Luoyang 7-Day Tour: Longtan Grand Canyon & Longmen Grottoes

Today's hydrophilic journey focuses on Liubu Pool and Yixian Tian, experiencing the 'canyon gem' red rock landscape; afternoon rest, evening check-in.

Attraction Introduction: This stop brings us to Longtan Grand Canyon, located in Xin'an. It is a canyon famous for its red rock ridges and valleys, and the phenomenon of water flowing uphill, earning it the reputation of 'canyon gem' and 'natural museum of the ancient ocean.' Trails like Liubu Pool and Yixian Tian offer strong water-friendly fun, with red rock cliffs and clear turquoise pools complementing each other. Especially in summer, it is a cool destination not far from Luoyang city, ideal for families. The canyon stretches for several kilometers, with waterfalls, deep pools, and unusual stones along the way, offering a new scene at every step. In my opinion, wearing a pair of non-slip water trekking shoes or sports shoes is most suitable, and valuables like your phone should be protected from water. Families with children should slow down their pace, choose the gentle boardwalk sections, and not rush to complete the entire route.

Tips: Canyon trails are adjacent to water and cliffs; do not climb over railings or play in dangerous areas, and keep a close watch on accompanying 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. According to the actual situation, when taking photos, don’t focus solely on getting a good shot; pay attention to your feet and surrounding environment, and make sure to hold steady on viewpoint platforms and boardwalk edges.

In the morning, head to Longmen Grottoes, walk along the Yi River trail from the Western Hills Grottos to take a close look at the Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Temple, then cross the bridge to the Eastern Hills Worship Platform to enjoy the panoramic view; at noon, taste Luoyang water banquet, in the afternoon visit Xiangshan Temple and Baiyuan, and return to the hotel in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights arranged in the itinerary is Longmen Grottoes. Longmen Grottoes was carved on the cliffs along both sides of the Yi River south of Luoyang city, and construction continued from the time 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 more than 2,300 grottoes, over 100,000 statues, and more than 2,800 stone inscriptions and epitaphs preserved. The most breathtaking is the Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Temple, over seventeen meters tall, with a full face and compassionate eyes, said to be modeled on Empress Wu Zetian’s appearance, representing the pinnacle of Tang Dynasty stone carving art. Together with the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang Mogao Caves and the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, it is known as one of China’s three major grottoes and is also a World Cultural Heritage site. When visiting, walk south from the Western Hills Grottos along the Yi River trail; Bin Yang Three Caves, Wanfo Cave, and Lianhua Cave each have points of interest. After crossing the bridge to the Eastern Hills Worship Platform, you can overlook the full panoramic view. My suggestion is to see the main caves on the Western Hills in the morning when it's less crowded to appreciate the Buddha closely, and spend the afternoon at the Eastern Hills platform for a distant view with the best light and angles; keep in mind that walking along both sides of the Yi River requires retracing your steps, so a comfortable pair of shoes can save a lot of energy.

Tips: The grottoes are mostly built on cliffs, so maintain a distance from the cliff and hold the railings while sightseeing, and take care of elderly and children. Visitors generally report that most find the Vairocana Buddha the most impressive, with the sunset on the Western Hills offering the best light for photos; walking along both sides of the Yi River requires retracing your steps, so comfortable shoes and half a day are recommended. Depending on the situation, the best times for photos are early morning or late afternoon—early morning offers few people and soft light, dusk has golden glow and is ideal for photos, while noon light is harsh and crowded, better to rest at that time.

Arrive early in the morning, take advantage of the morning light to quietly stroll among the red walls and cypress trees, focusing on the Qiyun Tower and the two exotic Buddhist halls; enjoy free activities in the afternoon, and you can retake photos along the central axis, then return to the hotel in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights arranged in the itinerary is [0]. [0] is located in the east of [1] city, originally built during the Yongping period 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 "China's First Ancient Temple," being the first state-built temple constructed after Buddhism was introduced to China. Within the temple, the Qiyun Tower 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 amid the red walls and cypress trees. Notably, the temple also features Buddhist halls of exotic styles 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 hall along the central axis, then circle to the Qiyun Tower courtyard, and finally go to the side halls of exotic style to experience the cultural blend. Visiting in the early morning when fewer people are around, the morning sunlight on the red walls and ancient cypress trees is the most poetic and also allows you to avoid the peak of tour groups.

Warm Tips: Please maintain quiet and dress neatly when entering the temple. Generally, photography is not allowed inside the halls, and ritual instruments should not be touched; donations are welcome. Visitors generally report that the exotic-style halls (Thai/Burmese/Indian courtyards) are highly photogenic and more spacious than expected. Be reminded that the international temple area requires a fair amount of walking, so save some energy. Considering practical circumstances, during long trips, dehydration is the biggest concern, so carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently; on the first night at highlands or mountainous areas, avoid washing your hair or bathing for too long to give your body time to adjust.

Today's time-travel journey follows the guide to understand 'Dreams of Splendor in Tokyo,' focusing on the live water performance and folk parade; return trip in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden. Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is located in Kaifeng and is a Song Dynasty culture theme park built based on Zhang Zeduan's 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival.' The park reproduces the Rainbow Bridge, Bian River, streets, and taverns from the painting, recreating the bustling scenes of Tokyo Bianliang. There are live performances and folk parades throughout the day, with the most famous being the nighttime water show 'Great Song: Dreams of Splendor in Tokyo,' which uses light and shadow to recreate the grandeur of the Northern Song capital. During the day, visitors can watch immersive folk performances such as the park opening ceremony, Judge Bao welcoming guests, and Mr. Wang’s marriage proposal. This is also a paradise for hanfu enthusiasts; wearing Song-style hanfu while walking along Rainbow Bridge and the Bian River makes for perfect ancient-style photos. My understanding is that upon entering the park, first get the performance schedule, plan must-see shows and the night show, then explore and eat spontaneously. Daytime visits to the marketplace provide the most immersive experience, while the night show is an audiovisual feast worth seeing if your budget allows.

Tips: Food and drinks in the park are relatively expensive, so consider bringing water and snacks, and take care of your personal belongings. Visitors generally feel that exploring the marketplace during the day is the most immersive, while opinions on the night show 'Great Song: Dreams of Splendor in Tokyo' are mixed. Note that performance tickets are relatively pricey, so prioritize according to your budget. Based on actual conditions, time management is important; arrive five to ten minutes early for gatherings. It's better for the group to wait for you than for you to wait for the group—don't make everyone wait for you.