Luoyang 8-Day Tour: Longmen Grottoes & Jiguan Cave

Today's visit to Longmen Grottoes is recommended to allow for at least half a day: link the main caves of West Mountain, the viewing platform of East Mountain, and Baiyuan of Xiangshan Temple in a line, and follow the explanations to understand the Northern Wei and flourishing Tang stories behind the stone carvings; return in the evening to rest.

Attraction Introduction: A highlight arranged in the itinerary is Longmen Grottoes. Longmen Grottoes was carved into the cliffs on both sides of the Yi River south of Luoyang city. Since Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang, construction has continued through multiple dynasties including Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang. Currently, there are more than 2,300 caves and niches, over 100,000 statues, and more than 2,800 inscribed steles. The most stunning is the Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Temple, over 17 meters tall, with a full face and benevolent eyes, said to be modeled after Empress Wu Zetian, representing the pinnacle of Tang stone carving art. Together with the Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Datong Yungang, it is known as one of China’s three major grottoes and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the visit, walk south along the Yi River trail from the West Mountain grottoes; Binyang Three Caves, Wanfo Cave, and Lotus Cave each have scenic highlights. Cross the bridge to the East Mountain Worship Platform for a panoramic view. My suggestion is to view the main caves in West Mountain in the morning when it’s less crowded to appreciate the large Buddha, then go to the East Mountain viewing platform in the afternoon for distant views, as the lighting and angles are best for photos; walking along both sides of the Yi River will require backtracking, so a pair of comfortable shoes can save a lot of effort.

Tips: Visiting the grottoes mainly involves walking and stairs. It is recommended to wear non-slip, comfortable shoes and travel light. Pay attention to footing along the Yi River. Visitors generally report that most people find the Vairocana Buddha most impressive, the sunset lighting at West Mountain is the best for photos; walking along both sides of the Yi River requires backtracking, so wear comfortable shoes and allow for half a day. Based on actual conditions, when taking photos, don’t just focus on getting the shot—watch your step and be mindful of the surroundings. Always hold firmly when standing on viewing platforms or trail edges.

Morning tourJiguan Cave, visit the karst cave to see the varied stalactites; have a nearby lunch at noon, and in the afternoon you can visitLongtan Grand Canyon as well, one cave and one gorge complement each other, returning in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Jiguan Cave attraction. Jiguan Cave is a karst cave in Luanchuan, with stalactites in all kinds of shapes. Stalagmites, stone pillars, and stone flowers under the lights transform into gorgeous colors. The cave maintains a constant temperature all year round, warm in winter and cool in summer. Attractions inside the cave are densely packed, changing with every step. With the explanation, you can understand the wondrous geology shaped over hundreds of millions of years. Together with Longtan Grand Canyon, one cave and one gorge complement each other, forming a classic geological sightseeing route in Western Henan. My understanding is that when entering the cave, remember to listen to the guide, as the formation and naming of the stalactites are very interesting and easily missed if viewed alone; the cave floor is slippery and some areas are low, so wear non-slip shoes and watch your head.

Tips: The temperature difference in mountainous areas is large in the mornings and evenings, and the winds on the mountaintop are strong. A windproof jacket and warm inner layers are necessary. Tourists generally feedback that most of them consider Jiguan Cave worth visiting specifically. It is recommended to slow the pace and listen to the guide, leaving time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Depending on the actual situation, for photos, go early or late—the early morning has fewer people and soft light, the golden hour at sunset produces the best shots, while noon light is harsh and crowded, better spent on rest.

Depart early from the hotel and head straight to Erlitou. First, listen to the tour guide explain the background and highlights, then take a leisurely walk at your own pace and capture photos based on your interests; after lunch, take a short rest, and return to the hotel in the evening to conserve energy for the next day.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes the Erlitou site. The Erlitou ruins are located in Luoyang Yanshi and are regarded by scholars as "the earliest China." It is a large city site from the middle and late Xia dynasty, having unearthed significant artifacts such as turquoise dragon-shaped objects, bronze jue, and bronze ding, revealing the appearance of the first royal capital of Huaxia. The turquoise dragon-shaped object is inlaid with more than two thousand pieces of turquoise and is hailed as "the first dragon of Huaxia," serving as important evidence of Chinese dragon worship. The Erlitou ruins museum presents the archaeological site authentically and is an indispensable stop for researching the origins of Chinese civilization. My understanding is that visiting the museum after first learning about the academic debates surrounding the "Xia capital" allows for deeper comprehension; the museum's exhibitions are carefully curated and worth examining slowly.

Warm Tips: Many mountain paths can be slippery, so be especially careful when going downhill by shifting your center of gravity backward and slowing your pace; knee pads are recommended. Tourists generally report that most consider Erlitou worth a special visit. It is suggested to slow down, follow the guide's explanations, and leave time for the details that move you the most and the best photo spots. Considering practical circumstances, long trips carry the risk of dehydration, so carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently; on the first night at a plateau or mountainous area, avoid washing your hair or bathing for too long to give your body time to adjust.