Laojun Mountain Scenic Area is located in Luanchuan County, Luoyang City, Henan Province. It is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction, UNESCO Global Geopark, and national nature reserve. Covering 26 square kilometers with its main peak at 2,217 meters (the third highest in the Funiu Mountains), it's named after Laozi (the founder of Taoism) who practiced asceticism here over 2,000 years ago. Known as "the Peerless Holy Land, World's No.1 Fairy Mountain," it's famous for four natural wonders: peculiar peaks, strange rocks, sea of clouds, and sunrise, combining northern mountain grandeur with southern landscape elegance.
History and Culture
Originally called "Jingshi Mountain," it was renamed when Laozi retreated here during the Western Zhou Dynasty. Taoist temples were built since the Northern Wei Dynasty, with the Iron-Top Temple constructed during Tang Zhenguan period. In 1591, it received the Taoist Canon "Daozang," becoming a Quanzhen Taoism sacred site.
Celebrated poets like Li Bai, Du Fu, and Bai Juyi visited and wrote poems here. Over 100 historical stone tablets remain, the most precious being the Ming Dynasty tablet recording the Golden Summit Taiqing Palace construction.
In 2010, Laojun Mountain-Jiguan Cave became a UNESCO Global Geopark for its unique "detachment peak forest" landform, dubbed "Stone Forest of North China."
Main Attractions
Golden Summit Taoist Complex
On the main peak, this complex includes Five-Mother Golden Hall, Laojun Temple, Daode Mansion, and Jade Emperor Peak, all in Ming-Qing imperial architectural style with bronze tiles and golden roofs. The Northern Wei-originated Laojun Temple (rebuilt in Ming) houses a bronze Laozi statue.
Ten-Mile Painting Corridor
The 5-km core area features spectacular peaks and rocks at every turn, including Immortal Bridge, South Heaven Gate, and Fairy Gathering Palace. The most thrilling section is "Horse Mane Ridge" - a narrow ridge with sheer cliffs on both sides.
Sea of Clouds
With over 200 cloudy days annually (best in autumn), peaks emerge from rolling clouds like fairyland. Best viewing spots are Jade Emperor Peak, Treasure Terrace, and Life-Sacrificing Cliff.
Dream-Chasing Valley
This 7.5-km valley has streams, waterfalls, and 98% forest coverage. With average summer temperature of 21°C, it's a perfect summer retreat, featuring Old Dragon Waterfall, Butterfly Valley, and virgin forest.
Laozi Cultural Park
Dedicated to Laozi's life and philosophy, its centerpiece is a 38-meter, 258-ton bronze Laozi statue (world's largest). Other features include Tao Te Ching Wall and Eight-Trigram Square.
Cuisine
Luanchuan Tofu Banquet
Made with local spring water and premium soybeans, Luanchuan tofu is exceptionally tender. The banquet offers dozens of tofu dishes (braised tofu, tofu pudding, tofu dumplings) at scenic area restaurants.
Wild Mountain Vegetables
Abundant wild mushrooms and edible plants like fiddleheads, pearl flowers, and hedgehog mushrooms can be served cold, stir-fried, or in soups with unique flavors.
Taoist Vegetarian Food
The Golden Summit complex serves health-preserving vegetarian dishes emphasizing "harmony of five flavors," using wild ingredients and medicinal herbs.
Local Delicacies
Luanchuan County offers Western Henan specialties like mutton soup, paste noodles, and acorn jelly.
Ticket Information
Admission: 100 yuan (peak season April-October), 80 yuan (off-season November-March). First-stage cable car round-trip 130 yuan; second-stage 80 yuan. Seniors (60+) and students get 50% discount with ID. Children under 1.4m free.
Opening Hours
Open year-round: 7:00-18:00 (peak season), 8:00-17:00 (off-season). Cable cars operate concurrently. Golden Summit closes at 16:30. Recommended visit: 1-2 days.
Recommended Tour Route
One-day route: Entrance → First-stage cable car to Mid-Heaven Gate → Hike or second-stage cable car to Golden Summit → Taoist complex → Ten-Mile Painting Corridor hike → Return to Mid-Heaven Gate → Descend. Fit visitors can hike entirely (6-8 hours).
Transportation
- Self-drive: From Zhengzhou via Zheng-Luan Expressway to Luanchuan exit (~3 hours)
- Bus: Tourist shuttles from Luoyang Bus Station
- High-speed rail: To Luoyang Longmen Station, then transfer to scenic area shuttle (~2 hours)
- Air: Nearest airport is Luoyang Beijiao (~2.5 hours by car)
Must-See Attractions
- Golden Summit Taoist Complex: Experience Taoist culture and sunrise
- Ten-Mile Painting Corridor: Thrilling ridge hike with bizarre rocks
- Sea of Clouds: Photograph fairyland-like cloud views
- Laozi Cultural Park: Learn Taoist philosophy
- Dream-Chasing Valley: Summer retreat in pristine nature
Travel Tips
- Plan 2 days: Day 1 for foothill attractions, Day 2 for sunrise hike
- Wear anti-slip hiking shoes and bring trekking poles
- Prepare for changeable mountain weather (rain gear/warm layers)
- Photographers should bring wide-angle lenses and tripods
- Observe Taoist etiquette (quiet demeanor in temples)
- Book limited summit accommodations in peak season early
Precautions
- Some trails are dangerous - stay away from cliffs
- Protect environment: no picking plants or disturbing wildlife
- Maintain quiet in Taoist sacred sites
- Summit temperatures ~10°C lower than base - dress warmly
- Avoid weekends/holidays during peak seasons
- Some areas may close temporarily in bad weather