Jiaozuo 5-Day Tour: Erlitou Site & Longmen Grottoes

Assemble in the morning and depart for Erlitou. Follow the guide to tour the main attractions, leaving ample time for taking photos and resting; enjoy a local specialty lunch at noon, and check into the hotel in the evening to recharge for the next day’s itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: One highlight of the itinerary is Erlitou. The Erlitou ruins are located in Yanshi, Luoyang, and are esteemed 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 have been unearthed, revealing the appearance of the first capital of the Huaxia civilization. The turquoise dragon-shaped ornament is inlaid with over two thousand turquoise pieces and is hailed as "the first dragon of Huaxia," serving as important evidence of dragon worship in China. The Erlitou Ruins Museum presents the excavation site authentically and is an indispensable stop for studying the origins of Chinese civilization. In my understanding, visiting the exhibits with prior knowledge of the academic controversies surrounding the "Xia capital" offers a deeper insight; the museum’s displays are meticulously curated and worth exploring slowly.

Tips: Many mountain paths are slippery, especially downhill sections; pay attention to shifting your center of gravity backwards and slowing your pace, and it’s advisable to bring knee pads. Visitor feedback generally indicates that most tourists believe Erlitou is worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow your pace, listen to the guide’s explanations, and save time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Respect the local customs according to the actual situation; when visiting religious sites, dress appropriately, avoid pointing at things casually, and a simple greeting can earn goodwill.

Assemble 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 the south banks of the Yi River in Luoyang. 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 Yungang Grottoes in Datong, it is considered one of the three major grottoes in China and is a World Cultural Heritage site. When visiting, go along the Yi River trail from the West Mountain Grottoes southward; the Binyang Three Caves, Wanfo 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, first see the main grottoes of the West Mountain and enjoy the Giant Buddha while it’s less crowded. In the afternoon, go to the East Mountain terrace for a distant view; the lighting and angles are best for photos. Walking along both banks of the Yi River requires backtracking, so a comfortable pair of shoes will save lots of effort.

Friendly Tips: Visiting the grottoes mainly involves walking and stairs, so it is recommended to wear non-slip comfortable shoes and travel light. Pay attention to your steps along both banks of the Yi River. Most tourists report that the Leshan Giant Buddha is the most impressive, and the lighting is best at West Mountain during sunset. Walking along both banks requires backtracking, so wear comfortable shoes and allow half a day. Based on practical experience, joining a tour is most valuable when listening to the guide, rather than rushing around superficially, as the cultural stories behind each attraction are often more memorable than the photos. Ask the tour guide on the spot if you don’t understand something.

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 journey—a high-altitude walkway suspended on a cliff that changes perspective 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 cloud sea, 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 a thermos are standard, and those afraid of heights should not force themselves on the glass observation deck.

Friendly Tips: Temperatures in the mountains vary greatly between morning and evening, and the peak is windy, so a windproof jacket and warm inner layers are essential. Visitors generally report that the Golden Summit cloud sea and sunrise are considered the main highlights, with many staying at the top specifically to catch dawn. Remember that the temperature at the peak fluctuates greatly and cable lines can be long, so during peak season it is essential to go early. Depending on the situation, if you want authentic food, head deeper into the alleys, as the lines at the main entrance are long and the taste is average; check and compare prices for local specialties, as local supermarkets often offer more authentic products.