My recent visit to Luya Mountain in Xinzhou, Shanxi, can be summed up in two words: disappointing. Here’s a brief overview of my experience:
Firstly, driving access to the scenic area was severely limited. We were forced to park our car beside the entrance and take a mandatory shuttle bus into the interior of the attraction, costing 65 yuan per person. This unexpected expense was a sour note to start our journey.
Secondly, we visited on the morning of May 1st, 2024, and were surprised to learn that the Lover’s Valley was closed for the day. However, the ticketing staff failed to inform us of this, resulting in our unnecessary purchase of tickets that were not refundable.
Thirdly, the scenic beauty of Malun Grassland in May was lackluster. The grass was still yellow, diminishing its visual appeal. Additionally, the signage was unclear, leading us to wander for quite a distance before reaching the Foguang Temple and Luya Mountain. Disappointingly, we were forced to retrace our steps to descend the mountain.
Lastly, the prices at the attraction were significantly higher than outside. For instance, a simple hand-held pancake with a single slice of ham cost a whopping ten yuan, which was far from being worth it.
In conclusion, I strongly advise against visiting Luya Mountain in Xinzhou, Shanxi. The experience fell far short of expectations, and I cannot recommend it to anyone seeking a pleasant and enjoyable outing.
