Anyang 5-Day Tour: Sui-Tang Luoyang City & Laojun Mountain

Today, we will focus on Sui-Tang Luoyang City, avoiding peak crowds by entering the park off-peak and following the recommended route for an in-depth visit; have a nearby local-flavored lunch at noon, spend the afternoon on free activities or join the guide for additional touring, and stay in a hotel in the evening to rest.

Attraction introduction: This stop brings us to Sui-Tang Luoyang City. The Sui-Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park centers on Ying Tian Gate, Ming Tang, and Tian Tang, recreating the grandeur of the palaces in the flourishing Tang Dynasty “Divine Capital” Luoyang. Ying Tian Gate is the main south gate of Sui-Tang Luoyang City and is magnificent; climbing up the tower allows a view of the central axis, and at night, there is a stunning light show. Ming Tang was the “Palace of Ten Thousand Gods” during Wu Zetian’s era, and Tian Tang is a high tower for Buddhist worship. The interiors of both buildings restore the lavish furnishings of the Tang Dynasty court. Walking along the Jiuzhou Pool is also recommended, evoking the grandeur of the ancient royal gardens. This place is closely associated with TV series and films such as 《Wu Zetian》 and 《Wind Rises Luoyang》, making it one of Luoyang’s most popular Tang culture check-in spots in recent years. My understanding is that an evening visit is a must—the lights on Ying Tian Gate, Ming Tang, and Tian Tang at night reflect how the “Divine Capital” should look; you get two experiences in one day: seeing the palace furnishings during the day and watching the light show at night.

Tips: The ancient capital offers many night tours. Dress warmly for nighttime activities and remember the meeting points. Visitors generally report that most think Sui-Tang Luoyang City is worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide for explanations, and leave time for the details that touch you most and the best photo spots. Take your physical condition into account, walk the highlights in the morning when energized, slow down in the afternoon—don’t exhaust yourself on the first day, or you’ll be worn out for the following days.

In the morning, take the cable car up Laojun Mountain to visit the Jinding Taoist Temple complex. On clear days, you can see a sea of clouds. Have a simple meal at the mountain top at noon, then in the afternoon, walk the Ten-Mile 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, said to be the place where Laozi, the founder of Taoism, retired for cultivation. The Jinding Taoist Temple complex stands atop peaks over 2,000 meters above sea level, with golden tiles, red walls, and surging clouds, earning the reputation of "a journey to witness a stunning feast in the human world and catch a glimpse of worldly magnificence." The Ten-Mile Screen Trail is the highlight of the trip: a high-altitude plank path suspended on a cliff, offering ever-changing views of peak forests, seas of clouds, and sunrises. You can take a two-stage cable car up the mountain; on sunny days, you can watch the sea of clouds and sunrise from the peak, while in winter it is a very popular spot in central China for snow viewing. My understanding is that it is essential to take the cable car early to secure the best light for the Jinding and Ten-Mile Screen Trail; the mountaintop is windy and cold, so a windbreaker and thermos are must-haves. The glass observation deck is not recommended for the faint-hearted.

Tips: The hiking sections have many steps and steep slopes, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with mobility issues are advised to use the cable car both ways. Visitors generally feedback that the sea of clouds and sunrise at Jinding are the main attractions, and many people specifically stay on the mountaintop to catch dawn. Note that the temperature difference on the mountain is significant and cable car lines can be long, so it is essential to go early during peak seasons. Respect local customs according to the actual situation; dress appropriately when entering religious sites and avoid pointing carelessly—a simple greeting can bring goodwill.

Early in the morning, enter [0] and stroll inside the constant-temperature cave to admire the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites shaped by the lights; in the afternoon, enjoy free activities, with the option to take additional photos of the vegetation outside the cave, and return in the evening.

Friendly reminder: There is no unified schedule on free activity days, so make a note of the hotel location and meeting time before going out, ensure your phone is fully charged, and bring a power bank. Tourists generally report that many find the free activity day to be the most relaxed day, allowing them to go at their own pace. Considering the actual situation, allocate your energy wisely: tackle the major attractions in the morning when you are refreshed, slow down in the afternoon, and avoid overexerting yourself on the first day, so you won't be exhausted for the following days.