Luoyang Luanchuan 3-Day In-Depth Travel Guide (2025 Latest Edition)

DAY ❶: Exploring Laojun Mountain Core Experience: Taoist culture, sea of clouds, sunrise, and the Ten Mile Painting Gallery. Transportation: Self-driving/high-speed rail transfer to bus: Take a bus from Luoyang Longmen Station to Luanchuan (approx. 2 hrs), then transfer to the scenic spot shuttle bus directly to the cable car entrance. Cable Car Options: The first-level cable car (Zhongling/Yunjing) is a must to save energy. For the second-level cable car (Fenglin), it is recommended to hike uphill and take the cable car downhill to enjoy the hanging plank road and the King Maple Tree. Must-See Highlights: Golden Summit Taoist Temple Complex: The golden hall lights up at sunset (approx. 6:30 pm), creating a fairyland-like scene with the sunset glow. The lights turn on again between 3:30 am and 4:30 am, offering a fantastic photo opportunity of the starry sky and the illuminated temple. Ten Mile Painting Gallery: A 1.5 hr hike passing by Qingyun Peak and Yixiantian. The karst landforms intertwine with the sea of clouds along the way. A wide-angle lens is recommended. Accommodation Recommendations: Mountaintop youth hostel (200+ CNY) or homestay (1000+ CNY). Book in advance to secure a good spot for sunrise viewing. Important Notes: Tickets must be booked 3 days in advance. Night hiking requires a separate hiking ticket reservation. There is a large temperature difference on the mountaintop, so bring a windproof jacket. The cable car stops operating at 3:30 pm, so plan your descent accordingly. DAY ❷: A Journey Blending Nature and Culture Bamboo Sea Zoo + Hai Ming Ma Memorial Hall + Farming Village + Chongdugou Morning: Bamboo Sea Zoo Route: Cable car uphill → Giant Panda House (featuring star panda "Lingyan") → 5D light and shadow tunnel → Wild Animal Sightseeing Bus (tiger feeding) → Petting Zoo. Special Experiences: Glass walkway overlooking the bamboo sea, rainbow slide leading to the petting zoo, and educational activities suitable for families. Noon: Hai Ming Ma Memorial Hall Learn about the development history of Chongdugou and the spirit of "Contemporary Yu Gong." Free admission. It is recommended to stay for 30 mins. Afternoon: Farming Village and Chongdugou Farming Village: Experience traditional farming tools, handmade tofu making, and taste acorn jelly. Chongdugou Core Area: Golden Rooster River: Xiefen Cliff Waterfall and Bodhi Tree Square. Approx. 3 hr hike. The misty water creates a magical atmosphere. Dicui River: Water Curtain Cave and Feiyun Temple. Water park activities are available in summer. Accommodation Recommendations: Chongdugou Bamboo Fragrance Street Homestay, 150 CNY per person including breakfast. Enjoy the music festival night market and taste Luanchuan tofu dishes in the evening. DAY ❸: A Refreshing Finale of Caves and Bamboo Forests Jiguan Cave + Wangfu Bamboo Sea Scenic Area Morning: Jiguan Cave (5A Scenic Area) Cave Wonders: Explore stalactite landscapes such as the "Undersea Dragon Palace" and "Heavenly Dog Watching the Moon." The cave maintains a constant temperature of 18°C. Non-slip shoes are recommended. Cultural Experience: Learn about the formation of karst landforms in the science museum, suitable for family learning. Food Recommendation: "Fan Erjie Tukouwan" outside the scenic area, 40 CNY per person for Luoyang Water Banquet. Afternoon: Wangfu Bamboo Sea (4A Scenic Area) Summer Retreat: Double Dragon Waterfall: With a drop of 80m, the waterfall has abundant water in summer, offering a refreshing misty experience. High Mountain Bamboo Forest: Hike through thousands of acres of bamboo forest with extremely high negative oxygen ion content. You might even encounter macaques. Special Activity: Live-action role-playing game (reservation required) for an immersive bamboo forest adventure. Return Trip Tips: The last bus from Luanchuan to Luoyang departs at 6:00 pm. It is recommended to finish your trip before 4:00 pm. Practical Information Summary Ticket Discounts: Half-price tickets for Laojun Mountain with a student ID. Free admission for railway employees before June 2024. Chongdugou tickets are 120 CNY. Guests staying overnight can register for a second entry. Transportation Tips: Direct bus from Luoyang to Luanchuan is 98 CNY per person, directly to the cable car entrance without transfer. Parking fee at Bamboo Sea Zoo is 10 CNY per day. It is recommended to arrive before 8:00 am to avoid crowds. Equipment Recommendations: Headlamps and trekking poles are needed for night hiking at Laojun Mountain. Bring wading shoes for water activities in Chongdugou. "In Luanchuan, every breath is a gift from nature—the clouds of Laojun Mountain, the green of the bamboo sea, the wonders of the caves, and the villagers' saying, 'Zhong bu zhong, zai lai yi wan!' (Like it or not, have another bowl!)" This three-day itinerary is compact and rich. It is recommended to adjust it according to your physical condition and enjoy the beauty of the western Henan landscape!