Anyang 6-Day Tour: Erlitou Site & Longmen Grottoes

In the morning, gather and depart for Erlitou. Follow the tour guide along the main route, visiting all the key highlights one by one, leaving ample time for photos and rest. At noon, enjoy a meal of local specialties. In the afternoon, continue exploring in depth. In the evening, check into the hotel to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Erlitou attractions. The Erlitou ruins are located in Luoyang Yanshi and are praised by scholars as 'the earliest China'. It is a large urban site from the middle to late Xia Dynasty, where turquoise dragon-shaped artifacts, bronze jues, bronze ding vessels, and other important items were unearthed, revealing the appearance of the first Chinese royal capital. The turquoise dragon-shaped artifact is made of over two thousand turquoise pieces and is known as 'China's First Dragon', serving as important evidence of dragon worship in China. The Erlitou Ruins Museum presents the site with a sense of on-site archaeology and is an unavoidable stop for studying the origins of Chinese civilization. My understanding is that visiting the museum after first learning about the academic controversies surrounding the 'Xia capital' will lead to a deeper understanding of the exhibits. The museum exhibits are carefully curated and worth taking time to explore.

Warm Tips: The mountain roads are often slippery, especially downhill — be mindful of shifting your weight back and slow your steps; knee pads are recommended. Visitors generally report that most think Erlitou is worth a dedicated trip. It is suggested to slow down, follow the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Depending on the situation, photos are best taken early in the morning or late in the afternoon — the soft light and fewer people in the early morning, and the golden light at sunset are optimal for photography, while noon light is harsh and crowded, making it better to rest then.

Early in the morning, enter Longmen Grottoes, take advantage of fewer people to first visit Binyang Three Caves and Lotus Cave, then ascend Fengxian Temple to pay respects to the Great Buddha; Have lunch nearby, then walk through Dongshan Grottoes and Xiangshan Temple in the afternoon, and take photos by the Yi River at dusk to end a fulfilling day.

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 non-slip, comfortable shoes and travel lightly. Pay attention to your footing along both banks of the Yi River. Visitors generally report that most find the Vairocana Buddha the most breathtaking, and the sunset on the western hills offers the best photos; If you need to walk back along both banks of the Yi River, wear comfortable shoes and allow half a day. Based on actual conditions, dehydration is the worst on long journeys; carry a water bottle and drink water in small amounts frequently; On the first night in plateaus or mountains, don't wash your hair or soak too long, giving your body some room to adjust.

Today's hydrophilic trip focuses on Liubutan and Yixiantian, experiencing the 'top-notch canyon' red rock landscape; rest in the afternoon and check in at night.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is at Longtan Grand Canyon, located in Xin'an. It is a canyon famous for the spectacular red rock peaks and the phenomenon of water flowing uphill, known as the 'top-notch canyon' and the 'natural museum of ancient marine'. Trails like Liubutan and Yixiantian offer strong water-related fun, with red rock cliffs and clear pools complementing each other. It is especially cool in summer and is a family-friendly water destination not far from Luoyang city center. The canyon extends for several kilometers with waterfalls, deep pools, and unusual rocks along the way, offering a new view at every step. My understanding is that wearing a pair of non-slip creek-walking shoes or sports shoes is most suitable, and valuable items like mobile phones should be kept waterproof. Families with children should slow down the pace and choose the gentler boardwalk sections, without rushing to complete the entire route.

Warm Tips: The canyon trails are close to water and cliffs. Do not climb over railings or play in dangerous areas, and keep an eye on children. Visitors generally report that most think Longtan Grand Canyon is worth a special trip. It is advised to slow down, follow the guide for explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Based on actual circumstances, be punctual; gather five to ten minutes early. It is better for people to wait for the vehicle than the vehicle to wait for people; don’t make everyone wait for you.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Sui-Tang Luoyang City. Follow the main route with the guide, visiting each key spot along the way, leaving plenty of time for photos and rest. At noon, enjoy a local specialty meal, then continue exploring in the afternoon. In the evening, check in at the hotel and rest to prepare for the next day's itinerary.

Attractions introduction: This stop is Sui-Tang Luoyang City. The Sui-Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park centers around Yingtian Gate, Mingtang, and Tiantang, restoring the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty "Divine Capital" Luoyang. Yingtian Gate is the main southern gate of Sui-Tang Luoyang City, majestic in scale; climbing the tower offers a view of the central axis, and at night there is a stunning light show. Mingtang was the "Palace of Myriad Phenomena" during Empress Wu Zetian's era, while Tiantang is a high tower for Buddhist rituals. The interiors of both buildings restore the luxurious furnishings of Tang Dynasty palaces. It is also pleasant to stroll along Jiuzhou Pool and imagine the grandeur of the royal gardens in the past. This place is closely associated with TV dramas such as "Wu Zetian" and "Wind Rises Luoyang," making it one of the most popular Tang culture attractions in Luoyang in recent years. My understanding is that it is essential to visit at night—the lights of Yingtian Gate and Mingtang-Tiantang show what the "Divine Capital" truly looks like when illuminated. See the palace furnishings during the day and the light show at night—two experiences in one day.

Tips: Night tours of the ancient capital are abundant. Dress warmly at night and remember the meeting point. Visitors generally feel that Sui-Tang Luoyang City is worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Based on the actual situation, when taking photos, don’t focus only on getting a good shot—pay attention to your surroundings and footing. Make sure to stand steadily on observation decks and trail edges.