Luoyang 7-Day Secret Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Luoyang • Morning: Arrive in Luoyang. It is recommended to stay near the Longmen Grottoes, such as at Dongshan Hotel, which offers a quiet environment and a distant view of the scenic area. After check-in, take a short rest. • Afternoon: Head to the northwest service area of the Longmen Grottoes to store your luggage. Enter the scenic area from the south gate and first visit the West Hill Grottoes, focusing on Binyang Middle Cave, Lotus Cave, Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave, Fengxian Temple, and more. Appreciate the exquisite Buddhist sculptures from the Northern Wei to Tang dynasties. It is recommended to hire an official guide for a better understanding of the history and culture. • Evening: Taste Luoyang’s specialty dishes such as Luoyang Water Banquet and mutton soup on Longmen Ancient Street. If the "Lights Illuminate Longmen" event is on, you can buy tickets to enjoy the unique night views of the West Hill Grottoes and Xiangshan Temple illuminated by lights. Day 2: Exploring Around Longmen Grottoes • Morning: Continue touring the Longmen Grottoes. Cross the Manshui Bridge to visit the East Hill Grottoes, admire the Tang dynasty Arhat reliefs at the Kanjiang Temple, and the Zen and Esoteric Buddhist sculptures in the Three Caves of the Drum Platform. Then visit Xiangshan Temple and Jiang-Song Villa to experience the artistic conception described by Emperor Qianlong: "Among the ten temples in Longmen, Xiangshan is the foremost." • Afternoon: Visit Bai Garden, the tomb garden of poet Bai Juyi. Stroll through the Qinggu Area and Poetry Corridor to feel the poet’s lifestyle. Afterwards, take a boat ride on the Yi River to enjoy panoramic views of the Longmen Grottoes from the water. • Evening: Return to the city and visit Shizi Street Night Market to try snacks like Bufan Soup, potstickers, and peony pastries, experiencing the lively local atmosphere. Day 3: Exploring Luoyang’s History and Culture • Morning: Visit White Horse Temple, the first ancient Buddhist temple in China. Explore the halls showcasing cultural styles from China, India, Myanmar, and Thailand, and appreciate the profound Buddhist culture. • Afternoon: Visit Luoyang Museum (advance reservation required), which houses numerous treasures such as the pre-Qin bronze jue with nipple patterns and Tang dynasty sancai glazed lamps. • Evening: Go to Luoyi Ancient City, change into Hanfu (traditional clothing), stroll the ancient streets, enjoy the night scenery, and watch various intangible cultural heritage performances. Day 4: Tour of Sui and Tang Dynasties Luoyang City • Morning: Visit the Sui and Tang Luoyang City Ruins Park to admire the garden landscapes and historical relics. Then go to the Ying Tian Gate Ruins Museum to learn about the architecture and historical features of the Sui and Tang periods, and watch related performances. • Afternoon: Visit the Ming Tang and Tian Tang scenic area to experience the splendor during Empress Wu Zetian’s reign. Climb to the top of Tian Tang for a panoramic view of Luoyang city. • Evening: Dine at a nearby restaurant to taste Luoyang specialties such as sour soup hotpot. After dinner, enjoy the night light show at Ying Tian Gate and Ming Tang Tian Tang. Day 5: Natural Scenery Tour • Morning: Visit the Sui and Tang City Ruins Botanical Garden, a classical garden where you can enjoy flowers and the tranquility of nature. • Afternoon: If it is peony season, visit the China National Flower Garden to admire the nationally renowned peonies. If the season is missed, other flowers and garden landscapes in the park are also worth seeing. • Evening: Dine at Xigong Small Street, tasting intangible cultural heritage potstickers, rice noodles, and other delicacies. Day 6: Nearby Ancient Sites Tour • Morning: Visit Guanlin Temple, the burial site of Guan Yu’s head. Explore the simple architecture and learn about Three Kingdoms culture and the "loyalty and righteousness" culture. • Afternoon: Free time for shopping in the city. Purchase souvenirs such as Tang sancai ceramics and Luoyang palace lanterns. • Evening: Choose a local restaurant to enjoy Luoyang cuisine again and savor the wonderful memories of the trip. Day 7: Departure • Morning: Pack your luggage and check out. Depending on your preference, you can visit nearby attractions or rest at the hotel. • Afternoon: Head to the airport or train station according to your departure time, concluding your pleasant trip to Luoyang and the Longmen Grottoes.