Shaanxi Laojun Mountain Travel Guide

Encounter the Taoist Wonderland of the Sea of Clouds at the Golden Summit Located in Zhashui County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province, deep in the majestic Qinling Mountains, lies a Taoist sacred mountain known as Shaanxi Laojun Mountain (also called Zhashui Laojun Mountain), famed as the "Number One Marvel Peak of Qinling." Unlike the internet-famous Laojun Mountain in Luanchuan, Henan, Shaanxi Laojun Mountain is more serene and profound, combining grandeur, uniqueness, danger, and beauty. It is an excellent destination for exploring Taoist culture origins and natural wonders. 🌄 1. Best Time to Visit Recommended from April to October, with mild climate, lush vegetation, and magnificent seas of clouds often appearing after rain. Spring (April-May): Blossoming flowers, rhododendrons decorating cliff walls, full of vitality. Summer (June-August): Average temperature around 22°C, a perfect summer retreat ideal for hiking and cooling off. Autumn (September-October): Forests dyed in layers of red and yellow leaves, like a painting. Winter snow scenes are also charming, but mountain roads can be slippery, so travel cautiously. 🚗 2. Transportation Guide Self-driving route (most convenient) From Xi’an: About 1.5 hours, take the Baomao Expressway → exit at Zhashui → head west along National Highway G211 → follow signs to "Laojun Mountain Scenic Area" to arrive. The scenic area has a parking lot, free and convenient. Public transportation Take a bus from Xi’an South Bus Station to Zhashui County, then transfer to local bus or taxi to the scenic area (about 30 minutes). It is recommended to book a ride-hailing car in advance or share a chartered car to save time. 🏞️ 3. Recommended Core Attractions Laozi Statue & Mountain Gate Square A towering stone statue of Laozi, dozens of meters high, with flowing beard and hair, deep gaze, embodying the Taoist philosophy of "quiet non-action." It is the first must-see spot upon entering the scenic area. Ten-Mile Gallery Trail Winding through the valley, flanked by ancient towering trees and babbling springs, occasionally birds fly by—each step reveals a new scene, like walking through a painting. Jiutian Xuan Waterfall A nearly 100-meter-high waterfall plunges from a cliff with majestic momentum, mist spraying the face, refreshing in summer. Glass Viewing Platform & Cliffside Walkway Built on a sheer cliff, the transparent glass platform juts out over a deep abyss, thrilling yet offering excellent views to overlook the endless mountain ranges. Laojun Golden Summit & Zhenwu Hall Climb to the main peak at about 2000 meters elevation, where golden temples stand amidst the clouds, incense swirling. This is an excellent spot to watch the sunrise, sea of clouds, and starry sky, often witnessing the "Buddha’s Light" phenomenon in the early morning. Taiji Bagua Formation & Taoist Culture Park Delve into Taoist culture, participate in blessing ceremonies, and experience the spiritual realm of "unity of heaven and man." 🥾 4. Suggested Itinerary (One-Day Tour) Morning: Buy tickets at the scenic area entrance → walk or take an electric cart inside → stroll along the Ten-Mile Gallery → view Jiutian Xuan Waterfall → climb the cliffside walkway. Noon: Dine at the mountaintop restaurant, enjoy vegetarian dishes or local snacks. Afternoon: Ascend to Laojun Golden Summit → visit Zhenwu Hall and Taiji Square → return by the same or circular route → descend the mountain. ⚠️ Tips: The whole walk takes about 4-5 hours, some sections are steep, so wear non-slip hiking shoes and bring enough water and snacks. 🍽️ 5. Food Recommendations Vegetarian dishes dominate on the mountain; authentic local flavors are found at farmhouse restaurants below: Zhashui Eight Delicacies: A traditional local banquet including cured meat, tofu casserole, bamboo shoot chicken stew, etc. Potato Rice Cake: Made from highland potatoes, soft, fragrant, and spicy, very distinctive. Buckwheat Tea and Wild Honey: Natural and healthy, great as souvenirs. 🏡 6. Accommodation Suggestions Homestays/Farmhouse Inns at the foot of the mountain: Recommended “Laojun Mountain Residence” and “Qinling Family,” peaceful environment, affordable prices, ideal for early morning summit sunrise viewing. Hotels in Zhashui County: More options with complete facilities, suitable for self-driving tourists. 📝 7. Practical Tips Ticket prices: Adult tickets about 65 RMB, one-way electric cart 15 RMB (round-trip recommended). Signal inside the scenic area is unstable; download offline maps in advance. The mountain is often foggy and damp, with large temperature differences between morning and evening; bring windproof jackets. Respect religious sites, avoid loud noises, and observe photo restrictions. Protect the environment, do not litter, be a civilized traveler. ✨ Conclusion Shaanxi Laojun Mountain is a place of cultivation forgotten by time. It is free from over-commercialization, accompanied only by green mountains and white clouds. Here, you can climb step by step, seek Tao amid forests and springs; or sit quietly at the golden summit, listen to the wind, and comprehend Tao, letting your soul return to its true nature. If you yearn for tranquility and depth, consider visiting Shaanxi Laojun Mountain, for a dialogue with nature and philosophy.