Kaifeng 5-Day Tour: Sui-Tang Luoyang City & Erlitou Site

Today, with Sui-Tang Luoyang City as the theme, avoid peak crowds and visit the park during off-peak hours, following the recommended route for an in-depth tour; have lunch nearby enjoying local flavors, then spend the afternoon in free activities or join the guide for additional sightseeing, 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 Yingtian Gate, Mingtang, and Tiantang, restoring the grandeur of the palace complex of the prosperous Tang 'Divine Capital' Luoyang. Yingtian Gate is the main southern gate of Sui-Tang Luoyang City, majestic in scale; climbing the tower allows a view down the central axis, and at night there is a stunning light show. Mingtang was the 'Palace of Myriad Phenomena' during Empress Wu Zetian's era, while Tiantang is a tall tower for Buddhist rituals. The interiors of both buildings recreate the luxurious furnishings of a Tang dynasty court. Strolling by Jiuzhou Pool is also pleasant, evoking the grandeur of the imperial gardens of the time. This location is closely associated with TV dramas such as "Wu Zetian" and "The Wind Rises in Luoyang," making it one of the most popular Tang culture attractions in Luoyang in recent years. My understanding is that it is essential to visit at night—the lights of Yingtian Gate and Mingtang-Tiantang show what the 'Divine Capital' truly looks like when illuminated. See the palace furnishings during the day and enjoy the light show at night for two different experiences in one day.

Tips: Attractions in the ancient capital are spread out, requiring a fair amount of walking and transfers, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended and route planning is advised. Visitors generally report that most people think Sui-Tang Luoyang City is worth a special trip; it's recommended to slow down, follow the guide, and listen to explanations, allowing time for the details that move you most and the best photo opportunities. Based on actual conditions, for the best photos go early or late—early morning has fewer people and soft light, dusk offers golden glow; midday light is harsh, crowded, and flat, so it's better to rest during that time.

Gather in the morning and set off for Erlitou, following the guide along the main route to visit all the key spots, allowing ample time for taking photos and resting; at noon, enjoy local specialty meals, then continue exploring in the afternoon. Arrive at the hotel in the evening to rest and recharge for the next day’s itinerary.

Sightseeing introduction: Today’s itinerary includes Erlitou attractions. The Erlitou site is located in Luoyang Yanshi and is acclaimed by academia as "the earliest China." It is a large city site from the middle and late Xia Dynasty, where turquoise dragon-shaped artifacts, bronze jues, bronze dings, and other significant items have been unearthed, revealing the face of the first royal capital of Huaxia. The turquoise dragon-shaped artifact is inlaid with over two thousand pieces of turquoise and is praised as "the first dragon of Huaxia," serving as important evidence of dragon worship in China. The Erlitou Site Museum presents the archaeological site in an immersive way and is an unavoidable stop for studying the origins of Chinese civilization. My understanding is that visiting the museum with some background knowledge about the academic debates on the "Xia capital" before viewing the exhibits will provide a deeper understanding; the exhibits in the museum are carefully curated and worth taking time to observe.

Tips: There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains, and windy conditions at the summit make a windproof jacket and warm layers necessary. Tourists generally report that most consider Erlitou worth a special visit; it is recommended to slow down, follow the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo opportunities. Based on actual conditions, dehydration is the biggest concern on long trips, so carry a water cup and drink small amounts frequently; on the first night at high altitude or in mountainous areas, avoid washing your hair or bathing for too long to give your body some time to adjust.

Start early at Longmen Grottoes, take advantage of fewer people to first visit Binyang Three Caves and Lotus Cave, then climb Fengxian Temple to pay respects to the Great Buddha; have a nearby lunch at noon, in the afternoon visit Dongshan Grottoes and Xiangshan Temple, and at sunset take photos by the Yi River, ending a fulfilling day.

Attraction Introduction: A major highlight in the itinerary is Longmen Grottoes. Longmen Grottoes was carved on the cliff faces along the Yi River south of Luoyang city. Construction continued since Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang, spanning multiple dynasties including Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang. Currently, there are over 2,300 cave shrines, more than 100,000 statues, and over 2,800 inscribed steles. The most impressive is the Leshan Giant Buddha at Fengxian Temple, which is over seventeen meters tall, with a full face and compassionate eyes, said to be modeled after Empress Wu Zetian, representing the peak of Tang dynasty stone carving art. Along with Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Datong Yungang, it is considered one of China's three major grottoes and also a World Cultural Heritage site. During the visit, start from the West Mountain Grottoes along the Yi River path heading south; Binyang Three Caves, Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, and Lotus Cave each offer unique highlights. Cross the bridge to Dongshan Lifo Tai to overlook the entire view. My understanding is: in the morning, first visit the main caves of West Mountain and, while there are fewer people, carefully appreciate the Great Buddha; in the afternoon, go to Dongshan to view from the terrace, the light and angles are best for photos; walking along both sides of the Yi River requires retracing your steps, so a comfortable pair of shoes will save a lot of effort.

Tips: Many grottoes are built on cliffs; keep a distance from the cliff walls and hold onto railings, and take care of the elderly and children. Tourists generally feedback that most find the Leshan Giant Buddha the most impressive, the light for photos is best at West Mountain at sunset; walking along both sides of the Yi River requires retracing your steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended and allow at least half a day. Based on actual conditions, be conscious of time, arrive five to ten minutes early for gatherings—better for people to wait for the vehicle than vehicle for people, don't make everyone wait for you.