Luofu Mountain Scenic Area in Huizhou City is located in Boluo County, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a national key scenic spot, and a national forest park. With a total area of more than 214 square kilometers, Luofu Mountain attracts numerous tourists with its majestic mountain scenery, lush evergreen vegetation, tall and ancient forests, and otherworldly fairy caves. It is formed by the combination of Luoshan Mountain and Fushan Mountain. There are a total of 432 peaks of various sizes, more than 980 famous waterfalls and springs, 18 wonderful cave landscapes, and 72 secluded rock chambers. On the mountain, there are famous Taoist temples such as Chongxu Ancient Taoist Temple and Sulao Taoist Temple, as well as cultural buildings like the Ge Hong Museum, carrying rich historical and cultural connotations. The scenic area has a high forest coverage rate and fresh air, making it a natural oxygen bar. It is also an excellent place for leisure vacations, mountain climbing, fitness, and experiencing historical culture.
History and Culture
Luofu Mountain has an extremely long history and is known as "the First Mountain in Lingnan". As early as the Qin Dynasty, there were records about Luofu Mountain. At that time, it was listed as "the Seventh Celestial Cave and the Thirty-fourth Blessed Land", and it is one of the famous Taoist mountains.
In the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the famous medical scientist Ge Hong and his wife Bao Gu once lived in seclusion, practiced Taoism, collected herbs, refined elixirs, and wrote books on Luofu Mountain. Ge Hong completed important works such as "Baopuzi" here, which had a profound impact on the development of ancient Chinese medicine and Taoist theory. At the same time, he practiced medicine and helped the local people relieve their illnesses, winning the respect of the people.
During the Tang and Song dynasties, Luofu Mountain attracted many literati and scholars to visit. Li Bai, Du Fu, Su Shi and other poets left poems and songs related to Luofu Mountain. During his exile in Huizhou, Su Shi visited Luofu Mountain many times and wrote the eternal famous line, "All seasons are like spring at the foot of Luofu Mountain, and loquats and bayberries ripen one after another." This further enhanced the popularity and cultural heritage of Luofu Mountain.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the religious culture of Luofu Mountain was further developed. Taoist temples and buildings were continuously built and improved, making it an important place for religious activities in the Lingnan region.
In modern and contemporary times, Luofu Mountain has been rationally developed on the basis of protection and has become a famous tourist destination. At the same time, as an important base for the inheritance and research of traditional Chinese medicine culture, it continues to play an important role.
Main Attractions
Chongxu Ancient Taoist Temple
Chongxu Ancient Taoist Temple is located in the Zhuming Cave Scenic Area of Luofu Mountain. It is one of the most famous Taoist temples in Luofu Mountain, with a history of more than 1,600 years. It was founded by Ge Hong in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and was originally named "Nan'an". Later, it was expanded into "Chongxu Taoist Temple". The existing buildings were rebuilt during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, with a construction area of more than 4,400 square meters. The temple has buildings such as the Sanqing Hall, Huang Daxian Hall, and Lüzu Hall, with a rigorous layout and a simple and elegant architectural style. Chongxu Ancient Taoist Temple is not only an important place for Taoist activities but also carries rich historical and cultural information. It is an important physical material for studying ancient Chinese Taoist architecture and culture. In addition, there are relics such as Ge Hong's Alchemy Stove and Medicine Washing Pool in the temple, witnessing Ge Hong's history of refining medicine here.
Sulao Taoist Temple
Sulao Taoist Temple is located at the northern foot of Luofu Mountain, with a quiet and secluded environment, known as "the Ancient Cave of Immortals and the Holy Land of Taoism". It was first built in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, originally named "Bei'an", and later called "Sulao Taoist Temple". The buildings in the temple are built according to the mountain, scattered in an orderly manner, mainly including the Sanqing Treasure Hall, Lüzu Hall, Bell and Drum Tower, etc. Surrounded by dense forests, Sulao Taoist Temple has beautiful scenery and fresh air, making it an excellent place for self-cultivation. Historically, Sulao Taoist Temple was a place where many literati, scholars, and Taoist believers lived in seclusion and practiced, leaving behind many legends and stories. Today, tourists can come here to feel the strong Taoist cultural atmosphere and enjoy the surrounding natural scenery.
