Jiaozuo 6-Day Tour: Scenic Area & Laojun Mountain

Early in the morning, take two segments of the cableway to reach the Golden Summit, check in at the Taoist temple cluster, and enjoy the sea of clouds at sunrise; in the afternoon, slowly descend along the Ten-Mile Painted Screen, moving step by step to change the scenery, and return in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes 2 attractions, both located within 1 Global Geopark. The Red Stone Gorge with its red cliffs and clear water, the Tanpu Gorge with cascading waterfalls and flowing springs, and the Zuyu Peak with its sea of clouds at sunrise, are the essence of Taihang Mountains' landscape. My understanding is that when climbing, you must act according to your ability; use the cableway when possible, but those with knee problems should not force themselves to hike, as the scenery is not worth risking your health.

Tips: The hiking sections have many steps and steep slopes, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes; those with mobility difficulties are recommended to use the cableway for both ascent and descent. General feedback from tourists indicates that most visitors think these 2 attractions are worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide, listen to explanations, and leave time for the details that move you the most and the most photogenic spots. Based on actual circumstances, keep your documents and wallet separately; take photos of important documents and save them on your phone as a backup so that if they are lost, you can quickly replace them without affecting your trip.

Today, the theme is Sui-Tang Luoyang City. Avoiding peak crowds, visit the park off-peak and follow the recommended route for an in-depth tour; have a nearby local-flavored lunch at noon, spend the afternoon on free activities or join the guide for additional sightseeing, and stay in a hotel in the evening to rest.

Attraction introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Laojun Mountain. Laojun Mountain is located in Luoyang, Luanchuan County, and is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains as well as a famous Taoist mountain. It is said to be the place where Laozi, the founder of Taoism, retired for cultivation. The group of temples at the Golden Summit stands atop a peak over 2,000 meters above sea level. With golden tiles, red walls, and clouds swirling around, it is renowned as 'a spectacular feast for the eyes, a glimpse of the world's splendor.' The Ten-Mile Painted Screen is the highlight of the entire trip—a high-altitude walkway suspended on a cliff that changes perspective step by step, offering a full view of the peak forest, sea of clouds, and sunrise. You can take a two-stage cable car to the top; on clear days, you can watch the sunrise among the clouds, and 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 good light for the Golden Summit and the Ten-Mile Painted Screen. The wind is strong and the temperature is low at the top, so a windproof jacket and thermos are must-haves, and those afraid of heights shouldn't force themselves on the glass viewing platform.

Warm tips: There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains, and it is windy at the summit, so a windproof jacket and warm inner layer are necessary. Visitors generally feedback that the Golden Summit with its sea of clouds and sunrise is the biggest highlight, and many people specifically stay at the top overnight for sunrise. Note that the summit temperature varies greatly and cable car lines can be long, so it is crucial to go early during peak season. Depending on circumstances, carry some small change and snack packs as backup because signal may be poor or supplies limited; don't wait until you are hungry to look for food.

In the morning, visit Jiguan Cave and enter the karst cave to see the various shapes of stalactites; have lunch nearby at noon, and in the afternoon you can visit Longtan Grand Canyon along the way. One cave and one gorge complement each other, and return in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: At this stop, you will arrive at Sui-Tang Luoyang City. The Sui-Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park centers around Yingtian Gate, Mingtang, and Tiantang, restoring the grandeur of the palaces of the prosperous Tang "Divine Capital" Luoyang. Yingtian Gate is the south gate of Sui-Tang Luoyang City, majestic in scale; from the tower you can overlook the central axis, and at night there is a stunning light show. Mingtang was the "Palace of Ten Thousand Phenomena" during Wu Zetian's reign, while Tiantang is a high tower for worshiping Buddha. The interiors of both buildings recreate the lavish furnishings of the Tang imperial courts. It is also worthwhile to take a stroll along Jiuzhou Pool and imagine the grandeur of the royal gardens of the time. This place is closely associated with TV dramas like "Wu Zetian" and "The Wind Rises in Luoyang," and in recent years has become one of the most popular Tang cultural destinations in Luoyang. In my view, it is essential to visit at night — only when the lights first come on do Yingtian Gate and Mingtang-Tiantang appear as the "Divine Capital" should. During the day, enjoy the palace furnishings; at night, watch the light show — two experiences in one day.

Tips: The ancient capital offers rich nighttime activities. Pay attention to keeping warm and remember the gathering point when going out at night. Tourist feedback generally indicates that most believe Sui-Tang Luoyang City is worth a special visit, so it is recommended to slow down, follow the guide's commentary, and leave time for the details that move you most and for the best photo opportunities. Considering practical situations, mountain weather can change quickly, so a windproof jacket is more practical than anything else. Make sure to choose non-slip, comfortable shoes — it's better to take fewer photos than to twist your ankle.