How to Plan a Day Tour in Luoyang

Luoyang is located in western Henan province of Central China. It is one of the four ancient cities in China, together with Beijing, Xian and Nanjing. This city is famous for Longmeng Grottoes and Peony flowers. For people who have limited time in Luoyang, it is suggested to have a one-day tour in Luoyang. Then how to plan a day tour in Luoyang to make it reasonable? Here I would like to introduce some options of Luoyang day trip for your reference.

Day Tour to Longmen Grottoes, Guanlin Temple, White Horse Temple in Luoyang

Longmen Grottoes, Guanlin Temple, White Horse Temple are three highlights to visit in Luoyang. They are all located near to Luoyang downtown. You can visit the three sites in one day. It is suggested to start the day tour at around eight o’clock. Then head to Longmen Grottoes first and spend 1.5 to 2 hours there. Located 12 kilometers (7.5 mi) south of Luoyang City, Longmen Grottoes is a treasure house and finest examples of ancient Chinese Buddhist cave art. It is home to tens of thousands of statues of Buddha and his disciples. The grottos were hewed and carved during 386-534. There are as many as 100,000 statues within the 1,400 caves, ranging from 1 inch (25 mm) to 57 feet (17 meters) in height, as well as approximately 2,500 steals and inscriptions. It would be am impressive trip to the grottos.

After that, head to Guanlin Temple, this temple is near to Sui-Tang Ancient City to the north and Longmen Grottos to the south. There are less tourists than other sites in Luoyang. The General Guan Yu’s head was buried in the temple. Guan Yu was a general of the kingdom of Shu during the three kingdom period in ancient China and a hero respected by the Chinese. For people who know the history, they usually come here to pay their respect.

White Horse Temple is said to be the the first Buddhist temple in China. It is located about 40 minutes by Bus No. 56 from the Luoyang railway station. After touring to this temple, it would be the end of the day.

Day Tour to See Peony Flowers in Luoyang

Luoyang is famous for peony flower. Peony normally bloom during April 1 to May 10. There are many peony-themed park in Luoyang to enjoy your flower trip in the city, such as Luoyang National Peony Garden, Shen Zhou Peony Garden, Wangcheng Park, International Peony Garden, Luoyang Peony Garden, etc. The first two of them are quite famous in town and the rest are great places as well. You can choose one or two of them to enjoy your flower trip in Luoyang.

Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Luoyang

One day tour from Luoyang to Shaolin is availble. You can depart from your hotel at around 8:00 am to Dengfeng, where Shaolin Temple is sited. It takes about 1.5 hours on the way. And you can enjoy the beautiful view on the coach. After your arrival there, it is suggested to spend 4 to 5 hours touring in the temples and pagoda forest to feel Buddhist culture, and watch Kongfu Show inside. After that, it should catch your bus to back to Luoyang.

Shaolin Temple is situated at Shaoshi Mountain in the west of Songshan Mountain ranges, in Dengfeng City, Henan Province. It is about 56 km away from Luoyang. Against the backdrop of Wuru Peak of Shaoshi Mountain, it is surrounded with forests and hills as its natural defense. The pagoda Forest, First Patriarch Temple, Second Patriarch Temple, Sweet Dew Terrace, Guanghui Temple, etc. are all highlights in the temple.

Tips 
► Best Time to Visit Luoyang: April and May, September and October is the best time to visit Luoyang. Luoyang is dry and windy in Spring, hot and rainy in Summer, sunny with less rain in autumn and cold in Winter. Weather in April is warm and the blooming season of peony. You would be able to see peony blooming in the whole city, especially from April 1 to May 10.
► Recommended time duration for Luoyang Tour: 2 to 3 days