5 Days Henan Cultural Tour to Luoyang and Kaifeng

Full Itinerary Day by day

Day 1 Zhengzhou Arrival

Welcome to Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province. You will be picked up by local tour guide in Zhengzhou airport or train stations, and escorted to check in to your hotel in Zhengzhou downtown. The rest time is free for you to relax and explore this city of Yellow River.

Where to go if you have some free time? 1) go to Henan Museum to learn about the history of the region and appreciate ancient bronze ware; 2) view how the mighty Yellow River run through the plain of Zhengzhou city in Yellow River Scenic Area; 3) hunt for local snacks at Erqi Square.

How to Get to Zhengzhou? Arrival Ideals: At present, you can get to Zhengzhou by high speed trains from Beijing (about 3hrs), Xian (about 2.5hrs), Luoyang (40mins), etc., or direct flights from Beijing (about 2hrs), Shanghai (about 2hrs), Chengdu (about 2hrs), Hangzhou (about 2hrs), Guangzhou (about 2.5hrs), etc.

Day 2 Zhengzhou - Kaifeng - Zhengzhou (B, L)

After breakfast, meet your tour guide in your hotel, then drive about 1 hour to Kaifeng, a famous ancient capital city in China where there are many ancient buildings and relic sites remaining for you to discover Chinese history especially the prosperous era of Northern Song Dynasty (960~1127). You will visit Dragon Pavilion, a part of the ancient ruin of the imperial palace of the Song and Jin Dynasties. Then go to enjoy a leisure stroll on the Ancient City Wall of Kaifeng. With a length of 14.4 kilometers, this city wall still remains the architecture style and scale in Yuan and Ming Dynasties (1271~1644).

After lunch, you will visit the Millennium City Park, which is a real reflection of the most famous ancient painting in China titled "Qing Ming Shang He Tu" (Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival). This historical cultural theme park is a recreation of the buildings, merchant life and landscape of Kaifeng during the Song Dynasty.

Later, you will go to see Kaifeng Iron Pagoda, a Buddhist Chinese pagoda built in 1049 during Song Dynasty. This pagoda is made of iron, with octagonal-base structure standing at a height of 56.88 meters with 13 stories.

After the visit, driven back to Zhengzhou.

Day 3 Zhengzhou - Dengfeng - Luoyang (B, L)

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to visit the Henan Museum home to an impressive collection of 130,000 cultural relics. This museum offers the perfect opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of Henan's history and achievements over thousands of years. It also provides insight into half of China's history, showcasing artifacts ranging from Central Plains Chu Bronze Art to Ming and Qing Treasures and Henan Ancient Jades. Among the recommended treasures not to be missed are The Jiahu Bone Flute (6000-2000 B.C.), the "Fuhao" Owl-shaped bronze Zun (1600-1046 B.C.), the "Prince Wu" Ding (770-476 B.C.), and the White Jade Dancer-shaped Pei-pendant (206 B.C. - 25 A.D.), among others.

After sightseeing, drive about 1.5 hrs to Shaolin Temple, renowned as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and the birthplace of Kung Fu. Here, you'll have the chance to tour grand temples and halls, marvel at stone carving art, immerse yourself in Buddhist culture, and perhaps witness the daily lives and meditation practices of the temple's monks. Be sure not to overlook the famous Pagoda Forest, the largest of its kind in China. When a revered monk passes away, their remains or skeleton are interred in an underground palace, and a pagoda is erected atop it. The pagoda's height, size, and number of layers are determined by the monk's knowledge of Buddhism, reputation, and merits and virtues accumulated during their lifetime.

Later, you'll be treated to a spectacular Kung Fu Show at the Shaolin Wushu Hall, typically lasting around half an hour. On occasion, several audience members may even be invited to learn a few Shaolin Kungfu techniques.

After the Kung Fu experience, drive about 1.5 hour to Luoyang, one of the greatest ancient capitals of China. Check in to your hotel in downtown. The rest time is free for you to relax.

Day 4 Luoyang City Tour (B, L)

After breakfast, your guide will lead you to explore the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art from the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907). Take an electric car to the West Tourist Center to begin your exploration from there. You'll marvel at the remarkable Buddhist caves scattered across the West Hill from north to south. The Bingyang Middle Cave, the first royal cave, was excavated to immortalize Emperor Xiaowen's historical achievements in moving the capital to Luoyang and initiating Chineseization reforms. In the Wanfo Cave, adorned with 15,000 small seated Buddhas, you'll witness a harmonious depiction of the Western Pure Land. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the Longmen Grottoes awaits you at the Fengxian Temple, where the majestic Vairocana Buddha stands 17.14-meter tall, showcasing unparalleled carving skills through its diverse statues. After immersing yourself in the beauty of the grottoes, take a leisurely stroll to the opposite side of the river for a panoramic view, particularly of the magnificent Vairocana Buddha. Conclude your visit by exiting the scenic area aboard an electric car.

