Anyang 4-Day Tour: Longmen Grottoes & Chongdu Valley

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, and continued through multiple dynasties including Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang. Currently, there are more than 2,300 caves, over 100,000 statues, and more than 2,800 inscribed steles. The most striking is the Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Temple, which is over seventeen meters tall, with a full face and eyes filled with benevolence, said to be modeled after the appearance of Empress Wu Zetian, representing the peak of Tang dynasty stone carving art. Together with Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Datong Yungang, it is known as one of China’s three major grottoes and is also a World Cultural Heritage site. During the visit, start from the Western Hills grottoes along the Yi River walkway heading south, with Bin Yang’s Three Caves, Wanfo Cave, and Lotus Cave each having highlights. Across the bridge, visit the East Hill worship platform for a panoramic view. My understanding is to first see the main grottoes in the Western Hills in the morning, enjoy the Buddha statue while there are fewer people, then in the afternoon go to the East Hill platform for distant views, as the lighting and angles are best for photography. Walking along both sides of the Yi River requires retracing your steps, so a comfortable pair of shoes saves a lot of effort.

Tips: The grotto area has strong UV rays, so on sunny days bring a sunhat and sunscreen. Since the tour route is long, remember to stay hydrated. Visitor feedback generally indicates that most people find the Vairocana Buddha the most impressive, and the Western Hills at sunset provides the best light for photos. Walking along both sides of the Yi River requires retracing your steps, so wear comfortable shoes and reserve half a day. Practically speaking, dehydration is the biggest concern on long trips, so carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently. Upon arriving in a plateau or mountainous area, avoid washing your hair or taking long showers on the first night to give your body some time to adjust.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Chongdugou, follow the tour guide to visit the key attractions, leaving ample time for taking photos and resting; enjoy local specialty cuisine at noon, check in to the hotel in the evening, and recharge for the next day's schedule.

Scenic spot introduction: This stop is Chongdugou. Chongdugou is located in Luanchuan and is famous for its vast bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, and the farming culture of western Henan. It is one of the few 'Jiangnan water town'-style summer resorts in western Henan. The scenic area is divided into two sections: Jinji River and Dicui River. Jinji River is known for its waterfalls, with splashing water and a refreshing atmosphere; Dicui River is a continuous bamboo forest, where walking through you are surrounded by green scenery. Here, visitors can stay in farmhouse accommodations, try wild mountain vegetables, and experience authentic village life in western Henan, with a slow pace, making it especially suitable for family leisure trips and summer vacations. My understanding is to slow down the pace and not rush through the attractions—walking in the bamboo forest and sitting by the stream is the proper way to enjoy Chongdugou; visiting in summer is most comfortable, pleasantly cool, and you won’t want to leave.

Warm tips: Signal may be weak inside the canyon, so make sure to coordinate a meeting point with the tour guide in advance and avoid going alone. Visitors generally report that most believe Chongdugou is worth a special visit. It is recommended 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 people to wait for the vehicle than for the vehicle to wait for people, so don’t make everyone wait for you.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Red Flag Canal, follow the guide to visit the main attractions, allowing 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 Red Flag Canal. Red Flag Canal is an 'artificial river in the sky' carved by the people of Linzhou on the cliffs of the Taihang Mountains during the 1960s. It stretches over 1,500 kilometers, levels 1,250 mountaintops, builds more than 150 aqueducts, and carves over 200 tunnels, taking nearly ten years to complete. It is a monument to the Chinese nation's spirit of self-improvement. The Youth Cave is the most dangerous section, carved by 300 young volunteers on cliffside rocks; the Fen Shui Yuan and Red Flag Canal Memorial Hall fully depict the hardships of constructing the canal. This location combines red-themed education with the majestic Taihang scenery and is now an awe-inspiring cultural attraction. My understanding is that visiting the Memorial Hall first to learn about the canal background and then walking through the Youth Cave allows one to truly grasp the weight of this canal; hike along the canal according to your ability, wear non-slip shoes, and watch your step.

Tips: Mountain paths have many steps and steep slopes; be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with mobility issues are advised to use the cable car. Visitors generally feel that the 'artificial river in the sky' has a strong spiritual landmark value, resonating more with middle-aged tourists; the museum explanations are worth listening to for understanding that period of history. In practice, when taking photos, don’t just focus on getting the shot—pay attention to your surroundings and footing. Always stand firmly on the edges of viewing platforms and walkways.

Transfer to the departure terminal per your booked train or flight; keep travel documents and tickets in your carry-on.