I've responded! Here's my advice for your first trip to Mount Laojun...

Ultimate Guide to Mount Laojun! Unlock the Breathtaking "Spectacular Feast for the Eyes" Experience

"Traveling far to attend the spectacular feast, witnessing the world's magnificent beauty" — this viral phrase has made countless people yearn to visit Mount Laojun. As a travel expert who has visited Mount Laojun multiple times, this super-detailed guide will help you avoid crowds and enjoy a heavenly experience!

I. Essential Pre-Trip Information! Comprehensive Practical Details

Location and Transportation

Mount Laojun is located in Luanchuan County, Luoyang, Henan Province, about 160 kilometers from downtown Luoyang. Driving via the Luo-Luan Expressway takes approximately 2.5 hours. The scenic area provides a large parking lot, but arriving early on holidays is recommended to avoid parking shortages.

Tickets and Opening Hours

- Tickets: Adult tickets 100 yuan, students/seniors half-price at 50 yuan with valid ID, can be booked in advance through the official WeChat account
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours, but night climbing ticket check time is 22:30-23:30 (closed during rainy weather)
- Cable car operation:
- First-level cable car (choose either Zhongling or Yunjing): Round trip 130 yuan (up 70 yuan, down 65 yuan), 10-minute ride directly to Zhongtian Gate, highly recommended to save energy
- Second-level cable car (Fenglin cable car): Round trip 80 yuan (up 45 yuan, down 40 yuan), suitable for visitors with limited energy or time constraints

II. Food Map! Authentic Luanchuan Flavors

1. Luanchuan Eight Bowls: Mainly steamed dishes, including preserved vegetable pork, steamed pork ribs, sweet potato balls and other traditional hearty dishes, recommended at "Old Luoyang Noodle Restaurant" in the county
2. Acorn jelly: Made from local acorns, paired with secret sauce, refreshingly delicious, available at small stalls along the scenic area
3. Beef soup with flatbread: Must-try breakfast! Savory beef soup with crispy oil pancakes, recommended at "Sandan Beef Soup"
4. Luanchuan Tofu Feast: Multiple tofu preparations including tofu pudding, mapo tofu, crispy tofu, worth trying at "Luanchuan Tofu House"

III. In-Depth Tour Routes! Covering All Needs

Classic One-Day Route (Suitable for Most Visitors)

Visitor Center → Shuttle Bus (5 yuan, 5 minutes) → Entrance → First-level Cable Car (Yunjing/Zhongling) → Zhongtian Gate → Hike through Ten-Mile Painting Screen (about 1.5 hours) → Mazong Ridge → South Heaven Gate → Golden Summit Taoist Temple Complex → Return the same way

Relaxed Comfortable Route

Visitor Center → Shuttle Bus → Entrance → First-level Cable Car → Zhongtian Gate → Second-level Cable Car → Golden Summit, effortless throughout

Hiking Challenge Route

Visitor Center → Hiking Trail (about 5 hours) → Zhongtian Gate → Ten-Mile Painting Screen → Golden Summit, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts with abundant energy

IV. Must-Visit Spots! 100% Photo-Worthy

1. Ten-Mile Painting Screen: 5-kilometer suspended walkway, changing scenery with every step, every casual photo looks like an ink painting masterpiece
2. Golden Summit Taoist Temple Complex: Five Mother Golden Palace, Treasure Display Platform, Jade Emperor Peak forming a Taoist architectural complex, like a fairyland when surrounded by clouds and mist
3. Mazong Ridge: Best spot to view strange peaks and rocks, the ridge resembles a horse's mane
4. Pursuit Dream Valley: Summer retreat, streams and waterfalls, abundant negative ions

V. Super Practical Tips! Avoiding Pitfalls

1. Clothing suggestions: Temperature difference at the summit exceeds 10°C, windproof jacket essential; strong UV radiation on sunny days, prepare sun protection gear
2. Photography guide:
- Best sunrise position: Treasure Display Platform
- Night photography: Golden Summit lighting times vary by season (generally evening 17:40-18:10, early morning 3:30-4:30)
3. Cable car schedule: Last first-level cable car at 19:30, reserve enough time to descend after viewing night scenery
4. Other preparations:
- Hiking poles essential, saves your knees
- Bring small amounts of snacks and water, prices in scenic area are slightly higher
- Recommended to have companions for night climbing, bring headlamps

VI. Surrounding Attractions! Recommended for In-Depth Travel

1. Jiguan Cave: National 5A-level scenic spot, karst cave spectacle, constant temperature of 18°C inside
2. Chongdu Valley: Northern water town, bamboo forests and streams, suitable for family trips
3. Baodu Fortress: Red tourism destination, experience Western Henan folk culture

With this guide, whether you want to see the sunrise and sea of clouds or visit a Taoist mountain, you can easily explore Mount Laojun! Save this guide and start your "spectacular feast" journey now!