Luoyang 6-Day Tour: Longmen Grottoes & Chongdu Valley

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

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights arranged in the itinerary is Longmen Grottoes. Longmen Grottoes was carved on the cliff walls along both banks of the Yi River in the south of Luoyang city. Construction continued after Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang, spanning multiple dynasties including the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang. Currently, there are over 2,300 niches, more than 100,000 statues, and over 2,800 engraved inscriptions. The most stunning feature is the Vairocana Buddha of Fengxian Temple, with a total height of over 17 meters, a full-faced appearance, and kind eyes, said to be carved in the likeness of Empress Wu Zetian; it represents the pinnacle of High Tang stone carving art. Alongside the Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Datong Yungang Grottoes, it is recognized as one of China’s three major grottoes and is also a World Cultural Heritage site. When visiting, walk south along the Yi River trail from the West Mountain Grotto. Binyang Three Caves, Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave, and Lotus Cave each have their highlights. Crossing the bridge to the East Mountain Viewing Platform, you can overlook the entire view. My suggestion is to see the main West Mountain cave in the morning to appreciate the Buddha while there are fewer people, and in the afternoon go to the East Mountain platform for distant views—the light and angle are best for photos; as you need to walk back along both banks of the Yi River, a pair of comfortable shoes will save a lot of effort.

Tips: Since many caves are built near cliffs, keep a distance from the cliff and hold onto railings when viewing, and take care of the elderly and children. Most visitors find the Vairocana Buddha the most impressive, the sunset light at West Mountain is the best for photos; as you need to walk back along both banks of the Yi River, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and reserve half a day. Depending on the situation, it’s best to take photos in the early morning or late afternoon—fewer people and soft light in the morning, golden glow at dusk are ideal, while noon light is harsh and crowded, so it’s more worthwhile to rest then.

Morning: Take a walk along the Jinji River and Dicui River to see bamboo forests and flying waterfalls; at noon, try wild vegetable farmhouse meals; in the afternoon, stroll through villages in western Henan, enjoying the cooling atmosphere of a Jiangnan-style water town.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is Chongdugou, located in Luanchuan. Chongdugou is famous for its ten-thousand-acre bamboo forests, flying waterfalls, flowing springs, and western Henan farming scenery, making it a rare Jiangnan-style summer retreat in Henan. The scenic area is divided into the Jinji River and Dicui River areas. Jinji River is known for its waterfalls, with splashing water and refreshing coolness; Dicui River is lined with continuous bamboo forests, and strolling through them is a feast of green. Here, you can stay at a farmhouse, try wild vegetables, and experience authentic life in a western Henan mountain village. The pace is slow, making it especially suitable for parent-child leisure trips and summer vacations. My understanding is to slow down and not rush to see attractions—walking in the bamboo forest and sitting by the stream is the proper way to enjoy Chongdugou; visiting in summer is the most comfortable, with refreshing coolness that makes you reluctant to leave.

Tips: The canyon water paths are slippery, so be sure to wear non-slip hiking or sports shoes, and keep mobile phones and other valuables waterproof. Visitors generally feel that most of them think Chongdugou is worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, listen to the tour guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that touch you most and the best photo spots. Based on actual conditions, the greatest risk on long trips is dehydration—carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently; on the first night at a plateau or mountainous area, do not wash your hair or take long showers, giving your body some time to adapt.

Early in the morning, climb Yu Huang Peak to watch the sea of clouds at sunrise, then visit the Nine Dragons Waterfall; in the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the forest trails, enjoy the cool in summer and the red leaves in autumn, then return in the evening.

Attractions introduction: This stop brings you to Baiyun Mountain, located in the heart of the Funiu Mountains in Song County. Yu Huang Peak offers views of the sea of clouds at sunrise. With high forest coverage and abundant negative ions, it is a natural 'big oxygen bar.' Within the scenic area, the Nine Dragons Waterfall and the alpine peony garden each have their own charm. It's a rare high-mountain resort area suitable for escaping the heat in summer and enjoying red leaves in autumn. Cable cars or scenic shuttle buses can connect different spots. The mountaintop offers broad views surrounded by mist, like a fairyland. In my understanding, visiting in summer to escape the heat is the most worthwhile, as the cool mountain air contrasts sharply with the city’s sweltering heat. Waking up early to climb Yu Huang Peak for the sea of clouds at sunrise requires a bit of luck, but even if you don't see the sunrise, the mountain scenery in the morning mist is beautiful enough.

Tips: The temperature difference in the mountains between morning and evening is large, and the wind at the top is strong, so a windproof jacket and warm base layers are essential. Visitors generally comment that most believe Baiyun Mountain is worth making a special trip for. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide for explanations, and leave time for the details that move you the most and the best photo spots. Depending on the actual situation, 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 one person, so as not to hold everyone back.