A Day Trip to Laojun Mountain for Gen Z! The Ultimate Guide is Here

At 6 a.m., we gathered and set off in the morning light of Zhengzhou. The tour bus sped through the city's hustle and bustle toward Luanchuan County. Outside the window, the scenery gradually transformed from skyscrapers to rolling hills, and the two-and-a-half-hour journey flew by with the tour guide's humorous commentary. Upon arriving at the scenic area, a long queue had already formed at the mountain's base. We opted for the time-saving and effortless first-level cable car, and the ten-minute aerial journey was breathtaking. The cable car glided through the mist, with the red leaves on the mountainside shimmering golden in the sunlight. The distant peaks loomed faintly, like a flowing ink painting. Zhongtianmen marked the starting point of our hike and the first awe-inspiring viewing platform. Standing here, we could clearly see Laojun Mountain's unique granite peak forest landscape. Walking along the cliffside plank path of the "Ten-Mile Picture Screen," every step revealed a different view. In the autumn mountains, the maple leaves blazed brilliantly, contrasting beautifully with the verdant pines and cypresses. Occasionally, we spotted squirrels leaping among the branches. By noon, we reached the Golden Summit at an elevation of 2,217 meters. Five resplendent Taoist temples glowed in the sunlight, as if we had truly arrived at the Heavenly Palace. The most unforgettable moment was standing on the glass viewing platform—below us was a bottomless abyss, while before us rolled a sea of clouds. The thrilling and awe-inspiring feeling was something we'd remember for a lifetime. On the descent, we deliberately chose a different route, passing by Laojun Temple and Sheshen Cliff. As the sun set, the entire mountain was bathed in gold, with mist flowing through the valleys like a fairyland. On the return bus, though our legs ached, everyone's face was lit up with satisfied smiles. Practical Tips: 1. Wear anti-slip hiking shoes—some sections are steep. 2. Bring enough drinking water, as prices are higher on the mountain. 3. Fully charge your camera battery—there are too many stunning views to capture. 4. Note the last cable car departure time to avoid missing it. This trip to Laojun Mountain taught me that the most beautiful scenery often comes at the cost of physical effort. But when you stand above the clouds, gazing at the rolling sea of mist beneath your feet, all fatigue vanishes. It wasn't just a journey—it was a cleansing of the soul.