(Embark on a journey to witness the breathtaking beauty of this celestial mountain!)

⛰️Mount Laojun is a two-hour drive from Luoyang city, accessible by self-driving or joining a day tour group.

🔥During peak season, tour groups offer various departure times from 6 AM to 10 AM. Choose the 10 AM departure if you want to see the illuminated golden summit.

❄️I visited during winter when it snowed, coinciding with a sea of clouds, creating a spectacular visual feast of snow and mist.

💰Ticket info:
👉🏻Main entrance: ¥100
👉🏻Level 1 cable car (Yunjing/Zhongling): Round trip ¥130 (essential, as hiking up takes 3+ hours)
👉🏻Level 2 cable car (Fenglin): Round trip ¥80 (optional)
✌🏻️Group tours often offer discounted package prices

💡Itinerary:
1️⃣10:00 Depart Luoyang, arrive at Level 1 cable car by 12:00
2️⃣12:30-12:45 Ride cable car to Zhongtian Gate
Choose between Level 2 cable car or hiking (recommended)
3️⃣12:45-14:00 Hike from Zhongtian Gate to Fairyland Tunnel
Beyond lies the most scenic 10-li Painting Corridor
4️⃣14:00-16:00 Route: Painting Corridor → General Ridge → Funiu Summit → South Heaven Gate → Golden Summit Temple Complex
👀First half is easy; second half challenging but rewarding
👀If tired, take an elevator from Painting Corridor to South Heaven Gate (10 mins, ¥40)

🏠Golden Summit Complex has five structures: Treasure Terrace, Jade Emperor Peak, Laojun Temple, Daode Hall, and Golden Summit.
Treasure Terrace and Jade Emperor Peak require climbing steep stairs but offer golden summit views.

🌇Light-up times vary seasonally. Descend promptly after to catch the last cable car. A dedicated path opposite Golden Summit leads quickly to Level 2 cable car.

🕰️Descent: 40+ mins with both cable cars; 1.5 hours with only Level 1.

📷Photo spots:
1️⃣Cliff west of Jade Emperor Peak
Capture "Golden Temple at Sunset" with Treasure Terrace silhouettes against twilight hues.

2️⃣Yixi Corridor's carved windows
Frame Golden Summit through traditional lattice windows at sunset.

3️⃣East platform of Treasure Terrace
Foreground: Jade Emperor Peak; midground: golden temples; background: sea of clouds/peaks. Low-angle shots emphasize architectural layers.

4️⃣Immortal Bridge walkway
Symmetrical shots of bridge and golden summit reflections (best after rain). Hanfu outfits enhance the ethereal vibe.

5️⃣Daode Hall staircase overlook
Top-down view framing Five Mother Golden Hall with eaves and distant clouds.

🌇When sunset gilds the 2,217m golden temples and mist rolls through the peaks, you'll understand why Laozi chose this retreat.