Jiaozuo 8-Day Tour: Longmen Grottoes & Laojun Mountain

Assemble in the morning and depart for Longmen Grottoes. Follow the tour guide to visit the core attractions, allowing ample time for photos and breaks; at noon, enjoy local specialty cuisine, and in the evening, check into the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Longmen Grottoes attractions. Longmen Grottoes was carved on the cliff walls along the banks of the Yi River in the southern area of Luoyang city. Construction continued from the time Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang, spanning multiple dynasties including Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang. There are currently over 2,300 niches, more than 100,000 statues, and over 2,800 engraved inscriptions. The most breathtaking is the Leshan Giant Buddha in the Fengxian Temple, which is over 17 meters tall, with a plump face and eyes full of mercy, said to have been carved based on the appearance of Empress Wu Zetian. It represents the pinnacle of Tang dynasty stone carving art. Along with the Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Datong Yungang Grottoes, it is considered one of China's three major grottoes and is also a World Cultural Heritage site. During the visit, walk south along the Yi River trail from the Western Mountain Grottoes. The Binyang Three Caves, Wannfo Cave, and Lotus Cave each have their highlights. Crossing the bridge to the Eastern Mountain Worship Terrace offers a panoramic view. My understanding is to first visit the main caves on the Western Mountain in the morning to appreciate the Giant Buddha while it’s less crowded, and in the afternoon head to the Eastern Mountain terrace for a distant view, which provides the best lighting and angle for photos. Returning along both banks of the Yi River involves backtracking, so a pair of comfortable shoes will save a lot of effort.

Tips: The grotto area has strong UV rays, so bring a sun hat and sunscreen on sunny days. The tour route is relatively long, so remember to stay hydrated. Most tourists report that the Leshan Giant Buddha is the most impressive, and the Western Mountain at sunset offers the best photo lighting; walking along both banks of the Yi River requires retracing your steps, so comfortable shoes and reserving half a day are recommended. Considering the actual conditions, the weather in the mountains can change suddenly, so a windproof jacket is more reliable than anything else. Shoes must be slip-resistant and comfortable; it’s better to take fewer photos than to twist an ankle.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Laojun Mountain. Follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, leaving ample time for photos and rest. At noon, enjoy a local specialty meal. In the evening, check into the hotel to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Laojun Mountain attractions. Laojun Mountain is located in Luoyang, Luanchuan County. It is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains and a famous Taoist mountain, reputed to be the place where the founder of Taoism, Laozi, retired to cultivate himself. The Golden Summit Daoist temple complex stands atop a peak over 2,000 meters above sea level. With its golden tiles and red walls amidst surging clouds, it is renowned as "a breathtaking feast on Earth, a glimpse of the world's grandeur." The Ten-Mile Painted Screen is the highlight of the trip, a high-altitude walkway suspended on a cliff offering ever-changing views, capturing forests of peaks, sea of clouds, and sunrises. Visitors can ascend via a two-stage cable car. On clear days, the summit provides a view of the sunrise over the sea of clouds; in winter, it is a highly popular spot for snow viewing in Central China. My advice is to get an early start to take the cable car to the top to catch the best light on the Golden Summit and the Ten-Mile Painted Screen. The summit is windy and cold, so a windbreaker and thermos are essential. Those afraid of heights should be cautious on the glass observation deck.

Tips: There are many slippery sections on the mountain trail. Pay special attention to shifting your center of gravity backward and slowing down when descending. Knee braces can be useful. Visitors generally report that the Golden Summit's sea of clouds and sunrise are the main attractions, and many stay overnight at the summit to catch dawn. Remember that there are large temperature differences at the summit and long queues for the cable car, so during peak seasons, go early. Shop prudently according to your situation, and if you see "limited-time offers," take three minutes to think before buying. If you really want souvenirs, make sure to buy from authorized stores and keep the receipts for peace of mind.

Gather in the morning and depart for Chongdugou. Follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing ample time for photos and rest; enjoy local specialty dishes at noon, and check into the hotel in the evening to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Chongdugou attractions. Chongdugou is located in Luanchuan and is renowned for its thousands of acres of bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, and western Henan farming scenery. It is a rare "Jiangnan-style water town" retreat for summer leisure in Henan. The scenic area is divided into two sections: Jinji River and Dicui River. Jinji River is famous for its waterfalls, with splashing water creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere; Dicui River features continuous bamboo forests, making for a lush green walk. Visitors can stay in farmhouses, sample wild mountain vegetables, and experience authentic western Henan village life. The pace is relaxed, making it particularly suitable for family slow trips and summer vacations. In my opinion, the key is to slow down and not rush through attractions—taking a walk through the bamboo forest or sitting by the stream is the proper way to enjoy Chongdugou; visiting in summer is most comfortable, with a coolness that makes you not want to leave.

Warm Tips: The canyon water routes are slippery; be sure to wear anti-slip creek shoes or sports shoes, and keep valuables like phones waterproof. Visitors commonly report that most people think Chongdugou is worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide for explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. In practice, keep your ID and wallet separate, take photos of important documents and store a backup on your phone, so in case of loss you can quickly replace them without affecting your itinerary.