Luoyang 6-Day Tour: Baiyun Mountain & Laojun Mountain

Today's vacation trip involves taking the cable car and scenic shuttle to connect Yuhuang Peak, Jiulong Waterfall, and the High Mountain Peony Garden, with a relaxed pace; the afternoon is free for activities, and the evening is for rest.

Scenic Spot Introduction: This stop is at Baiyun Mountain, located in the Funiu Mountains of Song County. Yuhuang Peak offers views of cloud seas at sunrise. The area has a high forest coverage and abundant negative oxygen ions, making it a natural big oxygen bar. Within the scenic area, Jiulong Waterfall and the High Mountain Peony Garden each have their own characteristics. It is a rare high-mountain resort destination in Henan, ideal for summer heat escapes and autumn leaf appreciation. You can use the cable car or scenic shuttle to connect the spots, and the mountaintop offers a wide view with mist swirling, resembling a fairyland. In my understanding, visiting in summer for cooling off is the most worthwhile. The coolness in the mountains contrasts sharply with the intense heat in the city. Getting up early to climb Yuhuang Peak for the cloud sea sunrise requires some luck, but even if you miss the sunrise, the mountain scenery in the morning mist is already beautiful enough.

Warm Tips: Many paths on the mountain are slippery, especially downhill—pay attention to shifting your center of gravity back and slow your steps. You may want to prepare a pair of knee supports. Visitors generally give feedback that most think Baiyun Mountain is worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide to listen to explanations, and save time for the details that move you the most and the best photo spots. Considering the actual situation, when taking photos, don’t just focus on getting a good shot; pay attention to your feet and the surrounding environment, and make sure to stand firmly on viewing platforms and trail edges.

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

Attraction Introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Laojun Mountain. Laojun Mountain is located in Luoyang, Luanchuan County. It is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains and a famous Taoist mountain, said to be the retreat and cultivation place of Laozi, the founder of Taoism. The Golden Summit Taoist Temple complex stands atop a peak over 2,000 meters above sea level. With golden-tiled roofs, red walls, and rolling clouds, it is renowned for the saying, 'Travel far to witness the feast of the mortal world, and behold the beauty of the earthly realm.' The Ten-Mile Painting Screen is the essence of the journey, a high-altitude walkway suspended on a cliff that offers changing views of peak forests, seas of clouds, and sunrises. You can take a two-stage cable car up the mountain. On clear days, you can enjoy the sunrise above the sea of clouds from the top, and in winter, it is a popular snow-viewing spot in central China. My advice is to take the cable car early to catch the best light at the Golden Summit and the Ten-Mile Painting Screen. The wind at the top is strong and the temperature low, so a windproof jacket and a thermal flask are essential. Those afraid of heights should avoid the glass observation deck.

Tips: The hiking sections have many steps and steep slopes, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. People with limited mobility are advised to use the cable car. Visitors generally say that the cloud sea and sunrise at the Golden Summit are the main attractions; many people stay overnight on the mountain to catch the dawn. Note that there is a large temperature difference at the top and long queues for the cable car, so be sure to go early during peak seasons. For photography, aim for early morning or late afternoon—the light is soft and there are fewer people in the morning, and the golden light in the evening is best; noon light is harsh, crowded, and flat, so it’s better to rest then.

Set off from the hotel early in the morning straight to Wangcheng Park. First, listen to the guide explain the background and highlights, then roam freely at your own pace and take additional photos at spots that interest you. After lunch, take a short rest and return to the hotel in the evening to conserve energy for the next day.

Attraction Introduction: One of the main highlights arranged in the itinerary is Wangcheng Park. Wangcheng Park is located in Luoyang. It is named so because it sits atop the ruins of the Eastern Zhou royal city. It has been one of the main venues for the annual Chinese Luoyang Peony Cultural Festival and is also the city park most familiar to Luoyang residents. Every April, famous peony varieties such as Yao Huang, Wei Zi, and Zhao Fen bloom in competition, creating a spectacular display of colors. The park also preserves the ruins of the Zhou royal city and a zoo, combining historical significance with recreational functions, making it a classic spot for tourists to check out the "Peony Flower City." From my understanding, if visiting during the peony season (April), this should definitely be on your must-visit list, as it is less crowded in the early morning and the peonies are most delicate with the morning dew; during the off-season, it is more suitable for leisurely strolling.

Tips: Dining prices in the park are relatively high, so it’s advisable to bring some water and small snacks, and keep an eye on your personal belongings. Tourist feedback generally indicates that most visitors think Wangcheng Park is worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, listen to the guide, and leave time to enjoy the details that move you the most and the best photo spots. In practical terms, long trips can easily lead to dehydration, so carry a water bottle and sip water frequently. On the first night at high altitude or in mountainous areas, avoid washing your hair or bathing for too long to give your body some time to adjust.