Jiaozuo 4-Day Tour: Longmen Grottoes & Erlitou Site

Gather in the morning and depart for Longmen Grottoes, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing ample time for photos and rest; enjoy a local specialty lunch at noon, check in to the hotel in the evening to recharge for the next day’s itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Longmen Grottoes. Longmen Grottoes was carved on the cliff faces along both banks of the Yi River in the south of Luoyang, continuously constructed since the relocation of the Northern Wei Dynasty’s Emperor Xiaowen to Luoyang, spanning multiple dynasties including Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang. It currently contains over 2,300 niches, more than 100,000 statues, and over 2,800 inscribed steles. The most astonishing feature is the Vairocana Buddha of Fenshansi Temple, standing over 17 meters tall, with a full face and compassionate eyes, said to have been modeled after Empress Wu Zetian, representing the peak of Tang Dynasty stone carving art. Along with the Dunhuang Mogao Caves and the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, it is one of China’s three major grottoes and a World Cultural Heritage site. When visiting, walk south along the Yi River pathway from the West Mountain Grottoes; Binyang Caves, Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, and Lotus Cave each have their own highlights. Cross the bridge to the East Mountain Worship Terrace for a panoramic view. My understanding is that in the morning, you should first see the main West Mountain grottoes and enjoy the Buddha statue while it’s less crowded, and in the afternoon, head to the East Mountain terrace for a distant view—this timing offers the best lighting and angles for photos. Walking along both banks of the Yi River requires retracing your steps, so a pair of comfortable shoes will save a lot of effort.

Friendly Tips: Ultraviolet rays are strong in the grotto area, so bring a sun hat and sunscreen on sunny days. The visiting route is long, so remember to stay hydrated. Tourists generally report that most find the Vairocana Buddha the most impressive, the West Mountain at sunset provides the best photo light, and walking along both banks of the Yi River involves retracing your steps. Comfortable shoes and reserving half a day are recommended. Considering actual conditions, to get the best shots, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon—fewer people and softer light in the early morning, golden light at dusk is ideal, while midday light is harsh and crowded, making it better to rest then.

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

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Erlitou attractions. The Erlitou site, located in Luoyang Yanshi, is praised by scholars as 'the earliest China.' It is a large urban site from the middle and late Xia Dynasty, where turquoise dragon-shaped artifacts, bronze jia, bronze ding, and other significant relics were unearthed, revealing the appearance of the first capital of the Huaxia civilization. The turquoise dragon-shaped artifact is inlaid with more than two thousand turquoise pieces and is hailed as the 'First Dragon of Huaxia,' serving as important evidence of the Chinese dragon worship. The Erlitou Site Museum presents the archaeology with a sense of being on-site and is an indispensable destination for researching the origins of Chinese civilization. My understanding is that visiting with prior knowledge of the academic debates surrounding the 'Capital of Xia' and then viewing the exhibits will provide a deeper understanding; the museum's exhibition is carefully arranged and worth taking time to appreciate slowly.

Tips: Many mountain paths are slippery, especially downhill; pay attention to shifting your center of gravity backward and slowing your steps, and consider bringing knee pads. Visitors generally feedback that most consider Erlitou worth a special visit, so it is recommended to slow down, follow the guide’s explanations, and reserve time for the details that move you most and the best photo angles. Considering practical circumstances, for long trips, dehydration is the biggest concern, so keep a water bottle handy and drink in small sips frequently; on the first night at high altitudes or in mountainous areas, avoid washing your head or taking a long bath to give your body some time to adapt.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Yin Ruins, follow the tour guide to visit the core attractions, allowing ample time for taking photos and resting; have a local specialty meal at noon, check into the hotel in the evening, and recharge to prepare for the itinerary the next day.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Yin Ruins attractions. Yin Ruins is the late Shang Dynasty capital ruins, located in Anyang. It is the birthplace of oracle bone script, as well as the discovery site of the Houmuwu Ding (originally called Simuwu Ding), and was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2006. This was once the capital after King Pan Geng moved the Shang Dynasty's capital to Yin, lasting more than 270 years. Ruins of the palace and ancestral temples, royal tomb areas, and chariot and horse pits are clearly visible. Oracle bone inscriptions were first discovered here, extending the verifiable history of China back to the Shang Dynasty. The new museum of Yin Ruins systematically displays bronzes, jades, oracle bones, and other cultural relics, making it the most intuitive lesson for understanding Shang civilization. My understanding is: first visit the palace and ancestral temple ruins and the chariot and horse pits to establish a spatial concept, then go to the museum to examine the artifacts carefully. Connecting these two lines completes the experience; the oracle bone script and large bronze artifacts are the essence, and following the guide to see them is far more informative than just walking through.

Kind Reminder: The mountain sections have many steps and steep slopes, so it is essential to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with mobility issues are advised to take the cable car. Visitors generally report that the oracle bone script and the Simuwu Ding make history "come alive," and many say the new museum is more worthwhile than the open-air ruins; it is recommended to combine viewing with explanations to understand. Considering the practical situation, punctuality is crucial, so arrive five to ten minutes early for assembly. It is better for people to wait for the bus than for the bus to wait for one person. Do not make everyone wait for you.

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