Luoyang 8-Day Tour: Longmen Grottoes & White Horse Temple

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.

White Horse Temple in eastern Luoyang, founded in the Eastern Han, is revered as China's first Buddhist monastery. Its pagoda and Burmese/Indian-style halls make it a serene, multicultural heritage site with two millennia of history.

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.

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.

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.

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.