Luoyang 7-Day Tour: Longtan Grand Canyon & Erlitou Site

Today's water-friendly trip focuses on Liubu Pool and One-Line Sky, experiencing the 'canyon treasure' red rock landscape; rest in the afternoon and check in at night.

Attraction introduction: This stop is at Longtan Grand Canyon, located in Xin'an. It is a canyon famous for its red rock peaks and valleys, and for the phenomenon of water flowing uphill, earning the reputation of 'canyon treasure' and 'natural museum of ancient ocean.' Trails like Liubu Pool and One-Line Sky are very water-friendly, with red rock cliffs and clear turquoise pools complementing each other. It is especially cool in summer and is a family-friendly water destination not far from Luoyang city. The canyon stretches for several kilometers, with waterfalls, deep pools, and unique rocks along the way, every step offering a new view. In my opinion, wearing a pair of anti-slip creek shoes or sports shoes is most suitable, and valuables like mobile phones should be waterproofed; families with children should slow down, choose the more gentle boardwalk sections, and not rush to complete the entire route.

Tips: The canyon trails are near water and cliffs, so do not climb over fences or play in dangerous areas, and keep an eye on children. Visitors generally report that most think Longtan Grand Canyon is worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide, listen to the explanation, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photography spots. Depending on the situation, shoot early or late—early morning has fewer people and soft light, evening golden hour is the best for photos, while noon light is harsh and crowded, so resting at noon is more worthwhile.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Erlitou. Follow the guide along the main route, visiting all the key highlights one by one, leaving ample time for photos and rest. At noon, enjoy a meal featuring local specialties. In the afternoon, continue the in-depth exploration, and in the evening, check into the hotel to rest and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Tourist Spot Introduction: Today's itinerary includes the Erlitou attraction. The Erlitou ruins, located in Luoyang Yanshi, are praised by scholars as the "earliest China." It is a large-scale settlement site from the middle to late Xia Dynasty, where significant artifacts such as turquoise dragon-shaped objects, bronze jues, and bronze ding cauldrons have been unearthed, revealing the appearance of the first capital of the Huaxia civilization. The turquoise dragon-shaped object is made of more than two thousand pieces of turquoise inlay and is acclaimed as the "First Dragon of Huaxia," serving as important evidence of dragon worship in China. The Erlitou Ruins Museum presents an archaeological site experience and is a must-visit for studying the origins of Chinese civilization. In my view, understanding the academic controversies surrounding the "Xia capital" before viewing the exhibits provides a deeper appreciation; the museum's exhibition is thoughtfully curated and worth taking time to explore carefully.

Tips: Many mountain road sections are slippery, especially downhill, so pay attention to shifting your center of gravity back and slow down your steps; wearing a knee brace is recommended. General tourist feedback suggests that most visitors feel Erlitou is worth a special visit. It is advised to slow down, follow the guide's explanation, and reserve time for the details that move you the most and the best photo opportunities. Considering actual conditions, long trips are most at risk of dehydration, so carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently. On the first night at high-altitude or mountainous areas, avoid prolonged hair washing or bathing to give your body time to adjust.

Enter early in the morning, stroll inside the constant-temperature cave to see the stalactite wonders transformed by the lights; free activities in the afternoon, which can include taking additional photos of the vegetation outside the cave, and return in the evening.

Tips: Free activities are suitable for catching up on sleep and leisurely strolling. It is recommended to rest in the morning, explore and eat according to your interests in the afternoon, and not stay out too late in the evening to avoid affecting the next day's itinerary. Visitors generally feedback that most people use their free activity day to sleep in naturally, then explore, eat, and take extra photos, enjoying a relaxed pace. Depending on the actual situation, for good photos, go early or late—the morning is less crowded with soft light, and the evening golden hour is the best for photos. Noon has harsh overhead light and is crowded, so it's better to rest then.

Today's theme is Mount Song. Avoid peak crowds by visiting the park during off-peak hours and follow the recommended route for an in-depth tour; have a nearby local-flavored lunch at noon, then enjoy free activities in the afternoon or join the guide for additional sightseeing. In the evening, check in at the hotel to rest.

Attraction Introduction: One highlight of the itinerary is Mount Song. Mount Song is the Central Mountain among the Five Great Mountains, mainly located in Dengfeng City, divided into Taishi and Shaoshi Mountains, with the main peak, Junji Peak, reaching an elevation of about 1,492 meters. Its most special feature is that Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism have coexisted on the same mountain for a thousand years: Songyang Academy was an important center of Song Dynasty philosophy, and the famous story of 'Standing in the Snow at Cheng’s Gate' is said to have taken place here; Zhongyue Temple is one of the largest and best-preserved temple complexes among the Five Great Mountains; the Guansting Observatory in Gaocheng Town was constructed under the supervision of Guo Shoujing during the Yuan Dynasty and is one of the oldest existing astronomical observation structures. In 2010, the 'Center of Heaven and Earth' historical complex, represented by Songyang Academy, Zhongyue Temple, Songyue Temple Pagoda, Shaolin Temple Permanent Monastery, Pagoda Forest, Chuzu Ancestral Temple, and the Observatory, was inscribed on the World Heritage List. My understanding is that there is no need to see too much on the first day—first visit the academy and Zhongyue Temple to understand the ritual context of the 'Center of Heaven and Earth,' and save your strength for climbing in the following days; if time permits, watching the sunset from the plank road at Sanhuang Village on Shaoshi Mountain in the evening is the most photogenic section of the trip.

Tips: The temperature difference in the mountains is large between morning and evening, and the wind at the top is strong. A windproof jacket and warm inner layer are essential. Visitors generally feedback that most believe Mount Song is worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, listen to the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that touch you most and the most photogenic spots. Considering the actual situation, when taking photos, do not just focus on framing shots; pay attention to your footing and surroundings, and make sure to stand securely at the edges of observation decks and plank roads.