Luoyang 8-Day Tour: Longtan Grand Canyon & Longmen Grottoes

Gather in the morning and set off for Longtan Grand Canyon, follow the guide to tour the key attractions, allowing plenty of time for photos and rest; enjoy a local specialty meal at noon, check into the hotel in the evening, and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is Longtan Grand Canyon. Longtan Grand Canyon is located in Xin’an and is a canyon famous for its red rock cliffs and waterfalls that flow uphill, earning it the titles "Canyon Gem" and "Natural Museum of Ancient Oceans." Trails such as Liubutan and Yixiantian offer strong opportunities for water fun. The red cliffs and clear pools reflect each other beautifully, especially cool in summer, making it a family-friendly water destination not far from Luoyang city center. The canyon spans several kilometers, with waterfalls, deep pools, and unique stones along the way—every step presents a new scene. In my opinion, wearing non-slip creek shoes or sports shoes is best, and keep valuables like phones waterproofed; families with children should take a slower pace, choose flatter boardwalk sections, and not rush to complete the entire route.

Tips: The canyon's water-friendly sections are slippery, so be sure to wear non-slip creek shoes or sports shoes, and waterproof valuables like phones. Visitors generally report that most believe Longtan Grand Canyon is worth a dedicated visit. It’s recommended to slow down, follow the guide’s explanations, and reserve time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Depending on the actual situation, be mindful of time—arrive at the meeting point five to ten minutes early; it’s better for the people to wait for the vehicle than the vehicle to wait for someone, so don’t keep everyone waiting for you.

Gather in the morning and depart for Longmen Grottoes, follow the guide to visit the main attractions, leaving plenty of time for photos and rest; enjoy a local specialty meal at noon, check into the hotel in the evening, and rest well to prepare for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes the Longmen Grottoes attraction, Longmen Grottoes was carved on the cliffs along both sides of the Yi River in the south of Luoyang city. Construction began when Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang and continued through the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, Tang, and several other dynasties. There are over 2,300 surviving grottoes, more than 100,000 statues, and over 2,800 inscriptions. The most impressive is the Leshan Giant Buddha in the Fengxian Temple, which is over seventeen meters tall, with a plump face and compassionate eyes, traditionally believed to be modeled after Empress Wu Zetian. It represents the pinnacle of Tang Dynasty stone carving art. Along with the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang Mogao Caves and the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, it is considered one of China's three major grottoes and is also a World Cultural Heritage site. During the visit, follow the path along the Yi River from the West Mountain Grottoes southward; Binyang Three Caves, Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, and Lotus Cave each have their highlights. Cross the bridge to the East Mountain Worship Terrace for a panoramic view. My understanding is that in the morning, you should first see the main grotto on West Mountain and enjoy the Giant Buddha while it is less crowded; in the afternoon, go to the East Mountain terrace for a distant view, where the light and angle are best for photos. Walking along both sides of the Yi River involves some 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 visiting route is relatively long, so remember to stay hydrated. Most tourists report that the Leshan Giant Buddha is the most striking attraction, and the light at West Mountain during sunset is best for photos. Walking along both sides of the Yi River requires backtracking; it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and allow half a day. Based on actual conditions, when taking photos, don't just focus on getting good shots—pay attention to your feet and surroundings, and always hold on and stand securely near observation decks and pathways.

Gather in the morning and depart for Laojun Mountain, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, leaving ample time for taking photos and resting; 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: Today's itinerary includes the Laojun Mountain attraction, Laojun Mountain is located in Luoyang Luanchuan County, and is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains as well as a famous Taoist mountain. It is said to be the place where the Taoist ancestor Laozi retreated for cultivation. The Golden Summit Taoist Temple complex stands on a peak over two thousand meters above sea level, with golden tiles and red walls, surrounded by a sea of clouds, earning the reputation of "a dazzling feast in the mortal world, a glimpse of the splendor of the human world." The Ten-Mile Picture Screen is the highlight of the entire trip—a high-altitude walkway suspended on a cliff that changes scenery step by step, offering a full view of the peak forest, sea of clouds, and sunrise. You can take a two-stage cable car to ascend; on a clear day, reaching the top allows you to watch the sunrise over the cloudsea, and in winter it is a highly popular spot for snow viewing in the Central Plains. My understanding is that you must take the cable car early to get the best light for the Golden Summit and Ten-Mile Picture Screen; the top is windy and cold, so a windbreaker and thermos are essential, and those afraid of heights should not force themselves on the glass viewing platform.

Tips: The mountain path is slippery in many places, especially going downhill, pay attention to shifting your center of gravity backward and slowing your pace; knee pads are recommended. Visitors generally report that the Golden Summit cloud sea and sunrise are considered the main highlights, and many people stay on the mountaintop to await dawn. Note that there is a large temperature difference on the top and long queues for the cable car, so during peak season you should go early. Depending on the situation, for photos, early morning or late evening is best—the morning has few people and soft light, the evening has golden light, and midday sunlight is harsh and crowded, so it's better to rest then.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Erlitou, follow the guide to visit the main attractions, leaving ample time for taking photos and resting; enjoy a local specialty meal at noon, and check in to the hotel in the evening to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights arranged in the itinerary is Erlitou. The Erlitou site is located in Luoyang Yanshi, and is recognized by scholars as "the earliest China." It is a large urban site from the middle to late Xia dynasty, where significant artifacts such as turquoise dragon-shaped objects, bronze jues, and bronze ding were unearthed, revealing the appearance of the first royal capital of China. The turquoise dragon-shaped object is inlaid with over 2,000 pieces of turquoise and is hailed as "China's first dragon," serving as an important evidence of dragon worship in China. The Erlitou Site Museum presents the archaeological site in an immersive way and is an essential stop for studying the origins of Chinese civilization. In my understanding, gaining background knowledge on the academic controversies regarding the "Xia capital" before visiting the exhibits can lead to a deeper understanding; the museum's display is thoughtfully arranged and worth viewing carefully.

Tips: The hiking sections have many steps and steep slopes; it is essential to wear non-slip sports shoes, and those with mobility issues are advised to use the cable car. Visitors generally report that most feel Erlitou is worth a dedicated visit. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide's explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and for the best photo spots. Considering practical conditions, the biggest risk on long trips is dehydration, so carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently; on the first night at high altitudes or in mountainous areas, avoid washing your head or taking a long bath to give your body some time to adapt.