Ethan
April 30, 2025
On April 26th, I bid farewell to my friends Mr. and Mrs. Li in Luoyang, embarking on the 150km journey southwest to Laojun Mountain (老君山) in Luanchuan County. This sacred peak (2,200m elevation) forms part of the Qinling Mountains’ Funiu Range and holds deep significance as the legendary retreat where Laozi (honored as Lord Lao the Supreme, 太上老君), the founder of Daoism, secluded himself during the Spring and Autumn period.
The winding Funiu Mountain Ecological Tourism Road
Originally named Jingshi Mountain, its transformation began when Emperor Taizong of Tang renamed it in 637 AD after commissioning the Iron-Roofed Temple. The mountain reached its zenith in 1603 when the Ming Dynasty declared it “First Among China’s Famous Mountains” – the only range ever granted this imperial title.
My route passed through Song County, where I encountered two unanticipated obstacles:
Arriving at Mount Laojun’s entrance, I detoured to the Luanchuan Museum, where two peculiar policies stood out:
The museum primarily displayed mineral specimens – interesting but not extraordinary. The magnificent “Water Cloud Stone” at the entrance, with its natural flowing patterns, proved more memorable than the exhibits.
After studying numerous guides, I parked at the closest lot to the cable car station. Evening observations:
An unforgettable wildlife moment occurred when a white squirrel (initially mistaken for a small dog) approached me with astonishing boldness:
“It climbed my pants leg to chest height, leaving a distinct musky odor before attempting to scale my back. Only vigorous shaking and loud shouts discouraged its advance.”
Opting for both cable car stages (210¥ total), I prioritized knee preservation over hiking bravado. Notable observations:
This breathtaking cliffside walkway offered stunning vistas despite increasing crowds:
Reaching the Daoist temple complex justified every effort. The iconic line “Traveled far to witness this heavenly vision” perfectly captures the moment when the golden temples emerged from the mist.
After confirming permission at the ticket office, I captured aerial views of the magnificent complex:
The mountain’s temperamental climate became apparent as conditions deteriorated:
My exit strategy proved fortuitous:
The service station attendant’s revelation about nearby 5¥ hot springs (regrettably discovered post-shower) provided perfect closure to this adventurous day.
| Best Season | Winter for snowscapes/summer for greenery (avoid May Day crowds) |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Layers essential – summit can be 15°C colder than base |
| Photography | Morning/evening light best; drones permitted with registration |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access limited beyond second cable car |
| Budget Notes | Seniors 60+ save 100¥ entrance fee; bring snacks to avoid overpriced meals |
| Special Tip | Watch for the bold white squirrels near parking areas! |
Laojun Mountain delivers both natural grandeur and cultural depth. From the mischievous white squirrel to the awe-inspiring golden temples where Laozi himself once meditated, every element combines to create what Daoists might call a truly balanced travel experience – one that humbles and exhilarates in equal measure.
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