In the afternoon, you will visit White Horse Temple, located approximately 50 minutes' drive from downtown. Established in AD 68 during the Eastern Han dynasty, White Horse Temple holds the distinction of being China's first Buddhist temple, boasting a history spanning over 1900 years. Since its establishment, it has played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism throughout China and is revered as the cradle of Chinese Buddhism. A visit to White Horse Temple offers the opportunity to admire the ancient architecture of the main temple and explore other temples in the International Zone, each featuring distinct exotic styles such as the Indian Temple, Burmese Temple, and Thai Temple.

Lastly, go to take a stroll through the ancient streets of Luoyang Old City (Lijing Gate & Shizi Street). Teeming with old residential buildings, food streets, and quaint shops, it offers a vibrant glimpse into the splendor of old Luoyang. Indulge in local snacks or shop for unique souvenirs at your leisure. After the trip, drive back to your hotel.

After the trip, drive back to your hotel.

Tips for Today: Comfortable footwear is essential for your visit to the Longmen Grottoes, as exploring the scattered grottoes across the hill involves walking several steps up and down.

Optional Night Activities: To fully immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, considered China’s most glorious period, and savor the breathtaking night views of Luoyang City, consider a visit to the Mingtang Tiantang Scenic Area. Nestled on the historic grounds of Emperor Wu Zetian's official and sacred sites, this awe-inspiring location promises exceptional panoramas from the top floor of the Hall of Enlightenment, allowing you to marvel at Luoyang's beauty under the moonlit sky.

Day 5 Luoyang Departure (B)

Today is free for you to relax until your tour guide and driver escort you to catch your flight/train to next destination. Your memorable Henan culture tour ends.

The quotation for this trip is from Request Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!

After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Hi Jack,

My wife and I returned from our China trip yesterday. The crowds at most sites were overwhelming and something that we are not used to. However, I want to let you know that we had a wonderful time mostly due to China Discovery's wonderful tour guides!

Each guide enriched our experience with both their knowledge of the cities, sites, cultures, people, and foods. They were all prompt, patient, and engaging. They were very helpful in navigating the complexities of visiting China. My wife and I enjoyed their company and conversation greatly. I don't believe we would have had the same experience in China if we had traveled there by ourselves.

All the drivers were also very courteous, on-time, and helpful!

Unfortunately, my wife caught a respiratory illness on the Yangtze River Cruise and was quite sick at ZJJ. Our guide Tim, however, was there to assist at night and brought her to the hospital to see a doctor. Tim helped us navigate the Chinese health system, stayed with us throughout the hospital visit, and brought us back to the hotel late at night! We are very grateful to Tim's extraordinary assistance!

Although we provided a paper review at the end of each location, if China Discovery has an overall review of our trip that needs to be completed, please let me know!

Again, thank you for your assistance in all the planning prior to the trip and your quick responses to my questions during the trip. Knowing you were there to assist us throughout our journey was a great source of comfort!

Regards,

Alex

Alex‚ USA, October 31, 2024

Hi Wonder,

Yes, you responded swiftly and clear. Both drivers pick up and drop off were good. Our guide, Gavin was a very good guide, and driver, he's attentive, knows history well, kind and well organized. We're very happy with him. Hotels Holiday Inn Express were OK, they served good breakfast. Location might be a bit stranded but perhaps chosen because most our trips are outskirts and not inner city.

Vivi

Vivi‚ Indonesia, October 31, 2024

Hi Wonder,

Yes! The suzhou & hangzhou tour are fantastic. I will prepare the review soon when I return to Singapore tomorrow.

Shirley

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Shirley‚ Singapore, October 31, 2024

Hi Wonder,

Very lucky whole journey no rain at all...The weather was good...So we can enjoy amazing view.

Stevany

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Stevany‚ Indonesia, October 30, 2024

Hi Reya,

Loved the entire trip planning and journey. Ms Lily our tour guide was remarkable and very informative. We had a great journey throughout the trip.

You were very responsive and what can I say, our guide Lily made the trip enriched with her hospitality. Beijing is indeed memorable.

Tqvm. This is really so kind of a 7-seat private car and thoughtful of your agency. Transportation in Beijing is so convenient and your upgrade did help. Tq again.

It was indeed a great trip! Loved every moment of it.

Thank you and your agency have made this trip memorable. Tq China Discovery!

Dan

Dan‚ Malaysia, October 30, 2024

Check What our customers are saying about us on Tripadvisor.com

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

Ginagerri

"My email to China Discovery started in April, 2024 for a trip to Cheng du in September. Our travel consultant Phoebe Gao from Chengdu office was patience and extremely helpful. She had put together..." read more »

Reviewed on October 13, 2024

Lily T

"My trip to Guilin was successfully planned & executed with the help of Reya, our travel consultant with Chengdu Bamboo tours (part of China Discovery). We're a group of 4 elderly people..." read more »

Reviewed on October 31, 2024