Zhengzhou 7-Day Tour: Longmen Grottoes & Baiyun Mountain

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

Attraction Introduction: A highlight arranged in the itinerary is Longmen Grottoes. Longmen Grottoes was carved on the cliffs along both sides of the Yi River in the southern part of Luoyang city. Construction began after Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang, continuing through the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang dynasties. Currently, more than 2,300 caves, over 100,000 statues, and more than 2,800 inscriptions remain. The most astonishing feature is the Vairocana Buddha of Fengxian Temple, over seventeen meters tall, with a full face and compassionate eyes, said to be modeled after Empress Wu Zetian, representing the pinnacle of Tang dynasty stone carving art. Together with Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Yungang in Datong, 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 West Hill Grottoes. Key points include the Binyang Three Caves, the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, and the Lotus Cave. Crossing the bridge to the East Hill worship platform offers a panoramic view. In my understanding, it’s best to first visit the main caves of West Hill in the morning when it’s less crowded to fully appreciate the Buddha, then go to the East Hill in the afternoon for a distant view—the lighting and angle are most photogenic. Since the trails along both sides of the Yi River require retracing your steps, a pair of comfortable shoes can save a lot of effort.

Tips: The grotto area has strong UV exposure, so bring a sun hat and sunscreen on sunny days. The visit route is long, so remember to stay hydrated. Visitors generally report that most find the Vairocana Buddha the most impressive, and the West Hill at sunset offers the best lighting for photos. Since the trails along both sides of the Yi River require retracing steps, it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and allow half a day. Considering actual conditions, dehydration is the biggest risk on long trips, so carry a water bottle and sip in small amounts frequently. When reaching highlands or mountainous areas, on the first night, avoid long hair washing or showering sessions to give your body some time to adapt.

Gather in the morning and set off for Baiyun Mountain, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing ample time for photos and rest; at noon, enjoy a local specialty meal, and in the evening check into the hotel to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is Baiyun Mountain. Baiyun Mountain is located in the Funiu Mountains of Song County. From Yuhuang Peak, you can view the sunrise over a sea of clouds. With high forest coverage and abundant negative oxygen ions, it is a natural oxygen bar. Within the scenic area, Jiulong Waterfall and the High Mountain Peony Garden each have their own characteristics. In summer, it is a cool retreat; in autumn, it is perfect for viewing red leaves. It is one of the few high-altitude resort-type scenic areas in Henan. You can connect various points via cable car or sightseeing shuttle. The mountaintop has expansive views, shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland. In my opinion, visiting in summer for the cool weather is most worthwhile. The coolness in the mountains contrasts sharply with the heat in the city. Getting up early to climb Yuhuang Peak to see the sunrise over the sea of clouds requires a bit of luck, but even if you miss the sunrise, the morning mist over the mountains is beautiful enough.

Tips: Many mountain paths are slippery, especially downhill; pay attention to shifting your center of gravity backwards and slowing your pace, and you may want to bring knee pads. Visitor feedback generally indicates that most tourists think Baiyun Mountain 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. Considering the actual situation, be punctual and arrive five to ten minutes early for gatherings. It is better to let the person wait for the vehicle than the vehicle wait for the person, so don’t make everyone wait for you.

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

Attraction Introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Laojun Mountain. Laojun Mountain is located in Luan County, Luoyang, and is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains as well as a famous Taoist mountain, traditionally believed to be the place where the founder of Taoism, Laozi, retired to cultivate. The Jin Ding Taoist Temple complex stands on a peak over two thousand meters above sea level, with golden temple roofs and red walls amidst rolling clouds, earning a reputation of "a breathtaking feast on Earth, a glimpse of the world's grandeur." The Ten-Mile Painted Screen is the highlight of the trip, a high-altitude walkway suspended on a cliff offering ever-changing views, capturing forests of peaks, sea of clouds, and sunrises. Visitors can ascend via a two-stage cable car; on clear days, the summit provides a view of sunrise over the cloud sea, while in winter it is a popular snow-viewing spot in central China. My advice is to take the cable car early to secure the best light at the Jin Ding and the Ten-Mile Painted Screen; the summit is windy and cold, so a windbreaker and thermos are essential, and those uneasy with glass observation decks should not force themselves.

Tips: The hiking paths have many steps and steep slopes, so wear non-slip sports shoes; those with mobility issues are advised to use the cable car. Visitors generally recommend the Jin Ding cloud sea and sunrise as the main attractions, with many staying overnight on the mountain to catch the dawn; note that the summit has large temperature differences and long cable car lines, and during peak season, it is essential to go early. Considering actual conditions, when taking photos, don’t just focus on getting the shot—pay attention to your footing and surroundings, and make sure to hold on and stand stably at the edges of observation decks and walkways.