Luoyang 8-Day Tour: Laojun Mountain & Wanxianshan

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.

Yuntai Mountain in Xiuwu, Jiaozuo, is famed for the red-rock Hongshi Gorge, waterfall trails and cloud seas on Yuzhu Peak. Park shuttles link the sights; its gentle trails and cool summers suit families.

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.

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.

Zhengzhou, a transport hub on the Yellow River, is home to the excellent Henan Museum (Jiahu bone flute, owl-shaped bronze). The Yellow River scenic area and Shang dynasty ruins show the layering of ancient and modern China.

Luoyang, an ancient capital for thirteen dynasties and the eastern start of the Silk Road, is also famous for peonies. Beyond Longmen and White Horse Temple, the Sui-Tang city wall light show, Luoyang Museum and old-town night market are highlights.