Luoyang 6-Day Tour: Erlitou Site & Baiyun Mountain

Gather in the morning and depart for Erlitou, follow the tour guide to visit the key attractions, leaving ample time for taking photos and resting; enjoy local specialty cuisine at noon, check into the hotel in the evening, and rest well to prepare for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights of the itinerary is Erlitou. The Erlitou ruins, located in Yanshi, Luoyang, are praised by scholars as "the earliest China." It is a large city site from the mid-to-late Xia Dynasty, where significant artifacts such as turquoise dragon-shaped ornaments, bronze jia, and bronze ding were excavated, revealing the appearance of the first royal capital of the Huaxia civilization. The turquoise dragon-shaped ornament is inlaid with over 2,000 pieces of turquoise and is known as "the first dragon of Huaxia," serving as an important evidence of Chinese dragon worship. The Erlitou Ruins Museum presents the archaeological site in a realistic way and is an essential stop for studying the origins of Chinese civilization. My understanding is that visiting the site after first learning about the academic controversies regarding the "Xia capital" will provide deeper insight when viewing the exhibits. The museum's exhibitions are carefully curated and worth viewing slowly.

Tips: There are many slippery mountain paths; particularly on downhill sections, pay attention to leaning backward and slowing your steps. A pair of knee guards is recommended. Visitors generally report that most believe Erlitou is worth a special visit. It is suggested to slow down, listen to the guide’s explanation, and leave time for the details that touch you most and the best photo spots. Take practical situations into account and be punctual; arrive five to ten minutes early for gatherings. It is better for the group to wait for you than for you to wait for the vehicle—do not make everyone wait for just one person.

Gather in the morning and depart for Baiyun Mountain, 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: Today's itinerary includes Baiyun Mountain attractions. Baiyun Mountain is located in the Funiu Mountains of Song County. From Yuhuang Peak, you can view the sea of clouds at sunrise. The area has a high forest coverage and abundant negative oxygen ions, making it a natural oxygen bar. Within the scenic area, Jiulong Waterfall and the Highland Peony Garden each have their own characteristics. It is a rare high-altitude resort area for summer cooling and autumn leaf viewing. Cable cars or scenic shuttle buses can connect the various points. The mountaintop has wide views and misty clouds, resembling a fairytale land. In my opinion, visiting in summer for cooling is most worthwhile, as the cool mountain air contrasts sharply with the city heat; getting up early to climb Yuhuang Peak to see the sunrise over the sea of clouds requires some luck, but even if you miss the sunrise, the mountains in the morning mist are beautiful enough.

Tips: The hiking sections have many steps and steep slopes, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with mobility issues are advised to use the cable car for ascent and descent. Visitors generally report that most of them believe Baiyun Mountain is worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best spots for photos. In practice, when taking pictures, don't just focus on getting a good shot; pay attention to your footing and the surrounding environment, and make sure to stand securely at viewing platforms and trail edges.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Longtan Grand Canyon. Follow the guide to visit the main attractions, allowing plenty of time for photos and rest. At noon, enjoy local specialty meals, and in the evening, check into the hotel to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is Longtan Grand Canyon. Located in Xin’an, Longtan Grand Canyon is a canyon famous for wonders like red rock cliffs and water flowing uphill, known as the "Ultimate Canyon" and the "Natural Museum of Ancient Oceans." Trails such as Liubutan and Yixiantian offer strong water-related fun. The red rock cliffs paired with clear pools create stunning scenery, especially refreshing in summer, making it a family-friendly water destination not far from Luoyang city center. The canyon stretches for several kilometers, with waterfalls, deep pools, and unique rocks along the way, offering new sights with every step. In my view, wearing slip-resistant stream or sports shoes is best, and waterproof your valuables like phones. Families with children should slow the pace, choose the gentler boardwalk sections, and not rush to complete the entire trail.

Tips: The canyon trails are close to water and cliffs, so do not climb over railings or play in dangerous areas, and keep an eye on accompanying children. Visitors generally feel that most people think Longtan Grand Canyon is worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide's commentary, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Depending on the situation, the best times for photos are early morning or late afternoon—fewer people and soft light in the morning, golden glow at dusk, while noon light is harsh and crowded, making it better to rest.

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

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Longmen Grottoes attractions. Longmen Grottoes was carved on the cliffs along both sides of the Yi River in the southern part 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. Currently, there are over 2,300 niches, more than 100,000 statues, and over 2,800 inscribed steles. The most astonishing feature is the Vairocana Buddha of Fenshansi Temple, which is over seventeen meters tall, with a full face and compassionate eyes, said to have been modeled after Empress Wu Zetian, representing the peak of Tang Dynasty stone carving art. Along with Dunhuang's Mogao Caves and Datong's Yungang Grottoes, it is considered one of China's three major grottoes and a World Cultural Heritage site. During the visit, walk south along the Yi River from the West Mountain Grottoes; each cave, such as Binyang Sandong, Wanfo Cave, and Lotus Cave, has its highlights. Cross the bridge to the East Mountain Worship Terrace for a panoramic view. My suggestion is to first visit the main West Mountain caves in the morning to appreciate the Great Buddha while it’s less crowded; in the afternoon, go to the East Mountain terrace for distant views, as the lighting and angles are perfect for photos. Walking along both sides of the Yi River will require backtracking, so a pair of comfortable shoes can save a lot of effort.

Tips: Most grottoes are built on cliffs, so keep a safe distance from the cliff edges and hold onto railings while viewing, and take care of the elderly and children. General feedback from tourists indicates that most find the Vairocana Buddha the most impressive, and the West Mountain during sunset provides the best lighting for photos. Walking along both sides of the Yi River requires backtracking, so wearing comfortable shoes and reserving half a day is recommended. Based on practical experience, the biggest concern during long trips is dehydration, so carry a water bottle and take small, frequent sips. On the first night in a plateau or mountainous area, avoid washing your hair or taking long showers to give your body some time to adjust.