Jiaozuo 4-Day Tour: Longmen Grottoes & Chongdu Valley

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, which was carved into the cliffs along both sides of the Yi River in the south of Luoyang city. Construction has continued since Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang, spanning the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, Tang, and several other dynasties. Currently, there are over 2,300 cave shrines, more than 100,000 statues, and over 2,800 engraved inscriptions and steles. The most astonishing is the Vairocana Buddha of Fengxian Temple, which is over 17 meters tall, with a full face and compassionate eyes, said to be carved in the likeness of Empress Wu Zetian, representing the pinnacle of Tang dynasty stone carving art. Along with Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Datong Yungang, it is one of China's three major grottoes and a World Cultural Heritage site. During the visit, walk south along the Yi River trail from the Xishan Grottoes; each of the Binyang Three Caves, Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, and Lotus Cave has its highlights. Cross the bridge to the East Mountain Worship Terrace for a panoramic view. My suggestion is to visit the main Xishan cave in the morning, when fewer people are around, to fully appreciate the Great Buddha, and in the afternoon, go to the East Mountain for a distant view—the lighting and angle are best for photos. Walking along both sides of the Yi River requires retracing steps, so comfortable shoes can save a lot of effort.

Tips: Visiting the grottoes mainly involves walking and stairs. It is recommended to wear non-slip, comfortable shoes and travel light. Pay attention to your steps along both sides of the Yi River. Visitor feedback generally indicates that most people find the Vairocana Buddha the most impressive, the lighting at Xishan during sunset is best for photos; walking along both sides of the Yi River requires retracing steps, so comfortable shoes and reserving half a day are recommended. Take into account the actual situation, respect local customs, dress appropriately when entering religious sites, and avoid pointing casually; a simple greeting can be met with friendliness.

Gather in the morning and set off for Chongdugou, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, leaving enough time for taking photos and resting; enjoy 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 Chongdugou attractions. Chongdugou is located in Luanchuan and is known for its vast bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, and the agricultural scenery of western Henan, making it a rare 'Jiangnan Water Town'-style summer resort in Henan. The scenic area is divided into the Jinji River and Dicui River sections. Jinji River is famous for its waterfalls, with splashing water providing a refreshing atmosphere; Dicui River features contiguous bamboo forests, offering lush greenery at every turn. Here, visitors can stay in farmhouse accommodations, taste wild mountain vegetables, and experience authentic western Henan village life. The pace is relaxed, making it especially suitable for family leisure trips and summer retreats. My understanding is to slow down, don’t rush through the attractions—walking in the bamboo forest and sitting by the stream is the proper way to enjoy Chongdugou; summer visits are the most comfortable, with the cool atmosphere making it hard to leave.

Warm Tips: The canyon trails run along water and cliffs, so do not climb over railings or play in dangerous areas, and keep a close eye on accompanying children. Visitors generally report that most believe Chongdugou is worth visiting specifically; it is recommended to slow down, follow the guide's explanations, and leave time for the details and photo spots that impress you most. Considering the actual situation, the biggest risk of a group tour is rushing through sights—listening to explanations is the essence. The cultural stories behind each attraction are often more memorable than photos, so ask the guide if you don’t understand something.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Erlitou, follow the guide to visit the main attractions, leaving ample time for photography and rest; have 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: A highlight of the itinerary is Erlitou. The Erlitou ruins are located in Yanshi, Luoyang, and are acclaimed by scholars as 'the earliest China.' It is a large urban site from the middle and late Xia Dynasty and has yielded significant artifacts such as turquoise dragon-shaped objects, bronze jue (wine cups), and bronze ding (tripod cauldrons), revealing the face of the first royal capital of the Huaxia. The turquoise dragon-shaped object is inlaid with more than 2,000 pieces of turquoise and is praised as the 'First Dragon of Huaxia,' providing important evidence of dragon worship in China. The Erlitou Ruins Museum presents the site with a sense of archaeological authenticity and is an indispensable stop for researching the origins of Chinese civilization. In my view, gaining an understanding of the academic debates about the 'Xia capital' before visiting the exhibits will deepen your comprehension; the museum exhibitions are meticulously arranged and worth taking your time to explore.

Tips: Many mountain path sections are slippery, so pay special attention to shifting your weight backward and slowing down when going downhill; knee pads can be useful. Visitors generally report that most consider Erlitou worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, listen to the guide's explanations, and spend time on the details and photo spots that move you the most. Depending on your situation, for authentic local food, venture deeper into the alleys as queues at the main entrance are long and the taste can be mediocre; for local specialties, inquire about prices before comparing, as local supermarkets often offer more genuine products.