The climate boundary between northern and southern China is vividly manifested at Laojun Mountain in Luoyang, Henan—just one meter apart, with lush greenery to the south and snow-blanketed ice to the north. This spectacular 'Yin-Yang Divide' phenomenon has recently appeared again. Drone footage shows that, with just a thin line separating them, two seasons coexist: one side of the mountain basks in sunshine while the other is shrouded in mist and clouds, creating a poetic and picturesque scene.
It is reported that Laojun Mountain is famous for its unique microclimate of 'four seasons on one mountain, different weather every ten miles.' It is one of the places in China where such 'Yin-Yang Sky' phenomena occur most frequently.
Recently circulated footage online shows that, on the main peak of the Funiu Mountains, a clear dividing line splits the mountain into two worlds: the sunny side is bathed in golden light and clear of clouds, while the shaded side is engulfed in billowing mist, resembling a fairyland—forming a stark contrast. Netizens describe the spectacle as 'one mountain with two seasons, a line separating yin and yang,' both magnificent and awe-inspiring.
● As if Heaven and Earth Were Split by a Divine Axe
Visitors remarked, 'Heaven and earth have draped a dreamlike curtain over it, displaying the supernatural handiwork of nature—truly amazing,' 'Atop Laojun Mountain, the clouds swirl like a natural canopy steadily cloaking the summit,' 'Laojun Mountain is really worth visiting,' 'One half of the sky is clear, while the other is shrouded in mist, as if heaven and earth were split by a giant axe,' and 'Nature's craftsmanship is stunning—is this the legendary boundary of a fairyland?'
Meteorological monitoring shows that this natural wonder usually appears after consecutive rainy days followed by clear weather. Near the Jinding Taoist temple complex at an altitude of about 2,217 meters, the intersection of warm and cold air flows along the mountain creates a distinct boundary. Experts note that formation of the 'Yin-Yang Line' requires three conditions: significant altitude difference, humidity contrast (relative humidity below 60% on the sunny side, above 85% on the shaded side), and a sudden shift in wind direction.
In the Mazong Ridge area of Laojun Mountain, the mountain path itself becomes the symbol of the boundary: to the south, it remains lush and autumnal; to the north, branches are covered in white frost and sparkling icicles—like stepping from autumn straight into winter. Many tourists exclaimed, 'You only understand the magic of nature’s stroke when you see it with your own eyes.'
Public information shows that Laojun Mountain is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains, an offshoot of the Qinling range. The highest altitude is 2,200 meters, with a total area of 2,666 hectares. It is about 3 kilometers southeast of Luanchuan County, Luoyang, Henan. The local terrain mainly consists of medium and low mountains interspersed with river valleys, boasts a forest coverage of up to 97%, and is classified as a warm temperate continental monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of about 12.4℃.
Laojun Mountain is not only a renowned Taoist holy site, featuring landmarks such as the Laozi Cultural Park, Sheshen Cliff, and Ten-Mile Gallery, but is also a popular filming location for many fantasy costume dramas. Every year, countless tourists are drawn here to climb the mountain, admire the view, and experience the majestic beauty where 'the mortal world and the fairyland are separated by just a line.'