Jiaozuo 7-Day Tour: Erlitou Site & Sui-Tang Luoyang City

Gather and depart for Erlitou in the morning, follow the guide along the main route, visit the highlights one by one, and allow enough time for photos and rest; Enjoy local specialties at noon, continue deeper in the afternoon, check into the hotel in the evening, and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction introduction: Today's itinerary includes Erlitou attractions. The Erlitou site is located in Luoyang Yanshi, praised by scholars as the "Earliest China." It is a large capital site from the mid to late Xia Dynasty, unearthing turquoise dragon-shaped artifacts, bronze jue, bronze tripods, and other heavy artifacts, revealing the appearance of China's first royal capital. The turquoise dragon-shaped artifact is made from over 2,000 turquoise fragments inlaid and is known as "China's First Dragon," serving as important evidence of Chinese dragon worship. Erlitou The site museum presents the site with an archaeological sense and is an unmissable stop for studying the origins of Chinese civilization. My understanding is that before visiting, one should first understand the academic controversy surrounding the "Xia Capital," then look at the exhibits for a deeper understanding; The museum's exhibits are carefully crafted and worth taking your time.

Friendly reminder: The mountain area has large temperature differences between morning and evening, and the wind at the summit is strong. A windproof jacket and warm inner layer are very necessary. Visitors generally report that Erlitou is worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down and follow the guide to listen to the explanations, saving time for the most impressive details and the most photogenic camera spots. Depending on the situation, shoot early or late—the morning is quiet and the evening is the most photogenic; the noon peak is cramped and flat, so it's more cost-effective to rest.

Set off from the hotel early in the morning and head straight to Sui-Tang Luoyang City. First, listen to the guide's explanation of the background and highlights, then enjoy a leisurely tour and take additional camera photos based on your interests; After lunch, take a short rest, then return to the hotel in the evening to recharge for the next day.

Attraction introduction: This stop is Sui-Tang Luoyang City. Sui-Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park centers around Yingtian Gate, Ming Hall, and Tiantang, recreating the grandeur of the grand palaces of the flourishing Tang Dynasty's "Divine Capital"Luoyang. Yingtian Gate is the south gate of Sui-Tang Luoyang City, grand and imposing. Climbing the tower overlooks the central axis and features a stunning light show at night; Ming Hall is the "Palace of Myriad Phenomena" from Empress Wu Zetian's era, while Tiantang is a tall pagoda for worshipping Buddha. Both buildings recreate the magnificent decorations of the flourishing Tang court. Strolling along Jiuzhou Pool is also a great way to imagine the grandeur of the imperial gardens of the past. This place is closely linked to TV dramas such as "Wu Zetian" and "The Wind RisesLuoyang," making it one of the most popular Tang culture check-in spots in recent years. My understanding is that you must tour at night—when the city lights come on, the lights of Yingtian Gate and Mingtang Heaven are what the 'Divine Capital' should look like; By day, you can admire the palace decorations; at night, watch the light show—two experiences in one day.

Friendly reminder: There are many options for night tours in the ancient capital. When traveling at night, remember to keep warm and remember the meeting point. Visitors generally report that most think Sui-Tang Luoyang City is worth a special trip. It's recommended to slow down and follow the guide to listen to the explanations, saving time for the most impressive details and the best camera angles. Based on actual conditions, the biggest concern on long trips is dehydration: carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently; On the first night in plateaus or mountains, don't wash your hair or take too long to allow your body some room to adjust.

Today's tour is Longmen Grottoes, so it's recommended to allow half a day: the main cave of Xishan Mountain, the Dongshan Grandstand, and Xiangshan Temple White Garden — a line connecting to understand the stories behind the stone carvings of the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties; Return in the evening to rest.

Attraction introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Longmen Grottoes, carved into the cliffs on both banks of the Yi River south of Luoyang city. Since Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang, construction has continued through Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, Tang, and other dynasties. There are over 2,300 cave niches, over 100,000 statues, and more than 2,800 inscriptions and inscriptions preserved. The most impressive is the Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple, standing over 17 meters tall, with a plump face and benevolent eyes. Legend has it that it was carved after Wu Zetian's likeness, marking the pinnacle of Tang dynasty stone carving art. Along with Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Datong Yungang, it is one of China's three great grottoes and a World Cultural Heritage site. When touring, head south along the Yi River trail from the Xishan Grottoes, where Binyang Three Caves, Ten Thousand Buddha Caves, and Lotus Cave each have highlights. Cross the bridge to the Dongshan Buddha Worship Platform for a panoramic view. My understanding is that in the morning, first visit the main cave of Xishan and admire the Big Buddha while there are fewer people; in the afternoon, go to the Dongshan Viewing Platform for the best lighting and angle; If you need to walk backward along both banks of the Yi River, a pair of comfortable shoes can save you a lot of effort.

Friendly reminder: Visiting the grottoes mainly involves walking and stairs. It is recommended to wear comfortable non-slip shoes and travel lightly. Watch your footing along both banks of the Yi River. Visitors generally report that most find the Vairocana Buddha the most breathtaking, and the best sunlight at sunset on the western hills; If you need to walk back along both banks of the Yi River, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and allow half a day. Based on actual conditions, be punctual. Gather five to ten minutes early. Better to wait for the bus than for the car; don't make everyone wait for you.