Luoyang 8-Day Group Tour: Zhengzhou, Laojun Mountain and Wanxian Mountain

Longmen Grottoes are carved into cliffs along the Yi River, with over 2,000 niches and 100,000+ statues; the Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple is breathtaking. Along with Dunhuang and Yungang, it is a pinnacle of Northern Wei to Tang stone carving.

Laojun Mountain in Luanchuan, Luoyang, is a sacred Taoist peak of the Funiu range. The golden summit temples rise above the sea of clouds; the Ten-Mile Painting Screen trail offers ever-changing views. Take the cable car up and, on clear days, catch the sunrise over the clouds.

Shaolin Temple sits at the foot of Songshan's Shaoshi Peak in Dengfeng — the cradle of Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. The main monastery, Forest of Pagodas and martial-arts shows are highlights; nearby Songyang Academy rounds out a day of heritage.

Shaolin Temple sits at the foot of Songshan's Shaoshi Peak in Dengfeng — the cradle of Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. The main monastery, Forest of Pagodas and martial-arts shows are highlights; nearby Songyang Academy rounds out a day of heritage.

Qingming Riverside Garden in Kaifeng recreates the Northern Song capital from Zhang Zeduan's painting, with the Rainbow Bridge and Song-style streets. Live shows and the evening 'Tokyo Dream' spectacle let you step into the Song dynasty.

Kaifeng, an eight-dynasty capital, revives Northern Song splendour at the Qingming Riverside Garden. Visit Lord Bao's Temple, Iron Pagoda and the Song-dynasty canal by night; taste soup dumplings at the bustling night market.

Guoliang Village clings to a Taihang cliff face, famous for its hand-carved 'hanging' road tunnel. Walk the cliff road and the film-set hamlet, then gaze into the abyss — one of Taihang's most dramatic spots.

Wanxian Mountain in Huixian nests the Guoliang hanging road and Nanping gorges amid red cliffs and waterfalls. Great for hiking and photography, with cool summers close to Zhengzhou and Luoyang.