Golden Summit of Laojun Mountain: A Cloud-Top Taoist Sanctuary
Introduction:
When the first golden rays pierce the sea of clouds, the 2,217-meter summit temples of Laojun Mountain seem to float on the horizon. Bronze tiles gilded in sunlight appear and disappear in the mist. This is not only the legendary retreat where Taoism’s founder Laozi is said to have practiced, but also a natural gallery carved by 140 million years of geology. Through the seasons, alpine rhododendrons, cloud seas, peak forests and rime ice stage a spectacular show. Stroll the cliffside boardwalks and you’ll feel like walking inside a living landscape painting—this Funiu Range peak waits for travelers seeking both spiritual depth and raw nature.
1. Soul Snapshot: A Poetic Dialogue of Clouds, Temples and Granite
The essence of Laojun Mountain is an extreme expression of “unity of heaven and man.” Ming and Qing-era Taoist temple complexes sit atop ancient granite peak forests, creating both a spiritual center and a monument of nature. As the core of a Global Geopark and a national 5A scenic area, Laojun’s scenes—golden summit temples emerging from clouds and a ten-mile band of serrated peaks—make it one of central China’s rare high-mountain cultural-natural complexes.
2. A Millennia-Old Taoist Sanctuary
Legend holds that Laozi once retreated here and composed the Dao De Jing. A 30-meter carved Dao De Jing wall on the mid-slope, whether original or not, carries a thousand years of devotion. The Laojun Temple, first built in the Northern Wei, has been repaired over centuries; the present summit temples largely date to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Halls such as Daode Hall and the Jade Emperor Peak are roofed with gilded bronze tiles that glitter like a celestial palace in sunlight. Each year during the lunar April 8th temple fair, chanting priests and pilgrim crowds create scenes reminiscent of an ancient painting of bustling life.
3. Geological Epic: A 140-Million-Year Testament in a Ten-Mile Screen
Laojun’s most breathtaking natural spectacle is the Ten-Mile Screen—a 5-kilometer band of granite peak forest. Sculpted by the Yanshan tectonic movements and sharpened by eons of weathering, these pinnacles form knife-edged ridges. Along with Huangshan and Zhangjiajie, Laojun is one of China’s three great peak-forest wonders. In summer, cloud seas roll over the ridges and bare rock faces rise like islands above a milky ocean; in autumn, maples and dogwoods paint the valleys warm reds and golds; in winter, rime turns summits into giant crystal sculptures. Geology enthusiasts can study clear fault sections that record the uplift history of the North China block—the Earth’s own time rings.
4. A Year-Round Visual Feast
– Spring (April–May): High-elevation rhododendron blooms above 1,600 meters—pink-purple carpets alongside lingering snow.
– Summer (June–August): A natural air-conditioned zone averaging 21°C, with cloud seas appearing over 60% of mornings—sunrise is best seen around 5:00 AM.
– Autumn (September–November): Maples and Chinese wingnuts dye the valleys red and gold—prime photography season.
– Winter (December–February): Icicles and rime create a “glassy world”; the golden summit’s snow scene rivals Hokkaido, but be prepared for lows around -15°C.
5. In-Depth Visitor Guide
– Classic route: Take the Zhongling cable car (20 minutes one way) to Zhongtianmen, then hike a 3-hour boardwalk loop to visit the Golden Summit, Ten-Mile Screen and glass viewing platform. Fit hikers can ascend from Zhumeng Valley on foot (about 5 hours).
– Offbeat experiences: Sleep overnight in a summit hostel to stargaze, or attend morning bell/ evening drum rituals led by resident Taoist priests.
– Who it’s for: Families can combine the cable car with easy boardwalks; the hiking sections require moderate fitness—elderly visitors are advised to bring trekking poles.
6. Practical Information
– Transport: Six direct buses daily from Luoyang Bus Station (2.5 hours / CNY 35). Self-driving users should navigate to “Laojun Mountain YunJing Cableway”; mountain roads are winding—drive cautiously.
– Admission: CNY 100 (includes Zhumeng Valley). Cable car round trip CNY 130. Multi-language electronic guides available for rent at CNY 30/day.
– Food & lodging: Simple meals and temple vegetarian dishes are available on the summit; try local Luanchuan tofu soup. Guesthouses at the mountain base average CNY 150/night; higher-end scenic hotels offer upgraded rooms.
– Tips: Peak periods (National Day, Spring Festival) limit visitors to 8,000 per day—book on the official site at least three days in advance. Bring non-slip shoes in foggy weather.
Conclusion:
Laojun Mountain’s magic lies in its ability to satisfy both philosophical reflection and wild exploration. When you trace the carved Dao De Jing at dawn, wander the Jurassic-like granite mazes by afternoon, you’ll understand why this mountain might have inspired Laozi to withdraw—and why modern travelers rush here to reconnect. Whether you seek Taoist wisdom or simply the cloud-top temples, Laojun Mountain is worth a dedicated journey.