Zhuming Cave
Zhuming Cave is one of the core scenic areas of Luofu Mountain. According to legend, it is the Seventh Celestial Cave among the Ten Great Celestial Caves of Taoism. During the Southern Han Dynasty, it was named "the Heaven of Zhuming Yaozhen". The vegetation in the Zhuming Cave Scenic Area is lush, and there are many oddly-shaped stones, such as the "Flying Stone" and the "Eagle Beak Rock". Here, the mountains are clear and the waters are beautiful, and the scenery is charming, making it a great place for tourists to climb mountains and enjoy the scenery and take vacations. There are also scenic spots such as Bailian Lake and Huixian Bridge in the scenic area. Tourists can stroll along the lake, enjoy the lake view and mountain scenery, or feel the poetic feelings of the ancients on Huixian Bridge. In addition, Zhuming Cave is also an excellent place to watch the sunrise of Luofu Mountain, attracting many photography enthusiasts and tourists to come and enjoy it.
Ge Hong Museum
Ge Hong Museum is located at the foot of Luofu Mountain and was built to commemorate Ge Hong, a famous medical scientist and Taoist theorist in the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The museum covers an area of about 35,000 square meters, with a construction area of about 6,000 square meters. The museum houses a large number of cultural relics, documents, and medical classics related to Ge Hong. Through pictures, physical objects, multimedia and other forms, it comprehensively displays Ge Hong's life story, academic achievements, and his contributions in the fields of medicine and Taoism. Tourists can have an in-depth understanding of Ge Hong's cultural heritage here and feel the profoundness of traditional Chinese medicine culture. It is a scenic spot that combines cultural education and tourism functions.
Food
Sulao Vegetables of Luofu Mountain
Sulao Vegetables of Luofu Mountain are a characteristic delicacy of Luofu Mountain, also known as "Immortal Vegetables". They grow on the slopes around Sulao Taoist Temple in Luofu Mountain and are famous for their unique natural environment and traditional planting and pickling methods. The Sulao Vegetables are golden in color, rich in aroma, delicious in taste, and tender in texture. They are rich in various vitamins and minerals. They can be used for making soup, stir-frying, or as a side dish with other dishes. Local restaurants often use Sulao Vegetables to make soup with pork, bones, etc. The soup is delicious and nutritious, and it is one of the must-try delicacies for tourists visiting Luofu Mountain.
Artemisia Glutinous Rice Balls
Artemisia Glutinous Rice Balls are traditional snacks in Huizhou area and are also very popular around Luofu Mountain. They are mainly made from fresh artemisia. After washing and boiling the artemisia, it is mashed into a paste and mixed with glutinous rice flour. An appropriate amount of sugar and water are added, and the dough is kneaded. Fillings such as red bean paste and peanuts are wrapped in it, and then it is steamed. The Artemisia Glutinous Rice Balls have a soft and glutinous outer skin, with the fragrance of artemisia, and the fillings are sweet and delicious. They not only taste good but also have certain medicinal values, such as dispelling dampness and cold, clearing heat and detoxifying. Tourists can taste this traditional snack at snack stalls or restaurants around Luofu Mountain Scenic Area.
Heheng River Stuffed Tofu
Heheng River Stuffed Tofu is a characteristic dish of Henghe Town, Boluo County, and can also be tasted in restaurants around Luofu Mountain. High-quality tofu is selected. The tofu is cut into small pieces, and the middle is hollowed out. Fillings made of pork, fish, shrimp, etc. are stuffed in it. Then it is fried until golden brown and stewed with seasonings. The Heheng River Stuffed Tofu has a tender texture, delicious fillings, and the tofu absorbs the flavor of the fillings, with a very unique taste. This dish reflects the local food culture and cooking skills and is a good choice for tourists to taste local cuisine.
Boluo Shortbread
Boluo Shortbread is a traditional famous snack in Boluo County, with a history of nearly a hundred years. It is mainly made from sesame seeds, peanuts, white granulated sugar, etc. through multiple processes. Boluo Shortbread is in the shape of a flat rectangle, golden in color, crispy and delicious, sweet but not greasy, with a rich aroma of sesame seeds and peanuts. It is not only a favorite snack of the local people but also a popular choice for tourists to buy local specialties. Authentic Boluo Shortbread can be bought at the specialty stores in Luofu Mountain Scenic Area.
