Luoyang 8-Day Tour: Jiguan Cave & Longmen Grottoes

Gather in the morning and depart for Jiguan Cave, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing plenty of time for photos and rest; enjoy a local specialty meal at noon, and check into the hotel in the evening to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is Jiguan Cave. Jiguan Cave is a karst cave in Luanchuan, with stalactites in myriad shapes. Stalagmites, stone pillars, and stone flowers transform into dazzling colors under the lights. The cave maintains a constant pleasant temperature year-round, warm in winter and cool in summer. The attractions inside are closely packed, changing scenery with every step, and with the guide's explanation, you can understand the incredible workmanship of billions of years of geological evolution. Together with Longtan Grand Canyon, forming a one-cave-one-gorge complementary route, it is a classic geological wonder in western Henan. My understanding is, remember to follow the guide when entering the cave, as the formation and naming of the stalactites are very interesting, and it's easy to miss the highlights on your own; the cave floor is slippery, and some areas are low, so wear non-slip shoes and watch your head.

Tips: Mountain sections have many steps and steep slopes, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with mobility difficulties are advised to use the cable car. Visitors generally feedback that most consider Jiguan Cave worth a dedicated trip. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide’s explanation, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Depending on the situation, the best time for photos is early morning or late afternoon—fewer people and soft light in the morning, golden glow at dusk is most photogenic, while midday top light is crowded and flat, better to leave time for resting.

Gather in the morning and depart for Longmen Grottoes, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, and allow ample time for taking photos and resting; have a local specialty lunch at noon, check into the hotel in the evening, and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Longmen Grottoes attractions. Longmen Grottoes was carved on the cliff walls along both sides of the Yi River in the southern part of Luoyang city. Construction began continuously from the Northern Wei Emperor Xiaowen's relocation of the capital to Luoyang and continued through the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, Tang, and other dynasties. Currently, there are more than 2,300 existing caves, over 100,000 statues, and more than 2,800 inscribed steles. The most striking is the Vairocana Buddha of Fengxian Temple, which is over seventeen meters in height, with a full face and eyes full of kindness, said to have been modeled after the appearance of Empress Wu Zetian, representing the pinnacle of Tang Dynasty stone carving art. Along with Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Datong Yungang, it is known as one of China’s three major grottoes and is also a World Cultural Heritage site. During the visit, start from the Western Hills grottoes along the Yi River walkway heading south, with highlights including the Binyang Three Caves, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave, and the Lotus Cave. Crossing the bridge to the Eastern Hills Worship Terrace provides a full view. My understanding is to view the main caves of the Western Hills in the morning, appreciating the Buddha statue while there are fewer people. In the afternoon, go to the Eastern Hills terrace to enjoy the distant view, as the lighting and angles are most photogenic. Walking along both sides of the Yi River requires retracing steps, so a comfortable pair of shoes will save a lot of effort.

Tips: The grotto area has strong UV rays; on sunny days, bring a sun hat and sunscreen. The route is relatively long, so remember to stay hydrated. Most visitors report that the Vairocana Buddha is the most impressive, and the Western Hills at sunset provide the best light for photos. Walking along both sides of the Yi River requires retracing steps, so wear comfortable shoes and reserve half a day. Practically speaking, dehydration is the biggest concern on long trips, so carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently. On the first night in highlands or mountainous areas, avoid washing hair or bathing for too long to give your body time to adjust.

Gather in the morning and depart for Sui-Tang Luoyang City, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, leaving ample time for photos and rest; enjoy a local specialty meal at noon, and check into a hotel in the evening to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Sui-Tang Luoyang City attractions. The Sui-Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park centers around Yingtian Gate, Mingtang, and Tiantang, reconstructing the grandeur of the palace complex of the prosperous Tang Dynasty 'Divine Capital' Luoyang. Yingtian Gate is the south gate of Sui-Tang Luoyang City, imposing in scale; you can overlook the central axis from the tower, and there is a spectacular light show at night. Mingtang was the 'Palace of Myriad Phenomena' during Wu Zetian's era, while Tiantang is a tall tower for Buddhist rituals. The interiors of both buildings recreate the magnificent furnishings of Tang Dynasty courts. It is also pleasant to stroll along Jiuzhou Pool, imagining the grandeur of the royal gardens. This place is closely associated with TV dramas such as 'Wu Zetian' and 'The Wind Rises in Luoyang' and has become one of the most popular Tang culture landmarks in Luoyang in recent years. My advice is to make sure to visit at night — the lights of Yingtian Gate and Mingtang Tiantang at dusk are how the 'Divine Capital' should look; see the palace interiors during the day and enjoy the light show at night for two different experiences in one day.

Tips: Night tours of the ancient capital are diverse, so dress warmly at night and remember the meeting points. Visitors generally feedback that most of them consider Sui-Tang Luoyang City worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide's commentary, and leave time for the details that impress you most and the best photo spots. Based on the actual situation, be punctual — arrive five to ten minutes early for gatherings. Always allow people to wait for the vehicle, not the other way around, so you don’t make everyone wait for you.