Saw the real-life Cloud Top Heavenly Palace at Laojun Mountain

It snowed on Laojun Mountain! This year's snow came earlier than usual! The entire mountain turned white overnight, with a sea of clouds rolling beneath your feet, it’s like stepping into the set of a fantasy martial arts drama! "Traveling far to the mortal world’s stunning feast, to witness the mortal world’s magnificent beauty" — this saying is truly spot on. Laojun Mountain after the snow is simply a fairyland on earth.
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📸 One-stop must-visit highlights:
Watch the sunrise and sea of clouds: You must get up early! Go to Mazong Ridge, Yuhuang Peak, or Shili Huaping to see the sunlight shining on the snowy peaks and sea of clouds. The whole world turns golden and it’s breathtaking! The clouds float right beside you, and every photo you take needs no filter.
Enjoy the starry night: At night, visit Huixian Bridge, Funiu Summit, or Daodefu Square. The stars are numerous and bright, very healing.
Stroll around the Golden Summit Taoist temples: The Laojun Temple, Yuhuang Peak, and Daodefu buildings look especially ethereal after the snow, offering both scenic views and cultural atmosphere.
See frozen waterfalls: On the east side, Zhaigou, and on the west side, Dream-Chasing Valley. The water flow might be lighter in winter, but combined with the snow scenery, it has a unique charm.
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🚌 Transportation:
▫️ Take train/high-speed rail to Luoyang, then transfer to a bus to Luanchuan
▫️ Self-driving: navigate to "Laojun Mountain," winter travel recommended with snow chains
▫️ Take bus route 5 from Luanchuan County directly to the mountain
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⚠️ Notes:
1. During holidays or night climbs, be sure to book in advance on the official WeChat account! No night climbing on rainy days!
2. It’s recommended to take the first-level cable car as the route is not short; the second-level cable car depends on your stamina, climbing up is not difficult.
3. It’s very cold at the summit! You must wear a down jacket, hat, gloves, and anti-slip shoes!
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🏡 This time I stayed at Huazhu·Luanchuan Guanshanyue Homestay, the location is perfect — right next to Zhongling Cable Car! Taking the cable car up the mountain is super convenient, and you can enjoy the snowy scenery and sea of clouds of Laojun Mountain all the way up. It’s really so cozy~
Honestly, I was worried the mountain accommodations might be basic on my first visit, but I was completely proven wrong! The homestay has a warm yet upscale light luxury style, I loved it as soon as I walked in. The room we booked had a large bay window and a small tea table. In the afternoon, sunlight pours in, brewing tea while watching the mountain view, the atmosphere is just perfect✨
The top floor has a starry sky room and a viewing terrace where you can watch the stars at night; the first floor has leisure areas in front and back, plus an independent tea room, perfect for chatting with friends. The biggest surprise is that there’s a separate small courtyard behind the mountain where you can barbecue on good weather days! Definitely have to try it next time~