Zhengzhou 3-Day Tour: Chongdu Valley & Longmen Grottoes

In the morning, gather and depart for Chongdugou, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing plenty of time for taking photos and resting; at noon, enjoy local specialty cuisine, and in the evening, check into the hotel to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction introduction: Today's itinerary includes the Chongdugou attraction. Chongdugou is located in Luanchuan and is famous for its vast bamboo forests, waterfalls, flowing streams, and the farming scenery of western Henan. It is a rare 'Jiangnan water town' style summer retreat in Henan. The scenic area is divided into the Jinji River and Dicui River sections. Jinji River is known for its waterfall clusters with splashing water and refreshing coolness; Dicui River features continuous bamboo forests, offering a view of lush greenery while strolling through. Visitors can stay in farmhouses, taste wild vegetables, and experience authentic western Henan mountain village life. The pace here is relaxed, making it especially suitable for leisurely family trips and summer vacations. My understanding is to slow down the pace and not rush to see all the sights — a proper way to enjoy Chongdugou is to walk in the bamboo forest and sit by the stream; in summer, it is most comfortable, so cool you don't want to leave.

Warm tips: The canyon trails are next to water and cliffs, so do not climb over railings or play in dangerous areas, and keep an eye on accompanying children. Visitors generally report that most tourists think Chongdugou is worth visiting specifically. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide, and leave time for the details that move you the most and the best photo spots. In practice, if you want authentic food, go deeper into the alleys, as the main gate restaurants usually have long lines and average taste; for local specialties, always ask for the price and compare, as local supermarkets often offer more genuine products.

Assemble in the morning and set off for Longmen Grottoes, following the guide to visit the main attractions, leaving ample time for photos and rest; at noon, enjoy local specialty meals, and in the evening, check in at the hotel to replenish energy 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. Since Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang, its construction continued through the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, Tang, and several other dynasties. Currently, there are over 2,300 niches, more than 100,000 statues, and over 2,800 engraved inscriptions and steles. The most astonishing is the Vairocana Buddha of the Fengxian Temple, which is over 17 meters tall, with a plump face and compassionate eyes, said to be modeled after Empress Wu Zetian, representing the pinnacle of Tang dynasty stone carving art. Together with the Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Datong Yungang Grottoes, it is one of China's three major grottoes and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. During the visit, walk south along the Yi River from the Western Hills Grottoes; each of the Binyang Three Caves, Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, and Lotus Cave offers highlights. Cross the bridge to the Eastern Hills Worship Terrace for a panoramic view. My understanding is to first see the main cave in the Western Hills in the morning and enjoy the Buddha when it’s less crowded, then in the afternoon go to the Eastern Hills terrace for a distant view—the lighting and angle are best for photos. Since walking along both sides of the Yi River requires returning along the same path, a pair of comfortable shoes can save a lot of effort.

Tips: Many grottoes are built on cliffs. Keep a distance from the cliffs and hold onto railings while viewing, and take care of the elderly and children. Visitor feedback generally indicates that most people find the Vairocana Buddha the most impressive, the lighting at sunset in the Western Hills is best for photos; walking along both sides of the Yi River requires retracing steps, so comfortable shoes and a half-day reservation are recommended. Considering actual conditions, manage your energy—tackle major attractions in the morning when you’re fresh, slow down in the afternoon, and avoid overexerting yourself on the first day so you’ll have energy for the following days.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Laojun Mountain, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, with ample time for taking photos and resting; enjoy local specialty cuisine at noon, and check into the hotel in the evening to rest and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Friendly reminder: On the return day, please pack your luggage the night before, and keep your ID card, power bank, and souvenirs in an easily accessible place; carry valuables with you. Tourists generally report that the return day is the most prone to forgetfulness; many tourists suggest putting your documents, power bank, and souvenirs in the same bag the night before and allowing enough time at the station/airport. In practice, the biggest fear when joining a tour is a rushed visit; listening to explanations is the essence. The cultural stories behind each attraction are often more memorable than the photos. If you don’t understand something, ask the tour guide on the spot.