Mount Laojun
老君山 · Luanchuan County, Luoyang, Henan, China
The main peak of the Funiu Mountains, about 2,200 m high, where the golden roofs of the Taoist temples on the summit rise above a sea of clouds; it is a renowned Taoist mountain.
Know before you go
- Do not touch statues of deities or offering vessels
- do not run or play near cliff edges
- do not smoke outside designated areas
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
Legend
Laozi's Retreat
Legend says Laozi, founder of Taoism, retired to this mountain to cultivate himself, so its name was changed from Jingshi Mountain to Laojun Mountain. Taoist followers regard it as a sacred site.
Source: Wikipedia: Mount Laojun (Henan); Chinese Wikipedia: Mount Laojun (Luanchuan)
History
Laojun Temples Since the Northern Wei
The first Laojun temple on the mountain was built in the Northern Wei dynasty. Later dynasties built and rebuilt temples here many times, and worship of Laozi continues to this day.
Source: Wikipedia: Mount Laojun (Henan); Chinese Wikipedia: Mount Laojun (Luanchuan)
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Mount Laojun lies about 3 km southeast of the Luanchuan county town in Luoyang, Henan. It is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains, an extension of the Qinling range, and its highest point, Yuhuang Peak, is about 2,200 m. Together with Jiguan Cave, it forms the Laojun Mountain–Jiguan Cave Tourist Area, which covers about 26.7 km². The Taoist temples on the Golden Summit are known for their golden roofs, which seem to float on the sea of clouds when mist rises. On the mid-slopes, the Shili Huaping area is a forest of granite pinnacles threaded by boardwalks. The mountain was originally called Jingshi Mountain; in the Tang dynasty it was renamed Laojun Mountain because Laozi was said to have lived there in retreat. The scenic area belongs to the Funiu Mountain World Geopark and was rated a national 5A scenic area in 2012.
Local customs
- Take the cable car up, then follow the Shili Huaping boardwalk to the Golden Summit to see the Golden Hall and Yuhuang Peak
- wait for sunrise in the early morning and watch the clouds roll
- on the way down, visit Jiguan Cave and its stalactites.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Do not touch statues of deities or offering vessels
- do not run or play near cliff edges
- do not smoke outside designated areas
Locals appreciate DO
- Keep quiet inside the temples
- follow the temple's guidance when paying respects
- carry your rubbish down the mountain
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Allow a full day. The summit is much colder than the base, so bring a warm jacket and rain gear. For tickets, cable cars and shuttle buses, follow the official announcements. If you are afraid of heights, think carefully before taking the cliff boardwalks. English Wikipedia states that Luanchuan County has been closed to overseas visitors without official explanation, so foreign travelers should confirm with the scenic area or local authorities that they can enter before setting out.
- Go first to central Luoyang, then take a coach or drive about 2 hours to Luanchuan county town and transfer to scenic-area transport to the cable car station. Crowds are heavy on holidays
- check the time of the last bus back. Late April to early November is ideal: spring and summer bring seas of clouds and green forests, and autumn colors mix with light mist. In winter the Golden Summit is often coated in rime and snow, but mountain roads may ice over
- check opening arrangements before you go.
Photos
Photos
祝鱼贵 · CC BY-SA 4.0
祝鱼贵 · CC BY-SA 4.0
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