3 Days Essence of Luoyang Tour
Can't-be-missed Highlights
Luoyang, akin to Xian, once was a brilliant capital of 13 dynasties thrived as the capital of thirteen dynasties spanning from China's ancient Xia dynasty to the illustrious Tang Dynasty. As the cradle of Chinese Buddhism's propagation and the genesis of the Silk Road, Luoyang exudes an enchanting allure.
This 3 day classic tour delves deep into the essence of Luoyang's highlights, including the surviving marvel of Longmen Grottoes, the splendor of China’s first Buddhist temple, and the city's museums showcasing local heritage. For an added thrill, venture on a side trip to the legendary Shaolin Temple, birthplace of Chinese Kungfu, adding a dynamic dimension to your journey.
Highlights of this tour
- Admire the magnificent ancient Buddhist arts in the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Longmen Grottoes;
- Get close to the ancient capital of China and dig into the history and culture of China in local museums of Luoyang;
- Discover the origin of Chinese Buddhism while walking in the holy shrines of 1900-year-old White Horse Temple;
- Visit legendary Shaolin Temple to learn about dazzling Kung Fu & Zen Buddhism as well as enjoy an unbelievably wonderful Kung Fu show performed by real Shaolin monks.
Basic Trip Information
- Price:
- from
Request
- 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
- 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
- Travel Route:
- Luoyang / Dengfeng / Zhengzhou
- Travel Length:
- 3 Days and 2 Nights
- Tour Code:
- CD-LCT-03
- Group Size:
- You, your family, friends or group
- Experience:
-
- Departure:
- Any day you want
Full Itinerary Day by day
- Day 1 Luoyang Arrival
Welcome to Luoyang, one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China! Your local guide and driver will meet you at Luoyang train station or the airport and escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of today is free for you to explore this ancient city on your own.
How to Get to Luoyang? It is available to take a flight to Luoyang from Beijing (2 hrs), Shanghai (2 hrs), Chengdu (2 hrs), Chongqing (2 hrs), Guangzhou (2.5 hrs), etc., or take a high speed train to Luoyang from Xian (1.5 hrs), Zhengzhou (40 mins), Beijing (3.5 hrs), Shanghai (5.5 hrs), Nanjing (3.5 ~ 4 hrs), Hangzhou (about 5.5 hrs), etc.
-
- Day 2 Luoyang (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 the Luoyang Museum, which offers a comprehensive insight into ancient Luoyang from various perspectives. With over 1,000 exhibits spanning different dynasties that once established their capitals in Luoyang, a stroll through the exhibition halls on the first floor will transport you through 13 dynasties of history. The Ancient Treasures of Luoyang exhibition on the second floor features prized artifacts, including the Black Glazed Pottery Horse (AD 618-907), Facial Part of the Clay Buddha Figurine (AD 386-557), White Jade Cup (AD 220-225), Gilt Bronze Figurine of A Winged Man (AD 25-220), Bronze Ding Intertwined with Gold and Silver Patterns (BC 475-221), and more.
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 Activities: 1) Visit Mingtang Tiantang Scenic Area at night to witness the grandeur of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and relish the stunning panoramas of Luoyang City; 2) Try Hanfu costumes while adorning traditional Chinese hairstyles and makeup, then capture stunning photos against the illuminated backdrop of Luoyi Old City at night. (If you have any interests, tell your travel consultant or travel guide in advance.)
-
- Day 3 Luoyang - Dengfeng (B, L)
After breakfast, start today's trip with a visit to 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.
After sightseeing in White Horse Temple, 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.
Optional Activities: For an additional fee of CNY 30, you can also opt to witness a Kung Fu Show performed by martial monks of the Shaolin Temple within the temple grounds. This performance showcases some of the "72 Arts of Shaolin," including Diamond Finger, Iron Head, and Golden Bell techniques. Let your tour guide know in advance if you are interested in it.
After the Kung Fu show, drive back to Luoyang or Zhengzhou to catch your train or flight to your next destination.
-
-
Recommended or Similar Tour Packages You May Also Like
-
-
2 Days Luoyang Longmen Grottoes Tour
Luoyang / Dengfeng / Luoyang
-
3 Days Shaolin Kung Fu Tour including Luoyang Highlights
Luoyang / Dengfeng / Luoyang
-
5 Days Luoyang Shaolin Temple Tour from Xian
Xian / Luoyang / Dengfeng / Zhengzhou
Customize your own China Tour
-
- We are here to help you design your own travel experience in China which suits your specific needs best. Tailor make now!
