Anyang 6-Day Tour: Erlitou Site & Chongdu Valley

Today, the theme is Erlitou. Avoid peak hours by entering the park at off-peak times, follow the recommended route for an in-depth tour; have lunch nearby to enjoy local flavors, spend the afternoon on free activities or join the guide for additional visits, and stay at a hotel in the evening to rest.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Erlitou attractions. The Erlitou site is located in Luoyang Yanshi and is acclaimed by scholars as 'the earliest China.' It is a large urban site from the middle and late Xia Dynasty and has yielded significant artifacts such as turquoise dragon-shaped objects, bronze jue (wine cups), and bronze ding (tripod vessels), revealing the appearance of the first royal capital of China. The turquoise dragon-shaped object is inlaid with over 2,000 pieces of turquoise and is hailed as 'the first dragon of China,' serving as an important testament to dragon worship in China. The Erlitou site museum presents the archaeological site experience and is an unmissable stop for studying the origins of Chinese civilization. My understanding is that gaining background knowledge on the academic controversies regarding the 'Xia capital' before viewing the exhibits can lead to a deeper understanding; the museum's display is thoughtfully arranged and worth viewing slowly.

Tips: Many mountain paths are slippery; pay special attention when descending by shifting your center of gravity backward and slowing your pace, and consider bringing a pair of knee pads. Visitors generally feel that Erlitou is worth a special visit. 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 spots. Considering practical circumstances, dehydration is the biggest risk on long trips, so keep a water bottle with you and drink in small sips frequently; on your 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.

Morning tour along the Jinji River and Dícui River to see bamboo forests and waterfalls; at noon, taste farm-style meals with wild mountain vegetables; in the afternoon, stroll through villages in western Henan, enjoying the coolness of a Jiangnan-style water town.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is at Chongdugou, Chongdugou is located in Luanchuan, and it is renowned for its tens of thousands of acres of bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, streams, and the farming culture of western Henan. It is one of the few Jiangnan-style summer resorts. The scenic area is divided into two sections, Jinji River and Dícui River. Jinji River is famous for its waterfalls, splashing water, and refreshing cooling atmosphere; Dícui River consists of continuous bamboo forests, and walking through it is a feast of green scenery. Here, visitors can stay in farmhouse accommodations and try wild mountain vegetables, experiencing authentic life in a western Henan mountain village. The pace is slow, especially suitable for family leisure trips and summer vacations. My understanding is that you should slow down and not rush to see all the attractions—walking in the bamboo forest and sitting by the stream is the proper way to enjoy Chongdugou; coming in summer is the most comfortable, the coolness is irresistible.

Tips: The water-access sections of the canyon can be slippery, so be sure to wear anti-slip water shoes or sports shoes, and protect valuables such as mobile phones from water. Visitors generally feedback that most think Chongdugou is worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide to listen to the introductions, and reserve time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Considering the actual situation, be punctual, arrive five to ten minutes early at the gathering point; it is better for people to wait for the vehicle than the vehicle to wait for people—don’t make everyone wait for you.

Arrive early in the morning, take advantage of the morning light to calmly explore among the red walls and green cypresses, focusing on Qi Yun Pagoda and the two foreign-style Buddhist halls; in the afternoon, enjoy free activities or take additional photos along the central axis, and return to the hotel in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: A highlight arranged in the itinerary is White Horse Temple. White Horse Temple is located in the eastern part of Luoyang city, originally built during the Yongping era of the Eastern Han Dynasty to commemorate the White Horse carrying scriptures and the initial transmission of Buddhism to the Central Plains. It is honored as the 'First Ancient Temple in China' and is the first state-established temple after Buddhism was introduced to China. Within the temple, Qi Yun Pagoda Courtyard, Great Buddha Hall, and Heavenly King Hall are laid out along the central axis, with incense burning continuously for more than two thousand years among the red walls and green cypresses. Notably, the temple also has foreign-style Buddhist halls donated by countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, and India, presenting a unique scenery showing the eastward transmission and return of Buddhist culture. My understanding is that one should first visit the main halls along the central axis, then go around to the Qi Yun Pagoda Courtyard, and finally visit the side foreign Buddhist halls to experience the cultural integration. Visiting early in the morning when there are fewer people, the morning light shines on the red walls and ancient cypresses, creating the most picturesque scenery and avoiding travel group crowds.

Tips: The temple has many stone steps and thresholds; do not step on thresholds. When worshipping, follow the sequence and do not push. Visitors generally report that the foreign-style Buddhist halls (Thai/Myanmar/Indian courtyards) have high photographic value and feel more spacious than expected. Note that walking to the international temple area is relatively long, so save some energy. According to the actual situation, when taking photos, don't just focus on getting good shots—pay attention to your feet and surroundings. Always stand steadily at viewing platforms and along the edges of plank roads.