2 Days Private Xi'an to Luoyang Tour: Explore Iconic Shaolin Temple & Majestic Longmen Grottoes by Train

Day 1

After a restful night, you'll set off in the morning on a bullet train journey from Xi'an to Luoyang, which takes around 1.5 hours. Upon arrival at Luoyang Longmen Station, our local tour guide will be waiting for you at the exit, holding a welcome sign reading “Your Way Holiday,” ready to ensure a seamless transition into your Luoyang adventure. From this moment, your exploration of Luoyang begins, with your guide providing insightful commentary and your driver ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride to each destination. Should you require private transfer services from your hotel in Xi'an to the train station, we are more than happy to arrange this for you, ensuring every aspect of your journey is taken care of with the utmost attention to detail.

Your first stop in Luoyang is the historic White Horse Temple, recognized as the earliest Buddhist temple in China. Established in 68 AD during the reign of Emperor Ming in the Eastern Han Dynasty, this revered site lies just outside the ancient capital's walls, to the east of present-day Luoyang in Henan Province. Often referred to as "the cradle of Chinese Buddhism," the temple holds significant cultural and religious importance. The serene Manghan Mountain rises to the south, with the Lucoche River flowing nearby, adding to the temple's tranquil and spiritual atmosphere.

After your visit to White Horse Temple, you’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, where you’ll have the opportunity to savor authentic regional cuisine. Our tour guide will offer excellent recommendations based on your preferences, whether you’re in the mood for traditional Luoyang specialties or popular Chinese dishes. From flavorful stir-fries to delicate dumplings, your guide will ensure that your meal is both satisfying and memorable. Don’t hesitate to share any dietary requests or specific tastes with your guide to tailor the dining experience to your liking.

Next, you'll head to the renowned Shaolin Temple, nestled in the scenic Dengfeng County of Luoyang. Established over 1,500 years ago by Fang Lu-Hao, this iconic temple stands as the spiritual heart of the Shaolin school of Buddhism. As you explore the grounds, you'll discover why the Shaolin Monastery, along with its intriguing Pagoda Forest, has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list under the "Historic Monuments of Dengfeng." Rich in history and spiritual significance, the temple continues to be a major center for Chan (Zen) Buddhism, drawing visitors from around the globe.

After completing your visit to the Shaolin Temple, your guide and driver will be ready to ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer to your hotel in Luoyang. They’ll assist you with your belongings and make sure you’re settled in comfortably. Along the way, your guide will share more about Luoyang's rich history and offer suggestions for your evening, ensuring that you continue to have a memorable experience. Should you have any requests or need additional assistance, feel free to ask—our team is here to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Day 2

After breakfast, our guide will meet you at your hotel lobby to begin your day of exploration. Your first stop will be the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, renowned as some of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art. This extraordinary site houses tens of thousands of statues of Buddha and his disciples, with over 100,000 statues spread across 2,345 caves. These statues range in size from just 1 inch (25 mm) to an impressive 57 feet (17 m) in height. In addition to the statues, the area features nearly 2,500 stelae and inscriptions, earning it the name "Forest of Ancient Stelae," as well as over sixty Buddhist pagodas. The grottoes are set in a picturesque natural environment, carved into a 1-kilometer (0.62 mi) stretch of cliff along both banks of the river, making it a truly awe-inspiring site to visit.

Beginning with the Northern Wei Dynasty in 493 AD, the Longmen Grottoes were enriched by contributions from emperors, including Wu Zetian of the Second Zhou Dynasty, as well as members of the royal family, affluent families, generals, and various religious groups. This monumental site is celebrated as "an outstanding manifestation of human artistic creativity" due to its unparalleled artistic perfection and its embodiment of Tang China's cultural sophistication. Each cave and statue is a testament to the artistic and spiritual aspirations of its patrons, reflecting a vibrant tapestry of history, religion, and art that continues to captivate visitors.

Next, you will visit the Luoyang Museum, a prominent local historical museum located in the Yellow River valley. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Luoyang, a city historically significant as the capital of more than a dozen ancient dynasties, including the Xia and Eastern Zhou. As you explore the museum, you'll encounter a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that illuminate Luoyang’s role as a major cultural center in ancient China. Highlights include intricate relics from various dynastic periods, ancient manuscripts, and artifacts that reflect the city’s vibrant history and its contributions to Chinese civilization. The museum offers a deep dive into the region’s storied past, providing a comprehensive overview of Luoyang's historical and cultural significance.

The Luoyang Museum houses an impressive collection of relics excavated from sites on the outskirts of Luoyang and its historic old section. The exhibits feature antiquities from ancient palaces and temples, offering a glimpse into Luoyang's rich history. These artifacts span from Neolithic times up to 937 AD, providing a comprehensive overview of the city's evolution. Through these relics, you can explore the historical layers of Luoyang, including its role as one of the ancient “Nine Capitals” of China, and gain insight into the city's profound cultural and historical legacy.

At the end of your tour, your guide and driver will ensure a smooth conclusion to your visit. Whether you are heading back to your hotel in Luoyang, returning to Luoyang Longmen Station, or making your way to another destination, our dedicated team will assist you every step of the way. The driver will help with your luggage and ensure a comfortable ride, while the guide will offer any last-minute recommendations or information about your next steps. Should you have any additional requests or need further assistance, feel free to ask—our aim is to provide you with a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout your stay.

Price Per Person in US Dollars