A 4-Day Autumn Adventure in Baiyun Mountain, Luoyang
Introduction
Hey there, foreign friends! Today, I’m going to take you on a wonderful 4-day trip to Baiyun Mountain in Luoyang, a place full of autumn charm. Luoyang, located in the central plains, is famous for its beautiful scenery. Baiyun Mountain, in particular, combines mountains, rocks, water, caves, forests, grass, flowers, birds, and beasts, creating a unique and charming tourist destination.
General Information
- Duration: 4 days
- Time: October
- Average Cost per Person: 1500 yuan
- Companion: Friends
- Activities: Photography, Free travel
Photography Equipment
- Camera: Canon 5D3
- Lenses: Canon 16 – 35mm, Sigma 70 – 200mm
- Action Camera: GoPro 6
- Drone: DJI Mavic 2
- Mobile Phone: iPhone X
- Post – processing Software: Photoshop
Itinerary
Day 1
- Take a high – speed train from Beijing to Luoyang Longmen Station. Then transfer to a bus and arrive at Baiyun Renjia Hotel at 17:00 for check – in.
Day 2
- 07:00 – 08:30: Have breakfast at Baiyun Renjia Resort Hotel.
- 08:40 – 11:40: Visit the Luhua Valley Scenic Area. The 3000 – meter – long valley is full of gurgling streams, clusters of reeds, and shady trees. In autumn, when the reeds turn white, it’s like a world of snowflakes.
- 12:00 – 14:30: Have lunch at Baiyun Renjia.
- 14:50 – 16:50: Visit the Jiulong Waterfall Scenic Area. The Jiulong Waterfall, with a drop of 103 meters, is like a white silk falling from the sky, creating a magnificent sight.
- 17:00: Take the Jiulong Cableway back.
- 17:30: Have dinner at Baiyun Renjia Resort Hotel.
Day 3
- 08:00 – 11:00: Take the Yuhuangding Cableway to the top of Yuhuangding. Yuhuangding, with an altitude of 2216 meters, is the highest peak in Luoyang Baiyun Mountain and the main peak of Funiu Mountain, known as the “Roof of the Central Plains”.
- 11:20 – 12:00: Visit Liuhou Temple, the place where Zhang Liang, a hero of the Han Dynasty, once lived in seclusion.
- 12:00 – 14:00: Have lunch at Baiyun Renjia.
- 14:00 – 15:30: Take the Jiulong Cableway to the Millennium Ginkgo Forest in Wuma Temple. The ginkgo trees here are like golden warriors, creating a spectacular golden world in autumn.
- 15:30 – 16:30: Visit Baiyun Lake. The artificial lake is surrounded by a walking栈桥 and a primitive forest. It looks like a beautiful ink – painting with rippling water and floating clouds.
- 17:30: Have dinner at Baiyun Renjia Hotel.
Day 4
- Take a bus to Luoyang Longmen High – speed Railway Station in the morning and then take a high – speed train back to Beijing.
Transportation Routes
By Bus
- From Luoyang to Baiyun Mountain: The departure point in Luoyang is Longmen Passenger Transport Center, with departure times at 7:40 and 13:30. The departure point in Baiyun Mountain is Tonghe Tourist Service Center, with departure times at 8:00 and 13:30.
- From Zhengzhou to Baiyun Mountain: The departure point in Zhengzhou is Zhengzhou Passenger Transport Terminal, with a departure time at 8:30. The departure point in Baiyun Mountain is Checun Town, with a departure time at 14:30.
By Self – driving
- From Eastern Henan: Take the Ningluo Expressway – Zhengyao Expressway – Yaoshan – National Highway 311 – Checun – Tianqiaogou – Baiyun Mountain.
- From Western Henan: Take the Huanshan Expressway – National Highway 311 – Heyu – Tianqiaogou – Baiyun Mountain.
- From Southern Henan: Take the Erguang Expressway – Zhengyao Expressway – Yaoshan – National Highway 311 – Checun – Tianqiaogou – Baiyun Mountain.
