listen to the explanation, saving time for the most impressive details and the best camera angles. Depending on the situation, keep your documents and wallet separate. Take photos of important documents and keep them on your phone as backups. If lost, you can quickly reissue them without delaying your trip.

Early in the morning, climb Laojun Mountain, first take the two-level cable car to the Golden Summit, check in at the Taoist temple cluster and the sea of clouds at sunrise; In the afternoon, slowly descend along the Ten-Mile Painted Screen, changing scenery at every step, and return at dusk.

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 paths are slippery, so be sure to shift your center of gravity and slow down when going downhill. A pair of knee pads is recommended. Visitors generally report that the sea of clouds and sunrise at the Golden Summit are recognized as the biggest 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, so be sure to arrive early during peak season. Depending on the situation, bring some change and small packs of snacks to help when the scenic area has poor signal or need temporary supplies. Don't wait until you're hungry.

Today's tour Longmen Grottoes suggests leaving half a day: the main cave of Xishan Mountain, the Dongshan Grandstand, and Xiangshan Temple Baiyuan — connect the main lines and follow the explanation to understand the stories behind the stone carvings of the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties; Return in the evening to rest.

Attraction introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Longmen Grottoes, carved into the cliffs on both banks of the Yi River south of Luoyang city. Since Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang, construction has continued through Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, Tang, and other dynasties. There are over 2,300 cave niches, over 100,000 statues, and more than 2,800 inscriptions and inscriptions preserved. The most impressive is the Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple, standing over 17 meters tall, with a plump face and benevolent eyes. Legend has it that it was carved after Wu Zetian's likeness, marking the pinnacle of Tang dynasty stone carving art. Along with Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Datong Yungang, it is one of China's three great grottoes and a World Cultural Heritage site. When touring, head south along the Yi River trail from the Xishan Grottoes, where Binyang Three Caves, Ten Thousand Buddha Caves, and Lotus Cave each have highlights. Cross the bridge to the Dongshan Buddha Worship Platform for a panoramic view. My understanding is that in the morning, first visit the main cave of Xishan and admire the Big Buddha while there are fewer people; in the afternoon, go to the Dongshan Viewing Platform for the best lighting and angle; If you need to walk backward along both banks of the Yi River, a pair of comfortable shoes can save you a lot of effort.

Friendly reminder: Visiting the grottoes mainly involves walking and using steps. It is recommended to wear comfortable non-slip shoes and travel lightly. Pay attention to your footing along both banks of the Yi River. Visitors generally report that most find the Vairocana Buddha the most breathtaking, and the best sunlight at sunset on the western hills; If you need to walk back along both banks of the Yi River, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and reserve half a day. Considering actual conditions, mountain weather can change quickly; a windproof jacket is more practical than anything; Always choose non-slip and comfortable shoes; skipping a few photos can help avoid twisting your ankle.