In Luanchuan, Luoyang, Henan Province, there is a mountain named after Laozi's retreat for cultivation. It is famous for the rolling waves of clouds that resemble a fairyland. It is called Laojun Mountain, which is known as the "unparalleled holy realm in the world and the world's number one immortal mountain". This is not only a national 5A scenic spot, but also a treasure that blends nature and culture. Every step is a scenery, and every glance hides a story.
The soul of Laojun Mountain is in the sea of clouds. In the early morning, as the first ray of sunlight penetrates through the thin mist, the sea of clouds in the mountains floods over the peaks like a tide. Standing at an altitude of 2217 meters, overlooking the Mazong Ridge, the continuous peaks turn into "islands in the sea". The white sea of clouds flows between the mountains, sometimes light like gauze, sometimes surging like waves, and occasionally the mountain wind brushes by. The sea of clouds disperses and gathers, revealing the blue peaks of the mountains, like a fairyland painting unfolding slowly. If it clears up after the rain, the sea of clouds becomes even more magnificent. Standing on the glass observation deck, there is a rolling sea of clouds under your feet, surrounded by swirling clouds and mist, as if you can touch the sky with your hand, making it difficult to distinguish between being in the human world or a fairyland.
Apart from the stunning sea of clouds, the natural scenery of Laojun Mountain is full of surprises. The Ten Mile Painted Screen is an iconic landscape of Laojun Mountain. Walking along the suspended boardwalk, there are granite peaks on both sides that are chiseled like knives and axes. Some are like sharp swords piercing into the clouds, while others are like fierce beasts lurking in the mountains, with various shapes and lifelike appearances. In spring, wildflowers bloom in the mountains, and forsythia flowers fill the slopes with golden hues, complementing the verdant pine and cypress trees; In summer, lush forests and waterfalls can be seen everywhere, and the mountain breeze brings coolness, making it an excellent place to escape the heat; In autumn, the mountains are covered in red leaves like fire, and the yellow croaker and five cornered maple dye the mountains with brilliant colors. Walking among them, it feels like walking through a painting; In winter, snow falls on the mountains, the peaks and forests are covered in silver, and rime hangs on the branches, like a fairy tale world of ice and snow.
The charm of Laojun Mountain lies in culture. As a holy land of Taoism, this place carries a thousand years of Taoist culture. The Laojun Temple on the mountaintop was first built in the Northern Wei Dynasty and has gone through thousands of years of vicissitudes. Today, cigarettes still linger in the air. There is a statue of Laozi enshrined in the temple, and countless believers come to pray and worship every year. At the foot of the mountain, there is the Laozi Cultural Garden, where a 59 meter tall bronze statue of Laozi stands tall with a solemn expression, as if conveying the wisdom of "Dao follows nature" to the world. Strolling through the mountains, one can see stone carvings and pavilions related to Taoist culture everywhere, each telling the story of Laozi's inseparable bond with this mountain, allowing people to appreciate the beautiful scenery while feeling the influence of traditional culture.
Visiting Laojun Mountain is an immersive experience. Riding the cableway up the mountain, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the mountains and feel the wonder of "climbing to the sky in one step"; Hiking and hiking, you can touch the rocks, plants, and trees up close, and listen to the chirping of birds and streams; Staying overnight at a mountain homestay, you can enjoy the stunning starry sky. In the morning, you can be awakened by the chirping of birds in the mountains and embark on a brand new journey to the fairyland. There is no hustle and bustle of the city here, only the tranquility and beauty of nature, allowing people to completely relax both physically and mentally.
Luoyang Laojun Mountain is a mountain that can make people forget their troubles and experience a fairyland. Whether pursuing natural beauty or exploring cultural heritage, this is an unmissable travel destination. With anticipation, head to Laojun Mountain for a romantic rendezvous with the sea of clouds, peak forests, and culture!
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