Successfully reached the summit of Laojun Mountain to experience what it means to be a "Flying Immortal"

The forecast predicted rain, but I still decided to try my luck! And then! When I saw the blue sky and white clouds along the way, I knew it was going to be great!

😍 Lazy route:
Zhongling Cableway/Yunjing Cableway (Level 1 Cableway) — Fenglin Cableway (Level 2 Cableway) — Ten-Mile Painted Screen — Jinding Taoist Temple Complex
Jinding Taoist Temple Complex — Fenglin Cableway — Zhongling Cableway/Yunjing Cableway — Down the mountain

🌈 The hiking distance for the Level 1 cableway is very long, and since I walked 30,000 steps the day before, I took the Level 1 and Level 2 cableways up the mountain, then walked the Ten-Mile Painted Screen to enjoy the scenery (don’t miss this! The highlights are all here!) and took the cableway down as well.

🚌 I booked a one-day tour with early, mid, and late shifts available. I chose the mid-shift, which includes transportation, entrance tickets, round-trip Level 1 cableway, and the guide helps buy tickets.

🎈 Departed from Yingtianmen Metro at 9 AM, picked up people at Longmen Station.

🎈 Arrived at the foot of the mountain at 12:10 PM, queued for the Level 1 cableway. There were huge crowds waiting for the Level 1 cableway, so don’t dawdle after getting off, quickly get in line.

🎈 Reached the turnstile at 1:45 PM; that bend seemed endless and it was super hot. The Level 1 cableway ride took 10 minutes, the longest cableway ride I’ve ever taken 😓. After exiting the Level 1 cableway, you arrive at Zhongtianmen, where you can rest, have a snack, and take photos. They sell instant noodles (12 RMB with hot water) and grilled sausages. Then take the Level 2 cableway.

🎈 Got off the Level 2 cableway at 3 PM and headed to the Ten-Mile Painted Screen (to be introduced in the next post). There are many flat sections, but it’s still very tiring and takes over an hour. I felt like I walked 1.4 times my usual distance 😱. The scenery is absolutely stunning! Strange peaks, bizarre rocks, a sea of clouds like a fairyland, a landscape painting right before your eyes. Who could feel down here? It’s so beautiful, my great China.

🎈 Arrived at the main peak of Funiu Mountain at 4:15 PM, where there’s a “Brave the World” sign for photos. Follow the signs toward the Jinding Taoist Temple Complex, which includes the Golden Hall (lit up at night), Dao De Mansion, Laojun Temple, Jade Emperor Peak, and Liangbao Platform. Be sure to visit and pray at these spots, and you can also hang blessing plaques~

🎈 Started descending at 6:40 PM, took the Level 2 and Level 1 cableways, then the bus back to the city.

⚠️ Notes:
1️⃣ Get in line early for the cableways, especially the Level 1 cableway. Waiting two hours is normal because of the huge crowds.

2️⃣ Supplies are sufficient on the mountain, no need to bring too much food (Can you believe I saw Mixue Snow Ice and Bawang Tea Ji at Jinding?! Shocking!)

3️⃣ Not recommended to watch the sunset and light-up unless you’re hiking at night, because the Level 1 cableway might close right after the sunset and light-up. Watch your time.

4️⃣ The temperature on the mountain is relatively low and foggy, bring a jacket but it doesn’t need to be too thick.

5️⃣ Bring a hiking pole, it really saves your life.

6️⃣ Prepare for sun protection; the high altitude means strong UV rays and easy sunburn.

❤️ Overlooking Laojun Mountain from Jinding, there’s truly a heroic feeling of “Standing on the summit, overlooking all other mountains as small.” Watching the clouds and mist roll by, I suddenly understood why ancient people always found solace in mountains and waters. 🌈 The mountain is high and the road is long, but it’s worth the wait. This earthly paradise, I have finally seen it!