1-Day Luoyang Culture & Shaolin Kung Fu Tour in Henan: Longmen Grottoes + Shaolin Temple

Welcome to Luoyang. Located in western Henan Province, east of Xi'an, Luoyang is one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals. It served as the capital of thirteen dynasties and was the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road. During the Tang Dynasty, Luoyang flourished as the Eastern Capital, rivaling the Western Capital Chang'an (present-day Xi'an). In 684 AD, Wu Zetian, China's first and only female emperor, officially designated Luoyang as the capital and gave it a grand name — "Shendu" (Divine Capital). Even today, Luoyang's most famous attraction, the Longmen Grottoes, shows strong influence from the Wu Zetian era in its architectural style. In addition, Luoyang is known as the "City of Peonies." If you visit in spring, you can witness the breathtaking sight of flowers blooming throughout the city. This morning, our experienced guide will take you to the Longmen Grottoes in the southern suburbs of Luoyang. 【Longmen Grottoes】 is regarded as the foremost of China's Four Great Grottoes, housing the largest and most exquisite stone carving art treasures from the Northern Wei to Tang Dynasty (316–907 AD). In 2000, the Longmen Grottoes were inscribed on the World Heritage List. The Longmen Grottoes were carved into the steep limestone cliffs on both banks of the Yi River. More than 2,300 caves and niches remain on the east and west hills, stretching about 1 kilometer. Here, you can admire nearly 110,000 Buddhist stone statues, over 60 stupas, and more than 2,800 inscriptions — all masterpieces of Buddhist-themed art, hailed as "the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art" and the world's largest treasure trove of stone carvings with the most statues. The tour focuses on the West Hill Grottoes, with the most awe-inspiring being Fengxian Temple. The 17.14-meter-tall Vairocana Buddha inside has a kind face and a faint smile, often associated in folklore with Wu Zetian's image, earning it the nickname "Oriental Mona Lisa." Flanking the Buddha are four pairs of attendant statues — disciples, bodhisattvas, heavenly kings, and warriors — creating a magnificent scene. You will also pass by the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, where 15,000 small Buddha statues are densely carved inside, the smallest only 2 centimeters tall — truly stunning. Carved in 680 AD during the Tang Dynasty, it is one of the grottoes with the most complete statue combinations at Longmen. Also, don't miss the Three Binyang Caves, carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty under Emperor Xiaowen's order to commemorate his father. Another highlight is the Prescription Cave, containing over 140 inscriptions recording treatments for various diseases. Finally, be sure to visit Guyang Cave, whose ancient and exquisite statues are breathtaking. Recommended Tour Route for Longmen Grottoes (West Hill Highlights) North Gate → Yuwang Pool → Qianxi Temple → Three Binyang Caves → Three Buddha Niches on the Cliff → Ten Thousand Buddha Cave → Lotus Cave → Fengxian Temple → Guyang Cave → Prescription Cave → South Gate, approximately 2–3 hours in total. If time permits, you can also cross the bridge to the East Hill Grottoes on the opposite bank of the Yi River. After touring the Longmen Grottoes, you will drive to Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, Zhengzhou (about 74 km from Luoyang, approximately 70 minutes by car). 【Shaolin Temple】 is the ancestral home of Chinese Zen Buddhism and the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu, enjoying the reputation of "Sacred Land of Kung Fu." Upon arrival, you will first enjoy a 30-minute kung fu performance at the Shaolin Martial Arts Hall, experiencing the combination of strength and gentleness in the true skills of Shaolin warrior monks. Next, you will visit the magnificent architectural complex of Shaolin Temple. Seven main halls are arranged along the central axis. Inside the mountain gate hangs a large black plaque with golden characters — "Shaolin Temple" — personally inscribed by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. The center of the temple is the Mahavira Hall, where monks chant sutras daily and hold major ceremonies. On its floor are nearly 50 small pits, said to be footprints left by monks practicing martial arts over generations. Afterward, you will visit the Pagoda Forest, China's largest and longest-lasting ancient pagoda complex, hailed as a "museum of ancient architectural art." More than 240 brick and stone pagodas from the Tang, Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties remain, housing the remains of eminent monks, abbots, and enlightened practitioners — truly worth seeing. After the visit, your one-day Luoyang tour in Henan will conclude. Our driver will take you to Luoyang Airport or Railway Station for your onward flight or high-speed train to the next destination. Optional Experience: "Zen Shaolin Music Ceremony" Live Performance If you have ample time and are not in a hurry to return, we highly recommend this world-class live performance. The entire Songshan Mountain becomes a natural stage, with over a hundred performers delivering a passionate performance that blends Zen philosophy, Shaolin Kung Fu, and natural landscapes, complemented by lighting, sound, and the environment, creating an ethereal and stunning audiovisual experience — an immersive cultural feast with "heaven and earth as the backdrop, mountains and rivers as the stage." Performance Time: Usually 20:00 – 21:15 each evening Open Season: March to November each year (subject to weather conditions) Venue: Daixiangou, Dengfeng City (about 15–20 minutes by car from Shaolin Temple)