Laojun Mountain 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Mountain Views + Golden Summit Sunset Morning: Departure and Ascent 1. Transportation Recommendations · Self-drive: Navigate to "Laojun Mountain Scenic Area," approximately a 3-hour drive from Zhengzhou/Luoyang. · Public Transportation: Luoyang High-Speed Rail Station/Airport → Luanchuan (2.5-hour bus ride), transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (CNY 10) to the cable car station. · Tickets: CNY 100 (half price for students), round-trip cable car ticket CNY 130 (recommended to save energy). 2. Cable Car + Hiking Route · Take the Zhongling/Yunjing Cable Car (approximately 15 minutes) to Zhongtian Gate. · Hike or transfer to the Fenglin Cable Car (CNY 45 one-way) to the entrance of the Ten Mile Painting Gallery. Walk for 1.5 hours through the hanging plank road, enjoying the karst peak forest spectacle. Afternoon: Summit and Sunset · Arrive at the Golden Summit Taoist Temple Complex (Jade Emperor Peak, Liangbao Terrace, Laojun Temple), and take photos of the golden halls and the sea of clouds. · It is recommended to reach the summit before 3pm, allowing time to visit the three golden halls and wait for the sunset (approximately 6:30pm-7pm in summer). · Mid-mountain: Stay at a guesthouse near Zhongtian Gate (CNY 200-300), requiring an early start the next day to take the cable car up the mountain. Dinner · There are small shops on the summit (instant noodles CNY 15, free hot water). It is recommended to bring high-calorie foods such as chocolate and beef jerky. Day 2: Sunrise and Sea of Clouds + Exploring Dream Valley Morning: Sunrise and Descent · Sunrise time: Approximately 5am-5:30am in summer. Arrive 1 hour in advance to secure a good viewing spot. Best viewing points: Mazong Ridge, Jade Emperor Peak. · Descent route: Return to Zhongtian Gate via the same route and take the cable car down (approximately 1 hour). Morning: Dream Valley Leisure Tour · After descending, head to Dream Valley (admission included in the scenic area ticket). A 2-hour hike will take you to: · Waterfall Cluster: Laolongwo Waterfall, Longyin Pavilion. · Popular attractions: High-altitude glass slide (CNY 60), Flying Carpet (CNY 30). Lunch · Recommendations in Luanchuan County: · Tiexie Mutton Soup (CNY 25 per person) · Luanchuan Eight Bowls (CNY 50 per person, try the sour soup fried meatballs and acorn jelly). Afternoon: Return or Extend to Nearby Attractions · If time permits, you can visit: · Jiguan Cave (30-minute drive, karst cave) · Chongdugou (1-hour drive, a summer retreat with bamboo forests and streams). Important Notes 1. Equipment: Lightweight backpack, windproof jacket (temperature difference on the summit is 10°C+), trekking poles, power bank. 2. Weather: Check the official WeChat account of "Laojun Mountain Scenic Area" for live updates to avoid rainy or foggy days. 3. Money-saving tip: From Luoyang, you can book a one-day tour (CNY 200 including round-trip transportation + admission ticket). 4. Winter tips: From December to February, the snow scenery is stunning. Wear ice grips for anti-slip protection. Cable cars may be suspended due to wind and snow. Route Highlights: The first day focuses on the core landscape and sunset, while the second day offers a relaxed itinerary with staggered visits, balancing physical exertion and in-depth experience. Leave a message if you have other needs or require adjustments!