4 Days In-depth Luoyang History and Culture Discovery
Unveiling the Cradle of Chinese Civilization
Luoyang, a captivating city that enthralled emperors of 13 dynasties, beckons you to explore its rich tapestry of history and culture. This meticulously 4-day tour designed for all history enthusiasts delves into the heart of China's past, transporting you to a bygone era. You will visit the old capital site of China’s first dynasty, where unearthed treasures and ancient structures whisper tales of China's earliest civilization,. Moreover, you won’t miss the highlights of Luoyang City as well, including ancient grottoes, informative museums, important temples and food streets,
Highlights of this tour
- Visit Erlitou site to take a glimpse into China’s earliest dynasty – the Xia dynasty;
- Admire the magnificent ancient Buddhist arts in the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Longmen Grottoes;
- Walk through the China’s history at Luoyang Museum, a treasure trove spanning millennia.
- Admire the source of Chinese Buddhism at White Horse Temple, and enjoy Kungu show at Shaolin Temple.
Basic Trip Information
- Price:
- from
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- 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
- Travel Length:
- 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Tour Code:
- CD-LCT-04
- Group Size:
- You, your family, friends or group
- Experience:
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- 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.
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- Day 2 Luoyang (B, L)
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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.
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- Day 3 Luoyang (B, L)
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In the morning, you will visit Tianzi Jialiu Museum (Museum of Emperor's Six-Horse Chariot), where you'll have the opportunity to witness the remarkable burial pits containing royal chariots and horses sacrificed during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770 BC – 256 BC). This archaeological find predates the famed Terracotta Army of Xi'an and has helped resolve the historical dispute regarding whether the emperors' chariots were driven by six horses or four, a detail seldom found in historical records. In addition to marveling at the fossilized remains of horses and chariots, you'll also delve into the burial customs of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, a period renowned as a rich source of China’s rites and customs.
After your exploration, prepare for a captivating journey through time. You will drive about 1 hour to the eastern suburbs of Luoyang, where the Erlitou Site awaits. Believed to be the capital of the Xia Dynasty (2070 BC – 1600 BC), this remarkable archaeological treasure trove is hailed as the cradle of Chinese civilization. Your adventure begins at the Erlitou Site Museum. Here, a great collection of unearthed treasures unveils the social development, history, and culture of the Xia Dynasty. These artifacts whisper tales of a civilization 3,500 years past, igniting your imagination and setting the stage for your exploration of the site itself. After that, venture into Erlitou Ruins Site and explore the unearthed ruins of the palace area, workshop district, burial area, etc. Each structure, each unearthed object, offers a glimpse into the daily lives and accomplishments of this ancient civilization.
After the trip, drive back to your hotel.
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.)
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- Day 4 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.
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