Kaifeng 3-Day Tour: Baiyun Mountain & Longmen Grottoes

Early in the morning, climb Baiyun Mountain, first go up to Yuhuang Peak to watch the sea of clouds and sunrise, then visit Jiulong Waterfall; in the afternoon, stroll along the forest trails—summer for escaping the heat, autumn for enjoying the red leaves, and return in the evening. If bringing children, visit the park during off-peak hours, bring some snacks and water, prioritize interactive and hands-on activities, and keep the schedule light.

Attraction Introduction: When arriving at Baiyun Mountain, Baiyun Mountain is located in the Funiu Mountains of Song County. Yuhuang Peak offers views of the sea of clouds and sunrise, the forest coverage is high and the air is refreshing, and both Jiulong Waterfall and the Alpine Peony Garden have their own unique characteristics. Summer is ideal for escaping the heat, and autumn is perfect for enjoying red leaves. It is one of the few high-altitude resort-style scenic spots in Henan.

Tips: There are many mountain and stair paths, large temperature differences between morning and evening, and many steps, so it is recommended to bring a jacket and wear non-slip shoes, and slow down on the steps; remember to carry your ID, follow the tour guide, and keep the gathering information in mind. Many visitors say that Baiyun Mountain is more worth staying at than expected; follow the guide for insights and leave time to take great photos. Practically speaking, Baiyun Mountain has a high altitude and good forest coverage, with the best experiences being sunrise over the sea of clouds and autumn red leaves, so bring windproof and warm clothing.

Today's tour is at Longmen Grottoes, and it is recommended to set aside half a day: connecting West Mountain Main Cave, East Mountain Viewing Platform, and Xiangshan Temple White Garden in a line. Follow the guide to understand the stories of the Northern Wei and High Tang behind the stone carvings; return in the evening to rest. Bring an audio guide or stay close to the tour guide, as the details of Longmen Grottoes are extensive, and you will gain more by listening as you walk.

Attraction Introduction: This itinerary includes a stop at Longmen Grottoes. Longmen Grottoes was carved into the cliffs on both sides of the Yi River, with more than two thousand existing niches and over a hundred thousand statues. The Luoyang Buddha at Fengxian Temple is the most breathtaking. Alongside Dunhuang and Yungang, it is considered one of the three major grottoes and represents the peak of stone carving art from the Northern Wei to the High Tang. It is recommended to reserve half a day to appreciate it attentively, with Fengxian Temple Luoyang Buddha, Binyang Three Caves, and Lotus Cave being the most worth examining.

Tips: Overall walking intensity is moderately high, so choose comfortable and breathable shoes to save effort. Bring a light jacket according to the weather, and always carry valid ID and follow the guide; don’t forget the meeting times and places. Based on experience, to eat authentic food, you often need to go a bit further in; if unsure, try a small portion first instead of stocking up too much at once. Practically speaking, the night tour of the Longmen Light Show incurs an additional fee and requires a separate reservation. If you want to see the night view, please book tickets in advance through official channels.

In the morning, tour White Horse Temple, from the mountain gate and Hall of Heavenly Kings to the Great Buddha Hall, take a closer look along the central axis, then visit the Qiyun Pagoda courtyard; At noon, try Luoyang local cuisine; in the afternoon, visit Burmese and Indian-style Buddhist halls to experience the exotic charm of the thousand-year-old temple. It is recommended to first see the permanent exhibition or main hall, then explore the special sections. The essence of White Horse Temple is concentrated, so don't overdo it.

Attraction introduction: This journey leads to White Horse Temple,White Horse Temple east of Luoyang city, originally built during the Eastern Han Dynasty and honored as "China's Number One Ancient Temple." It is the first government-run temple after Buddhism was introduced to the Central Plains. Qiyun Pagoda, Burmese-style Buddha Hall, and Indian-style Buddha Hall each have exotic charm. Among the red walls and green cypresses, you can quietly experience two thousand years of incense offerings. Among them, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Great Buddha Hall, and the Qiyun Pagoda Courtyard are especially worth a closer look.

Friendly reminder: There is a lot of walking along the route, so comfortable shoes are crucial. Also, bring a light jacket according to the weather; Please carry valid identification with you, follow the guide, and don't forget the meeting time and place. Based on past experience, the cable car and scenic shuttle bus lines tend to get crowded the most; If you can get up early, get up early—one hour earlier means less than half an hour of waiting. Common sense suggests that there are many halls inside the temple, so wear comfortable shoes; Respect religious etiquette; please do not make noise or take photos inside the hall.