Luoyang 7-Day Tour: Baiyun Mountain & Laojun Mountain

Start early in the morning at Chongdugou, enjoy the cool weather while walking along the bamboo forest trail and viewing the waterfall clusters, which is suitable for a leisurely family stroll; in the afternoon, there is free time for additional sightseeing or a short rest, then return in the evening.

Friendly reminder: What people fear most during free time is being unprepared on the spot. It is recommended to separate your ID and cash, and to confirm the meeting time and place with the tour guide in advance. Visitors generally report that many feel the day of free activities is the most relaxing day, as you can go at your own pace. Depending on your situation, if you want authentic food, go deeper into the alleys, as the queues at the main entrance of the scenic area are long and the taste is average; for local specialties, ask the price first and compare, as local supermarkets often offer more genuine products.

Today's vacation trip includes taking the cable car and scenic shuttle bus to connect Yuhuang Peak, Jiulong Waterfall, and the Highland Peony Garden, with a relaxed pace; free activities in the afternoon and rest in the evening.

Attraction introduction: This stop is at Baiyun Mountain, located in the heart of Funiu Mountains in Song County. Yuhuang Peak offers views of the sea of clouds at sunrise. With high forest coverage and abundant negative oxygen ions, it is a natural oxygen bar. Within the scenic area, Jiulong Waterfall and Highland Peony Garden each have unique features. In summer, it’s a good place to escape the heat, and in autumn, visitors can enjoy the red leaves. It is one of the few high-mountain resort-type scenic areas in Henan. Cable cars or scenic shuttle buses can connect all the spots. The mountaintop offers a broad view and is often shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland. My understanding is that visiting in summer to escape the heat is most worthwhile. The coolness in the mountains sharply contrasts with the heat in the city; waking up early to climb Yuhuang Peak for the sea of clouds at sunrise requires some luck, but even if the sunrise isn’t visible, the scenery of the mountains in the morning mist is beautiful enough.

Tips: Many mountain paths are slippery, so be especially careful going downhill by shifting your center of gravity back and slowing your pace. Knee pads are recommended. Visitors generally give positive feedback; most think that Baiyun Mountain is worth a special visit. It is suggested to slow down, follow the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best spots for photos. In practice, the longest journeys are most affected by dehydration, so carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently. On the first night at high altitudes or in mountainous areas, avoid washing your hair or taking long baths to allow your body some time to adjust.

In the morning, take the cable car up Laojun Mountain and visit the Jin Ding Taoist Temple complex. On clear days, you may encounter a sea of clouds. Have a light meal at the mountaintop at noon. In the afternoon, walk along the Ten-Mile Painting Screen Trail and overlook the mountains from the glass observation deck. In the evening, descend the mountain and check into a hotel.

Attraction Introduction: One highlight in the itinerary is Laojun Mountain, located in Luoyang Luanchuan County. It is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains and a famous Taoist mountain, traditionally considered the place where the founder of Taoism, Laozi, went into seclusion for cultivation. The Jin Ding Taoist Temple complex stands atop a peak over 2,000 meters above sea level. With its golden tiles and red walls, and the rolling sea of clouds, it is praised as “a feast for the eyes beyond the world, a glimpse of earthly prosperity.” The Ten-Mile Painting Screen Trail is the essence of the trip. This sky-high plank path, suspended on a cliff, offers changing views of peak forests, the sea of clouds, and the sunrise in every step. Visitors can take a two-stage cable car to the top; on clear days, you can view the sea of clouds and sunrise, while in winter it is a very popular spot in central China for enjoying snow. My understanding is that it is essential to take the cable car early to secure the best light for the Jin Ding and Ten-Mile Painting Screen; the mountaintop is windy and cold, so a windbreaker and thermos are standard. Those who are afraid of heights should not force themselves on the glass observation deck.

Tips: The hiking sections have many steps and steep slopes, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with leg or mobility issues are advised to use the cable car. Visitors generally report that the sea of clouds and sunrise at the Jin Ding are the biggest highlights, and many stay on the mountaintop overnight to see dawn. Note that the temperature difference is significant at the peak and the cable car lines can be long, so during peak season, it is essential to arrive early. Based on actual conditions, be punctual; arrive five to ten minutes ahead of gatherings. It is better for people to wait for the bus than for the bus to wait for people—don’t keep everyone waiting for you.