Anyang 6-Day Tour: Chongdu Valley & Sui-Tang Luoyang City

Morning tour: along the Jinji River and Dicui River to see bamboo forests and waterfalls; at noon, taste wild vegetables and farmhouse meals; in the afternoon, stroll through villages in western Henan, enjoying the coolness typical of Jiangnan water towns.

Attraction introduction: This stop is Chongdugou, Chongdugou is located in Luanchuan. It is famous for its ten-thousand-acre bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, and streams, as well as the farming culture of western Henan. It is one of the few summer resorts with a 'Jiangnan water-town' style. The scenic area is divided into the Jinji River and Dicui River areas. Jinji River is known for its waterfalls, with splashing water and a refreshing coolness; Dicui River features continuous bamboo forests, offering lush greenery as you stroll through. Here, you can stay in farmhouses and try wild vegetables, experiencing the authentic mountain village life of western Henan. The pace is slow, making it especially suitable for family leisure tours and summer vacations. My understanding is to slow down the pace and not rush to see the sights—walking in the bamboo forest or sitting by the stream is the proper way to enjoy Chongdugou; visiting in summer is the most comfortable, so cool that you don’t want to leave.

Tips: Signal may be poor inside the canyon, so arrange the meeting point with the tour guide in advance and do not go alone. Tourists generally report that most believe Chongdugou is worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the photo spots that are most picturesque. Considering the actual situation, when taking photos, don’t only focus on getting good shots; pay attention to your feet and surroundings, and make sure to stand securely at viewing platforms and boardwalk edges.

Early in the morning, enter Longtan Grand Canyon and take advantage of the coolness to leisurely stroll along the creek trail, which is especially pleasant in summer; in the afternoon, enjoy free activities, and you can take additional photos of the narrow sky gap, then return in the evening.

Warm tips: On free activity days, taking a taxi or walking is convenient. Check the route to your destinations in advance and mark the shops and attractions you want to visit on the map. According to general tourist feedback, most visitors use free activity days to sleep in naturally, then go sightseeing, eat, and take additional photos, spending the day very relaxed. Based on your actual situation, avoid impulse shopping; if you see a 'limited-time offer,' take a three-minute pause. If you really want to buy souvenirs, make sure to choose legitimate stores and keep your receipts for peace of mind.

Today, with Sui-Tang Luoyang City as the theme, avoid peak crowds and enter the park during off-peak hours, following the recommended route for an in-depth visit; have lunch nearby to enjoy local flavors, spend the afternoon on free activities or join the guide for additional tours, and stay at a hotel in the evening to rest.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is Sui-Tang Luoyang City. Sui-Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park centers around Ying Tian Gate, Ming Tang, and Tian Tang, restoring the grandeur of the palaces of the prosperous Tang capital Luoyang. Ying Tian Gate is the south main gate of Sui-Tang Luoyang City, imposing in presence; climbing up allows for a view of the central axis, and at night there is a stunning light show. Ming Tang was the „Palace of Myriad Phenomena“ during Wu Zetian’s era, while Tian Tang is the tall tower for Buddha worship. Both buildings' interiors reproduce the magnificent furnishings of Tang dynasty palaces. Strolling by Jiuzhou Pond is also recommended, imagining the majesty of the former imperial gardens. This site is closely associated with films and TV series such as "Wu Zetian" and "The Wind Rises in Luoyang," making it one of the most popular Tang culture check-in spots in Luoyang in recent years. My suggestion is to definitely visit at night—the lights of Ying Tian Gate, Ming Tang, and Tian Tang when dusk falls show the „divine capital“ at its best. You can see the palace furnishings in the daytime and enjoy the light show at night—two experiences in one day.

Tips: Popular ancient capital landmarks see heavy crowds during holidays, so try to go during off-peak hours or book tickets in advance. Visitor feedback generally indicates that most believe Sui-Tang Luoyang City is worth a dedicated visit; it is recommended to slow down, follow the guide, listen to the explanations, and leave time for the details that impress you most and the best photo spots. Considering actual circumstances, dehydration is a major concern on long trips—carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently. On the first night in high-altitude or mountainous areas, avoid washing your hair or bathing for too long to allow your body some time to adjust.

In the morning, head to Longmen Grottoes. Walk along the Yihe River trail from the Western Hills Grottoes, carefully viewing the Lushena Buddha at Fengxian Temple, then cross the bridge to the East Hills Worship Terrace for a panoramic view. At noon, enjoy Luoyang water banquet. In the afternoon, visit Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden, and return to the hotel in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights of the itinerary is Longmen Grottoes. Longmen Grottoes was carved on the cliffs along both sides of the Yihe River in the south of Luoyang, and construction continued from the time Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang, through the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, Tang, and several other dynasties. Currently, there are more than 2,300 cave shrines, over 100,000 statues, and more than 2,800 steles and inscriptions. The most spectacular is the Lushena Buddha at Fengxian Temple, over 17 meters tall, with a full face and kind eyes, said to be modeled on Empress Wu Zetian, representing the pinnacle of stone carving art in the High Tang period. Along with the Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Datong Yungang Grottoes, it is known as one of China's three major grottoes and is also a World Cultural Heritage site. When visiting, walk south along the Yihe River trail from the Western Hills Grottoes. Each of Binyang Three Caves, Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave, and Lotus Cave has its own highlights. Crossing the bridge to the East Hills Worship Terrace, you can overlook the entire panorama. My understanding is to first see the main caves in the Western Hills in the morning and enjoy the Buddha while it’s less crowded, then go to the East Hills in the afternoon for panoramic views, where the light and angles are best for photos; walking along both sides of the Yihe River requires retracing steps, so a pair of comfortable shoes can save a lot of effort.

Tips: The grottoes are mostly built on cliffs, so keep a distance from the cliff and hold the railing while viewing, and take care of the elderly and children. Visitors generally feedback that most think the Lushena Buddha is the most stunning, and the light at sunset in the Western Hills is best for photos; walking along both sides of the Yihe River requires retracing steps, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and allow half a day. Based on actual conditions, be punctual, arrive five to ten minutes early for gatherings. It's better for people to wait for the vehicle than the vehicle to wait for people, so don’t make everyone wait for you.