Luoyang 3-Day Tour: Longmen Grottoes & Chongdu Valley

Today's visit is to Longmen Grottoes. It's recommended to reserve at least half a day: the main cave of the West Mountain, the viewing platform of the East Mountain, and a line connecting Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden. Follow the guide to understand the stories behind the stone carvings from the Northern Wei and High Tang periods. Return in the evening to rest and recover.

Attraction introduction: One of the highlights arranged in the itinerary is Longmen Grottoes. Longmen Grottoes was carved on the cliffs along both banks of the Yi River south of Luoyang city. Construction continued from the time of Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei when the capital moved to Luoyang, spanning multiple dynasties including Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang. Currently, there are over 2,300 cave niches, more than 100,000 statues, and over 2,800 engraved inscriptions. The most striking is the Vairocana Buddha of Fengxian Temple, standing more than seventeen meters tall, with a full face and compassionate eyes, said to be modeled after Wu Zetian's appearance, representing the pinnacle of High Tang stone carving art. Together with the Dunhuang Mogao Caves and 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, follow the Yi River trail from the West Mountain Grottoes southward; Binyang Three Caves, Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, and Lotus Cave each have their highlights. Cross the bridge to the East Mountain worship platform for an overall view. I recommend seeing the main cave of the West Mountain in the morning when there are fewer people to appreciate the large Buddha closely. In the afternoon, go to the East Mountain platform to look into the distance; the light and angles are best for photos then. Walking along both banks of the Yi River requires retracing your steps, so a comfortable pair of shoes can save a lot of energy.

Tips: The grotto area has strong UV rays, so bring a sun hat and sunscreen on sunny days. The visit route is long, so remember to stay hydrated. Visitors generally report that most people find the Vairocana Buddha the most impressive, and the West Mountain at sunset provides the best lighting for photos. Walking along both banks of the Yi River requires retracing your steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended, and allow at least half a day. Considering the actual situation, joining a tour group can often feel rushed; listening to the guide is the essence. The cultural stories behind each attraction are often more memorable than photos. If you don’t understand something, ask the guide on the spot.

In the morning, take a tour along the Jinji River and Dicuì River to see bamboo forests and waterfalls; at noon, try local mountain vegetables and farmhouse meals; in the afternoon, stroll through villages in western Henan and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere reminiscent of Jiangnan's water towns.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is at Chongdugou, located in Luanchuan. With tens of thousands of acres of bamboo forest, cascading waterfalls, flowing streams, and western Henan farming scenery, it is one of the few 'Jiangnan water town' style summer resorts in Henan. The scenic area is divided into two parts: Jinji River and Dicuì River. Jinji River is famous for its cluster of waterfalls, splashing water, and cool, pleasant atmosphere; Dicuì River features continuous bamboo forests, filling the eyes with greenery while strolling. Here, you can stay in a farmhouse, try mountain vegetable dishes, and experience authentic life in a western Henan mountain village. The pace is leisurely, making it especially suitable for parent-child slow 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, so refreshing that you won't want to leave.

Tips: Signal may be poor in the canyon, so arrange meeting points with your guide in advance and avoid acting alone. Tourists generally report that most consider Chongdugou worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide's explanations, and leave time for the details that move you the most and the best photo spots. Depending on the situation, if you want authentic food, head deeper into the alleys, as the queues at the main entrance serve average-tasting dishes; always ask prices first when buying local specialties and compare, as local supermarkets are often more reliable.

Transfer to the station/airport per your departure, ending a pleasant journey.

Friendly tips: Pack the night before and keep ID, power bank and souvenirs together; allow extra time for the station/airport; bring your ID and stay with your guide, noting the meeting time and place. Traveler feedback — Return-day travelers remind: pack ID and souvenirs the night before; allow extra time. Practical note — Return-day tip: pack ID, power bank and souvenirs the night before; allow extra time—mountain roads are unpredictable.