North China Alpine Meadow Secret Tour

Luya Mountain is located in Ningwu County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, and is a national 4A-level scenic area. Here is a travel guide:

Ticket Information

• West Line Package: 173 RMB/adult, 119 RMB/half price, includes Luya Mountain, Malun Grassland, Lover’s Valley, and shuttle transportation.

• North Line Package: 180 RMB/adult, 90 RMB/half price, includes Wannian Ice Cave, Cliff Walkway, and Hanging Village attractions. Purchasing the North Line package includes a free Cliff Walkway ticket.

• Others: Lover’s Valley adult ticket 54 RMB, half price 39 RMB; Wannian Ice Cave peak season 120 RMB/person, off-season 65 RMB/person; Shimen Hanging Coffin 25 RMB/person; Hanging Village 60 RMB/person; Fen River Source free.

Transportation Guide

• Self-driving: About 3 hours from Taiyuan, navigate to “Luya Mountain Scenic Area.” The mountain roads have many curves, so drive carefully.

• Public Transport: You can first reach Ningwu County, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle; or take a bus from Taiyuan to Ningwu County, or take a high-speed train to Xinzhou Station and then taxi or charter a car to the area.

Attractions

• Malun Grassland: One of the largest subalpine meadows in North China, at an altitude of 2,721 meters, covering more than 6,000 mu. You can walk along a 2.5 km wooden boardwalk to enjoy over a hundred species of alpine flowers and have a distant view of Luya Mountain’s main peak.

• Luya Mountain: The main peak is 2,739 meters high, famous for its unique granite peak forest landscape. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Malun Grassland to the mountain foot. During the climb, you can enjoy dense forests and unique geological scenery. From the summit at Taizidian, you can overlook the continuous green mountains and sea of clouds.

• Wannian Ice Cave: Formed during the Quaternary glaciation of the Cenozoic era, over 3 million years ago. Inside the cave, ice flowers, ice pillars, and other shapes vary, illuminated by lights creating a dreamlike scene. The temperature inside is low, so bring a thick coat.

• Cliff Walkway: About 4 kilometers long, suspended on a cliff face, offering a panoramic view of the magnificent Guancen Mountain range. Those afraid of heights should choose carefully.

• Lover’s Valley: 10 Chinese miles long, with babbling streams and shaded by green trees on both sides. It is a great summer retreat, suitable for couples or family walks, and you can enjoy a group of 12-level waterfalls.

Accommodation and Dining

• Accommodation: There are hotels inside the scenic area for convenience. Around Censhan Township or Ningwu County town, there are many farmhouses and guesthouses with affordable prices where you can experience local customs. Dongzhai Town is close to the scenic area, about 10-20 minutes by car. Recommended hotels include 2016 Hotel and Luya Mountain International Hotel.

• Dining: Try local Shanxi specialties such as Ningwu Youmian Kaolao, Potato Feast, and Clear Stewed Lamb. You can also taste Ningwu stewed mushrooms and sea buckthorn ice wine.

Practical Tips

• Clothing: Even in summer, bring a windbreaker/fleece jacket. Cotton coats can be rented at the ice cave entrance for about 20 RMB.

• Hiking: Wear non-slip shoes, bring your own snacks and water. There are few shops on the mountain, so use the restroom in advance.