- From Northern Henan: Take the Erguang Expressway, Lianhuo Expressway – Luoyang – Luanchuan Expressway – Jiuxian – Heyu – Tianqiaogou – Baiyun Mountain.
Ticket Information
- Adult Ticket: 75 RMB; Concession Ticket (for children, the elderly, and students): 37.5 RMB (from January 1st to December 31st, Monday – Sunday).
- Half – price Tickets: Available for minors aged 6 (excluding) to 18 (including), full – time undergraduate students and below with student IDs, the elderly aged 60 (including) to 69 (excluding) with ID cards, and disabled people with disability certificates.
- Free Tickets: Available for those with a height of 1.4 meters (including) or below or aged 6 (including) or below, the elderly aged 70 (including) or above with ID cards, active – duty military personnel (including armed police) with valid certificates, disabled military personnel with valid certificates, and retired cadres with valid certificates.
Travel Tips
- The scenic area is usually closed from November to March of the following year.
- It’s quite humid in the mountains, so when choosing accommodation, try to select rooms with air – conditioners and electric blankets.
- Yuhuangding has an altitude of over 2000 meters, and the temperature is much lower than that at the foot of the mountain. If you want to watch the sunrise in the early morning, bring an extra coat even in summer.
Highlights of Baiyun Mountain
Luhua Valley
In autumn, Luhua Valley is a paradise of colors. The reeds swaying in the wind are like floating snowflakes. As you walk through the winding forest paths, you can enjoy a visual feast. The valley is full of streams, and the sound of flowing water and the singing of cicadas create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The mountains are covered with colorful leaves, making it seem like God has spilled a box of paints.
Glass Suspension Bridge
The glass suspension bridge in Baiyun Mountain, with an altitude of over 1900 meters and a length of 100 meters, offers a thrilling experience. Walking on the transparent bridge, you can see the deep canyon below, which makes your heart beat faster. But at the same time, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Jiulong Grand Canyon, such as the lush forests, the floating clouds, and the strange – shaped peaks.
Jiulong Waterfall
Hidden in the mountain, the Jiulong Waterfall is a spectacular sight. It rushes down from a height of 103 meters, creating a powerful and magnificent scene. The sound of the waterfall echoes in the valley, and the water is so clear that it reflects the blue sky and the surrounding trees. The whole area is full of beautiful landscapes and interesting legends.
Yuhuangge
Located on the top of Yuhuangding, Yuhuangge is the highest Taoist shrine in China. It is a place full of religious and cultural significance. The couplets on the pillars were written by Wang Meng, the former president of the Chinese Writers Association. Standing here, you can overlook the magnificent mountains and feel the fresh air, which will make you feel relaxed and refreshed.
Liuhou Temple
Liuhou Temple is where Zhang Liang, a famous figure in the Han Dynasty, once lived in seclusion. It is a place that combines natural beauty with cultural heritage. Here, you can feel the charm of traditional Chinese culture and the philosophy of “harmony between man and nature”.
Baiyun Lake
Baiyun Lake is an artificial lake with a beautiful view. The calm lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and the surrounding forests. You can take a leisurely walk along the lake, enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful scenery. It’s like stepping into a fairy – tale world.
Millennium Ginkgo in Wuma Temple
In autumn, the millennium ginkgo trees in Wuma Temple are dressed in golden “armor”. The yellow and green leaves create a stunning contrast, making it a perfect place for photography. Walking among the ginkgo trees, you can feel the passage of time and the beauty of nature.
Accommodation and Food
We stayed at Baiyun Renjia, a hotel that combines beautiful scenery with excellent service. The rooms are well – decorated and the service is very considerate. The fish hot – pot in the hotel’s restaurant is highly recommended. One side is spicy and fragrant, and the other side is tomato – flavored. The taste is very authentic, and you can tell that the soup base is self – made.
Conclusion
A trip to Baiyun Mountain in autumn is not only a journey to enjoy the beautiful scenery but also a chance to relax your mind and body. The colorful mountains, the clear waterfalls, the golden ginkgo trees, and the rich cultural heritage will leave you with unforgettable memories. So, come and experience the charm of Baiyun Mountain in Luoyang!
