A Feast for the Eyes: Laojun Mountain Self-Drive Guide

☘️Laojun Mountain, formerly known as Jingshi Mountain, is located in the east of Luanchuan County, Luoyang City, Henan Province. The highest peak is Ma Zongling at 2,217 meters. The mountain was named after Laozi, the founder of Taoism, who lived in seclusion and practiced here during the Western Zhou Dynasty. It was named Laojun Mountain by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty.
🌿The highlights of Laojun Mountain are the Shili Hualang and the Jindian Taoist Temple Complex.
🅰️Shili Hualang. Located on the northernmost side of the scenic area, the entrance is at the lower station of the second-level cableway. It is laid out in a circular pattern, with main attractions including Yixiantian, Chaoyang Cave, Nantianmen, and the glass viewing platform.
🅱️Jindian Taoist Temple Complex. The core area of Laojun Mountain, built along the mountain, includes Laojun Temple, Daode Mansion, Wumu Jindian, Liangbao Platform, and Yuhuang Peak. The Jindian, Liangbao Platform, and Yuhuang Peak have golden roofs.
👍Highly recommended:
Laojun Mountain is famous for its snow scenery and sea of clouds. There are three cableways, two first-level parallel cableways, Yunjing and Zhongling, and a second-level cableway, Fenglin. It is recommended to take all of them, especially the first-level cableway, otherwise, you will have to climb a mountain road with no scenery for 5 hours. The exit of the second-level cableway is through a tunnel to Shili Hualang. If you are tired, you can take the escalator to the top at General Platform.
📝Tips:
It is recommended to stay near the cableway in the scenic area. Buy tickets in advance so you can drive into the scenic area, which is convenient for climbing the mountain the next morning to avoid crowds and tour groups, and saves time on the scenic area shuttle bus. Some homestays offer pick-up and drop-off services for non-self-driving guests. If you want to see the snow scenery, pay attention to the weather forecast before you go, as the mountain will be closed if it snows. Bring crampons for winter climbing.
💰Ticket prices:
CNY 100/person
First-level cableway (Yunjing, Zhongling):
Up CNY 70/person, down CNY 65/person, round-trip CNY 130/person
Second-level cableway (Fenglin):
Up CNY 45/person, down CNY 40/person, round-trip CNY 80/person
Escalator: (4, only up): CNY 40/person
🕙Opening hours:
All day. Cableway up: 7:30 am–3:30 pm
📍Address:
East District, Luanchuan County, Luoyang City, Henan Province