Laojun Mountain: The Immortal's Abode Hidden in the Sea of Clouds

“Traveling far to the mortal world’s stunning feast, to witness the splendid face of the mortal realm” perfectly describes Laojun Mountain, this divine land of immortals. Not only is it a sacred site of Taoism, but it also hides breathtaking natural wonders. When the first ray of morning sunlight pierces through the sea of clouds, the Golden Summit Taoist temple appears faintly in the mist—you’ll understand why the ancients called this place “the unparalleled sacred realm under heaven.” The sea of clouds at Laojun Mountain is truly a spectacular sight. Standing atop Yuhuang Peak at an altitude of 2,217 meters, you see rolling waves of clouds beneath your feet, and distant mountain peaks floating like islands. Especially after rain clears, the entire valley transforms into a sea of clouds, with sunlight sparkling on the golden temple roofs, resembling a palace in the sky. Photography enthusiasts often witness the rare “Buddha’s Light” phenomenon here—when sunlight passes through the clouds, a colorful halo appears around your shadow, so magical you can’t look away. The Ten-Mile Painted Screen hiking trail is an absolute must. This wooden plank road clings to the cliffside like a ribbon winding around the mountainside. Walking on it, steep cliffs rise on your left, and bottomless gorges plunge on your right. Waterfalls suddenly appear around corners, always bringing delightful surprises. Each viewing platform offers a different scenic view, no wonder people say here is “a step a scene, a move a new view.” Laojun Mountain’s name comes from Laozi, the founder of Taoism. Legend has it he lived here in seclusion during his later years to cultivate. On the summit, you can still find the “Laozi Riding an Ox” statue and remnants of an alchemy furnace. At the Zhongling Cableway station, looking up, you’ll see four large red characters on the cliff face reading “Taoism Ancestral Court,” written with such force it seems ready to break through the rock. Be sure to visit the Golden Summit Taiqing Palace, a Taoist temple complex built during the Tang Dynasty, consisting of the Five Mothers Golden Hall, Yuhuang Peak, and more. All are crafted with gilded copper tiles that glitter under the sun. In the morning, listening to the monks chanting and the morning bell echoing through the valley, the incense smoke mingling with the mountain mist creates a feeling of traveling through a thousand years. Don’t forget to touch the “Luck Turning Stone” in front of the Sanqing Hall—legend says turning it counterclockwise three times will bring good fortune. Winter at Laojun Mountain is even more enchanting. Snow blankets the peaks, icicles decorate the eaves, and the whole world is wrapped in silver. After snowfall, when the sky clears, the rime glistens like crystal palaces in the sunlight. Just remember to wear slip-resistant shoes, as the icy mountain paths can be treacherous. Travel Tips: Take a direct bus from Luoyang Bus Station, about 3 hours, or drive and navigate to “Laojun Mountain Scenic Area” for convenience. The “Yunjing Guesthouse” halfway up the mountain offers the best views—book at least two weeks in advance. Be sure to bring a windproof jacket (the summit is 10 degrees colder than the base), slip-resistant shoes, and a power bank. The best times to visit are May-June for the rhododendron sea, September-October for autumn colors, and December-February for snow scenes. A hidden gem is to climb to the summit at 4 a.m. to watch the sunrise and wait in the evening for the “Molten Gold Sunset” spectacle. When the sunset dyes the mountains red and the mist slowly turns pale purple, the temple bell echoes through the valley. At this moment, you suddenly understand what “there is true meaning here, but words fail to express it” means. Laojun Mountain is like a sage who has attained the Way—no need to speak, just standing quietly lets you feel the grandeur of heaven and earth. Come here, let the sea of clouds carry away your worries, and in this two-thousand-year Taoist charm, find your truest self.