Luoyang 8-Day Tour: Longtan Grand Canyon & Erlitou Site

Morning tour, walk along Liubutan and Yixiantian trails by the water, and see the marvels of the Red Rock Ravine and water flowing uphill; have a simple meal at the scenic area at noon, continue exploring in the afternoon, and return in the evening.

Scenic spot introduction: This stop is at Longtan Grand Canyon. Longtan Grand Canyon is located in Xin’an and is a canyon famous for wonders like the Red Rock Ravine and water flowing uphill, earning the titles of 'Canyon Gem' and 'Natural Museum of the Ancient Ocean.' Trails like Liubutan and Yixiantian offer strong water-oriented fun, with red rock cliffs reflecting against clear blue pools. It is especially cool in summer and is a family-friendly water destination not far from Luoyang city center. The canyon stretches several kilometers, with waterfalls, deep pools, and strange rocks along the way, each step revealing a new scene. In my view, the most suitable footwear is a pair of anti-slip creek shoes or sports shoes, and valuables like mobile phones should be waterproofed. Families with children should slow down, choose the gentle walkway sections, and not rush to complete the entire trail.

Tips: Signal inside the canyon may be poor, so agree on a meeting point with the guide in advance and do not go alone. Visitors generally feedback that most think Longtan Grand Canyon is worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, listen to the guide's explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Depending on the actual situation, to eat authentically, go deeper into the alleys. The lines at the scenic area's main entrance are long, and the taste is average. For specialty products, ask for prices first and compare; local supermarkets often carry more authentic goods.

Setting off early from the hotel straight to Erlitou, first listen to the guide explain the background and highlights, then freely stroll at a leisurely pace and take extra photos of spots that interest you; after lunch, take a short rest, and return to the hotel in the evening to conserve energy for the next day.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes a visit to Erlitou. The Erlitou ruins are located in Luoyang Yanshi and are praised by scholars as 'the earliest China.' It is a large capital city site from the middle to late Xia Dynasty, and artifacts such as turquoise dragon-shaped objects, bronze jue, and bronze ding have been unearthed, revealing the appearance of the first royal capital of Hua Xia. The turquoise dragon-shaped object is made of more than two thousand turquoise pieces and is hailed as the 'First Dragon of Hua Xia,' serving as important evidence of dragon worship in China. The Erlitou Ruins Museum presents the archaeology with a sense of being on-site and is an indispensable stop for researching the origins of Chinese civilization. My understanding is that visiting with prior knowledge of the academic debates surrounding the 'Capital of Xia' and then viewing the exhibits will provide a deeper understanding; the museum's exhibition is carefully arranged and worth taking time to appreciate slowly.

Tips: The mountain trail has many steps and steep slopes; be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with mobility issues are advised to take the cable car up and down. Visitors generally report that most believe Erlitou is worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, listen to the guide, and leave time for the details that touch you most and the best photo spots. Considering the actual situation, manage your energy with reserve: tackle the main attractions when your energy is high in the morning, slow down in the afternoon, and don't exhaust yourself on the first day, or you won’t have energy for the following days.

Today's deep tour: After taking the cable car up the mountain, focus on the Golden Summit, Ten-Mile Painted Screen, and the Glass Viewing Platform, and follow the guide to learn about Taoist culture and the geology of the Funiu Mountains. In the afternoon, descend the mountain to rest and recharge for the next day.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights of the itinerary is the Golden Summit, located in Luanchuan County. It is the main peak of the Funiu Mountains and a famous Taoist mountain, traditionally known as the place where Laozi, the founder of Taoism, retreated for cultivation. The Golden Summit Taoist temple complex stands atop a peak over two thousand meters above sea level, with golden roofs, red walls, and rolling sea of clouds, earning the reputation of "a remarkable feast on earth, a glimpse of the world's grandeur." The Ten-Mile Painted Screen is the essence of the entire route—a high-altitude plank road suspended along a cliff, offering constantly changing views of the peak forest, sea of clouds, and sunrise. You can take a two-stage cable car up the mountain; on clear days, you can watch the cloud sea sunrise from the summit, and in winter, it is a very popular place in Central China to enjoy the snow. My understanding is that it is essential to take the cable car early to secure the best lighting for the Golden Summit and Ten-Mile Painted Screen. The wind at the top is strong and temperatures are low, so a windproof jacket and thermos are standard; if you are afraid of heights, don't force yourself onto the glass viewing platform.

Tips: The mountain area has a large temperature difference between morning and evening, and it is windy at the summit, so a windproof jacket and warm inner layers are very necessary. Visitors generally agree that the cloud sea and sunrise at the Golden Summit are the main highlights, and many people even stay on the mountain overnight to catch the dawn. Be reminded that temperature differences are significant, and queues for the cable car can be long, so during peak season, it is advisable to start early. Respect local customs according to the actual situation, dress appropriately when entering religious sites, and avoid pointing around casually; a simple greeting can be returned with kindness.

Arrive in the morning, walk through the street market restored according to 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival,' watch folk performances and situational dramas; have Bianliang snacks at noon, and in the afternoon continue touring the garden or enjoy a night tour on the Song Capital Imperial River to experience the prosperity of Northern Song Bianjing.

Attraction Introduction: A highlight arranged in the itinerary is Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is located at Kaifeng, a Song culture theme park built based on Zhang Zeduan's 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' of the Northern Song. The Rainbow Bridge, Bian River, street market, and taverns in the painting are recreated, reproducing the bustling scenes of Tokyo Bianliang. The park offers live performances and folk parades all day; the most famous is the night water live show 'The Great Song: Dreams of Tokyo,' which uses light and shadow to recreate the grandeur of the Northern Song capital. During the day, visitors can see immersive folk performances such as the opening ceremony, Judge Bao welcoming guests, and Mr. Wang seeking a marriage. This place is also a paradise for Hanfu enthusiasts; wearing a Song-style Hanfu and walking between Rainbow Bridge and the Bian River makes for a beautiful ancient-style photo. My understanding is that upon entering the park, you should first get the performance schedule, plan the must-see shows and night sessions, and then stroll and eat at your leisure. Touring the market during the day gives the most immersive experience, while the night performance is a visual and auditory feast, worth watching if the budget allows.

Tips: When visiting the park with children, pay attention to the risk of getting separated; agree on meeting points in advance and prepare contact cards for your children. Visitors generally feel that touring the market during the day is the most immersive, while the night show 'The Great Song: Dreams of Tokyo' receives mixed reviews; note that performance tickets are relatively expensive, so plan according to your budget. Depending on the actual situation, guided tours help avoid a rushed visit; listening to explanations is the essence. The cultural stories behind each attraction are often more memorable than the photos, so ask the guide on the spot if there is anything you don't understand.