Admission Tickets
The admission ticket price for Luofu Mountain Scenic Area in Huizhou City is about 54 yuan per adult (the price may be adjusted according to policies and other factors). Special groups such as children under 1.2 meters in height and the elderly over 70 years old (with valid certificates) are exempt from tickets. Children with a height between 1.2 meters and 1.5 meters, the elderly between 60 and 69 years old (with valid certificates), students (with student ID cards), etc. can enjoy a half-price discount. Some attractions in the scenic area, such as the cable car and other projects, may also charge separately. Tourists can buy tickets at the ticket window of the scenic area or book tickets in advance through online travel platforms to get more favorable prices and save queuing time. At the same time, the scenic area sometimes launches some package tickets or preferential activities, and tourists can pay attention to the official website of the scenic area or relevant travel platforms for the latest information.
Opening Hours
Luofu Mountain Scenic Area in Huizhou City is open throughout the year, from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm every day. However, the opening hours of some attractions in the scenic area may be different. For example, the opening hours of some temples, Taoist temples and other religious places may be adjusted according to religious activities and other factors. During holidays or peak tourist seasons, the scenic area may appropriately extend the opening hours according to the actual situation. Tourists can pay attention to the official website of the scenic area or relevant announcements to arrange their itinerary reasonably. At the same time, the scenic area may temporarily close some areas or attractions in case of special weather conditions (such as heavy rain, strong winds, etc.). Tourists need to pay attention to the weather changes before traveling.
Itinerary for Visiting
One-day Itinerary: After arriving at Luofu Mountain Scenic Area in the morning, first go to the Zhuming Cave Scenic Area and visit scenic spots such as Bailian Lake and Huixian Bridge, enjoying the surrounding natural scenery and oddly-shaped stones. Then visit Chongxu Ancient Taoist Temple to learn about Taoist culture and Ge Hong's historical relics. Have lunch at a restaurant inside or around the scenic area and taste local delicacies such as Sulao Vegetables of Luofu Mountain and Heheng River Stuffed Tofu. In the afternoon, go to Ge Hong Museum to have an in-depth understanding of Ge Hong's life story and academic achievements. After that, you can choose to climb the mountain on foot to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Luofu Mountain or take the cable car up and down the mountain to save physical strength. Finally, move freely in the scenic area or buy souvenirs to end the day's trip.
Two-day Itinerary: After arriving at the scenic area in the morning on the first day, go to the Zhuming Cave Scenic Area and slowly visit each scenic spot to feel the natural scenery and cultural atmosphere of Luofu Mountain. In the afternoon, go to Sulao Taoist Temple, admire the architecture of the Taoist temple and the surrounding mountain scenery, and experience the tranquility of Taoist culture. Stay at a hotel or homestay around the scenic area in the evening and taste local food. You can get up early to watch the sunrise of Luofu Mountain the next morning, and then go to Chongxu Ancient Taoist Temple and participate in some Taoist cultural activities (if available). After that, go to Ge Hong Museum to further understand Ge Hong's contributions. Move freely in the scenic area in the afternoon. You can choose to continue climbing and exploring or rest in the leisure area at the foot of the mountain, and then return.
Transportation
- Bus: You can take bus routes such as L1A, L1B, Boluo 18, etc. to get near Luofu Mountain Scenic Area, and then walk or transfer to the transportation means inside the scenic area to enter the scenic area. However, the bus routes may be adjusted, so it is recommended to check the bus schedule in advance.
- Self-driving: Self-driving tourists can enter "Luofu Mountain Scenic Area in Huizhou City" in the navigation software and follow the navigation prompts to get there. Starting from Huizhou urban area, you can reach the scenic area via Huibo Avenue, Huizhou Avenue and other roads. There are multiple parking lots in the scenic area for convenient parking. However, during holidays and other peak tourist seasons, parking spaces may be relatively tight, so it is recommended to arrive in advance.
- Tourist Special Line Bus: Some travel agencies or tourism institutions will open tourist special line buses to Luofu Mountain Scenic Area. Tourists can choose to take them by consulting travel agencies or making online reservations. This method is relatively convenient and may include services such as tour guide explanations.
