Real Experience of Laojun Mountain: The beauty is truly stunning, and the exhaustion is real too!

"Traveling far to the earthly feast of swans, to witness the splendid beauty of the world"
Who hasn't been to Laojun Mountain? Taking photos of the Golden Hall at Yuhuang Peak, the original pictures are breathtakingly beautiful.
This guide will clearly explain practical tips and pitfalls to avoid at Laojun Mountain.
Read it and understand instantly.

Red Leaf Season: Mid-October to early November
First Snow Appearance: Late October may bring the first snow

🚗 Self-driving: Navigate to "Laojun Mountain Yun Jing Cableway," park at Lot 13 (closest to the cableway, 10 RMB/day).

🎫 Tickets:
Admission 100 RMB/person

🚠 Cableway Options: Taking both levels is the most worry-free
Level 1 Cableway (round trip 130 RMB, one-way up 70 RMB, one-way down 65 RMB): From the foot of the mountain to mid-mountain (Zhongtian Gate), a must-ride! Without it, you have to hike 4-5 hours, which will drain your energy.
Level 2 Cableway (round trip 80 RMB, one-way up 45 RMB, one-way down 40 RMB): From Zhongtian Gate to the start of Shili Huaping, recommended! Saves 1.5 hours of hiking and preserves energy for the best scenic section.
Cableway Hours: Closes at 16:30 going up, 18:30 going down (not fixed times, extended if crowded, don’t trust rigid time claims).

💁 Gear & Supplies:
🔹 Windproof jacket: (10℃+ and strong winds at the summit), hat, non-slip shoes, thin gloves
🔹 Hiking poles: Essential if your stamina is low; you can pick up bamboo sticks on the mountain, and pens (for writing wish plaques, cheaper at the base)
🔹 Supplies: Self-heating hot pot (if you want better food), a small amount of snacks. Don’t bring too much! There are instant noodles, Luckin Coffee, and Bawang Tea Ji on the mountain at reasonable prices.
🔹 Special: Night hiking requires a spotlight + outdoor warm gear; book night hiking tickets in advance, hostel beds at the summit cost 80 RMB/night, must book 1 week ahead.
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✅ Hiking Route: Focus on "Shili Huaping"
🔸 Zhongtian Gate → Shili Huaping (after getting off Level 2 cableway): Walk the mountain trail, don’t enter the tunnel! The trail is the highlight, about 6 km of flat path, resembling an ink painting, perfect for 2-3 hours of photography.
🔸 Shili Huaping → Golden Summit: The last 20 minutes are stairs, not difficult. After reaching the top, go to Yuhuang Peak first (don’t head straight to the Golden Hall).
🔸 Descent route: Level 2 cableway → Level 1 cableway, total 1.5 hours; if the Level 2 cableway line exceeds 1 hour, walk 40 minutes to Zhongtian Gate and take Level 1 cableway to save time.

📷 Must-Photograph Spots & Times
☀️ Sunrise: Liangbao Terrace / Mazong Ridge
🌕 Sunset: Yuhuang Peak (arrive before 17:30 to secure a spot, wait for lights after sunset).
🚦 Golden Summit Lighting: 17:50-18:30 (starts 10 minutes after sunset), viewing platforms include the left side of Liangbao Terrace (prime spot), west platform of Daode Mansion, Yuhuang Peak viewing platform, Mazong Ridge glass viewing platform, and Nantian Gate steps.
☁️ Sea of Clouds / Snow Scenery: Shili Huaping, Golden Summit Taoist Temple Group