Xinxiang 3-Day Tour: Longmen Grottoes & Millennium City Park

Gather in the morning and depart for Longmen Grottoes, following 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, and 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 on both sides of the Yi River in the south of Luoyang, continuously constructed since the relocation of the Northern Wei Emperor Xiaowen's capital to Luoyang, spanning multiple dynasties including Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang. It currently has over 2,300 niches, more than 100,000 statues, and over 2,800 inscribed steles. The most astonishing feature is the Vairocana Buddha of Fengxian Temple, over 17 meters tall, with a full face and eyes full of compassion, said to be carved based on the likeness of Empress Wu Zetian, representing the pinnacle of Tang stone carving art. Together with Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Datong Yungang, it is considered one of China's three major grottoes and a UNESCO World Heritage site. When visiting, 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 unique highlights. Crossing the bridge to the East Hills Worship Terrace provides a panoramic view. My understanding is to first visit the main caves of the Western Hills in the morning and appreciate the Buddha while there are fewer people, then go to the East Hills in the afternoon for a distant view from the terrace, which offers the best lighting and angles for photos. Walking along both sides of the Yi River requires backtracking, so a pair of comfortable shoes can save considerable effort.

Tips: The grotto area has strong UV rays, so bring a sun hat and sunscreen on sunny days. The walking route is long, so remember to stay hydrated. 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, and walking along both sides of the Yi River requires backtracking. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and allow half a day. In practice, joining a tour is most beneficial when you avoid rushing; listening to the guide is the essence, as the cultural stories behind each attraction are often more memorable than photos. Don’t hesitate to ask the guide if something is unclear.

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

Attraction Introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden. Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is located in Kaifeng and is a Song Dynasty cultural theme park built based on Zhang Zeduan's "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" from the Northern Song Dynasty. The Rainbow Bridge, Bian River, markets, and restaurants from the painting are all reproduced, recreating the bustling city of Dongjing Bianliang. The park offers live performances and folk parades throughout the day, with the most famous being the nighttime water show "The Grand Song: Dream of Dongjing," which uses light and shadow to recreate the grand scenery of the Northern Song capital. During the day, visitors can watch the opening ceremony, Bao Gong welcoming guests, and Mr. Wang arranging a match, all immersive folk performances. It is also a paradise for Hanfu enthusiasts; wearing a Song-style Hanfu and walking between Rainbow Bridge and Bian River provides countless opportunities for authentic ancient-style photos. My understanding is that upon entering the park, you should first get the performance schedule, plan the must-see performances and evening show, and then explore and eat at your own pace; visiting the marketplace during the day is most immersive, while the nighttime show is an audio-visual feast that is worth watching if the budget allows.

Tips: Be mindful of children getting separated when visiting the park; agree on a meeting point in advance and prepare contact cards for the children. Visitors generally feel that the daytime market is most immersive, while opinions on the nighttime "The Grand Song: Dream of Dongjing" are mixed; note that performance tickets are relatively expensive, so choose according to your budget. To eat authentic local food, venture deeper into the alleys, as lines at the main entrance are long and the food quality is average; for souvenirs, ask the price first and compare—local supermarkets are often more reliable.

Transfer to the station/airport per your departure, ending a pleasant journey.

Friendly tips: Pack the night before and keep ID, power bank and souvenirs together; allow extra time for the station/airport; bring your ID and stay with your guide, noting the meeting time and place. Traveler feedback — Return-day travelers remind: pack ID and souvenirs the night before; allow extra time. Practical note — Return-day tip: pack ID, power bank and souvenirs the night before; allow extra time—mountain roads are unpredictable.