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Itinerary
Welcome to Luoyang, one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals! Your local guide and driver will warmly greet you at the train station or airport. After a smooth transfer to your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore this historic city at your leisure, allowing you to immerse yourself in its ancient charm at your own pace.
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After breakfast, your guide will take you to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its vast collection of Chinese art spanning the late Northern Wei to the Tang Dynasties (316-907).
Begin your journey at the West Tourist Centre, where you’ll hop on an electric car and start your exploration of the Buddhist caves on the West Hill, each offering significant historical insights. Highlights include the Bingyang Middle Cave, dedicated to Emperor Xiaowen, and the Wanfo Cave, decorated with 15,000 miniature Buddhas. The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the Fengxian Temple, home to the stunning 17.14-metre Vairocana Buddha, a masterpiece showcasing exceptional carving skills.
After exploring the grottoes, enjoy a scenic view of the grand Vairocana Buddha across the river before returning by electric car.
In the afternoon, dive deeper into Luoyang’s rich history with a visit to the impressive Luoyang Museum. Here, you’ll find over 1,000 exhibits spanning 13 dynasties, including treasured artifacts like the Black Glazed Pottery Horse and the White Jade Cup.
Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll through the ancient streets of Luoyang Old City, where historic buildings, bustling food stalls, and quirky shops await, offering local snacks and unique souvenirs. Afterward, head back to your hotel, reflecting on a day filled with cultural and historical discoveries in Luoyang.
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After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to the White Horse Temple, located just a 50-minute drive from downtown Luoyang. Founded in AD 68 during the Eastern Han dynasty, it holds the honour of being China’s first Buddhist temple, with a rich history stretching over 1,900 years.
Wander through its ancient architecture and explore the various temples in the International Zone, each reflecting unique styles, including Indian, Burmese, and Thai influences. After your visit to White Horse Temple, travel approximately 1.5 hours to the legendary Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu.
Discover the grandeur of its temples, halls, and detailed stone carvings, immersing yourself in the profound Buddhist culture. Be sure to visit the impressive Pagoda Forest, the largest of its kind in China, where revered monks are honoured with distinctive pagodas that symbolise their importance within Buddhism. Conclude your visit with a fascinating Kung Fu Show at the Shaolin Wushu Hall, typically lasting around 30 minutes. You may even have the opportunity to try out some Shaolin Kung Fu moves yourself.
After a day full of cultural and spiritual exploration, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to either Zhengzhou or Luoyang, where you’ll catch your onward flight or high-speed train to your next destination.
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In Luoyang, be sure to try local dishes like Luoyang Sliced Noodles, Stewed Lamb, Luoyang Water Banquet, Peony Pastries, and Baked Wheat Cakes.
We select comfortable 4-star hotels in the cities for your stay. In more remote locations, such as Dunhuang, we offer the best available accommodations, typically of a 3-star standard.
Absolutely! This is a no-shopping tour. We ensure there are no mandatory shopping stops or detours in your itinerary. It's your private tour, designed to offer a genuine cultural experience, not to make commissions from forced shopping visits.
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A Deep Dive into China’s Past
Claire Dubois –
This tour was a fantastic way to explore ancient Chinese culture. The Longmen Grottoes were fascinating, and Shaolin Temple is such a special place for Kung Fu fans. JustChinaTour did a great job making it all easy and fun!
Great Tour, Worth It!
Emily Johnson –
I really enjoyed this tour! The Longmen Grottoes were breathtaking, and the Shaolin Temple was such a unique experience, especially learning about Kung Fu. Everything was well-organised, and JustChinaTour did a great job. Highly recommend it for anyone interested in China’s history!