- High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed rail to Huizhou North Station, and then you can choose to take a taxi or transfer to a bus and other means to go to Luofu Mountain Scenic Area. There is a certain distance from Huizhou North Station to Luofu Mountain Scenic Area, and taking a taxi may take a long time and cost a certain amount of money.
Must-visit Attractions
- Chongxu Ancient Taoist Temple: With a history of more than 1,600 years, founded by Ge Hong in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, with a construction area of more than 4,400 square meters. It has buildings such as the Sanqing Hall and also has relics such as Ge Hong's Alchemy Stove. It is an important place for Taoist activities and an important physical material for studying Taoist culture.
- Sulao Taoist Temple: Located at the northern foot of Luofu Mountain, with a quiet and secluded environment, founded in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, originally named "Bei'an". The buildings in the temple are built according to the mountain and it is an excellent place for self-cultivation, carrying rich Taoist culture and legends.
- Zhuming Cave: One of the core scenic areas of Luofu Mountain, the Seventh Celestial Cave of Taoism, with lush vegetation. There are oddly-shaped stones such as the "Flying Stone" and also scenic spots such as Bailian Lake and Huixian Bridge. It is an excellent place to watch the sunrise of Luofu Mountain.
- Ge Hong Museum: Covering an area of about 35,000 square meters, with a construction area of about 6,000 square meters. The museum houses a large number of cultural relics and documents related to Ge Hong, comprehensively displaying Ge Hong's contributions in the fields of medicine and Taoism, and combining cultural education and tourism functions.
Tourist Suggestions
- Check the weather conditions of the scenic area and the opening hours of each attraction in advance. Arrange your itinerary reasonably to avoid delaying your visit. If you plan to climb the mountain, choose a sunny day to better enjoy the scenery and ensure safety.
- Prepare comfortable sports shoes and clothing suitable for exercise. Since the Luofu Mountain Scenic Area is quite large, you may need to do a lot of walking and climbing during the tour. Comfortable equipment will make your trip more enjoyable.
- If you're going to visit religious sites such as temples or Taoist monasteries, pay attention to dressing appropriately. Avoid wearing overly revealing or inappropriate clothing for religious places. After entering the site, abide by relevant regulations and etiquette. Don't make loud noises or engage in inappropriate behavior.
- When tasting local cuisine, pay attention to food hygiene to avoid physical discomfort caused by unclean food. You can try a variety of special local delicacies, but don't overeat.
- If you choose to hike up the mountain, prepare enough water and an appropriate amount of food in advance. Take proper breaks during the journey to avoid excessive fatigue. Also, you can carry some common medications, such as cold medicine, fever - reducing medicine, and band - aids, just in case.
- You can learn about the history and culture of Luofu Mountain and relevant knowledge about Ge Hong in advance. This way, you'll be able to better appreciate and understand the connotations of the attractions during the tour, increasing the fun and sense of gain from your trip.
Precautions
- Protect the environment in the scenic area. Don't litter and keep the scenic area clean. Put your garbage into the designated trash cans to jointly maintain the ecological environment of the scenic area.
- Some roads in the scenic area are quite steep. Pay attention to safety when climbing the mountain, especially for the elderly and children, who need to be accompanied by adults. Follow the safety instructions and signs in the scenic area, and don't venture into undeveloped or dangerous areas.
- When visiting religious sites, respect religious beliefs and customs. Don't touch or damage religious cultural relics and facilities. When taking photos, pay attention to whether photography is allowed to avoid unnecessary trouble.
- When taking the cable car or other scenic area transportation, follow the instructions of the staff, abide by the riding regulations, fasten your seat - belt, and don't move around or play in the carriage.
- Take good care of your personal belongings, especially in crowded places such as the scenic area entrance, restaurants, and parking lots, to prevent loss of property. You can use backpacks and other items to properly store your valuables.
- When staying in the scenic area, keep your room key safe and abide by the rules of the hotel or homestay. Pay attention to personal hygiene and safety. If you have any problems, communicate with the staff in time.
- If you encounter an emergency, contact the scenic area staff immediately or call the scenic area's emergency rescue hotline. Know the location of the emergency rescue facilities and evacuation routes in the scenic area so that you can respond quickly when needed.