5 Days Henan Cultural Tour to Luoyang and Kaifeng
Attractive Henan
Henan hides the very wealth of history and culture of China in its two ancient capital cities Luoyang and Kaifeng, and keeps the track of the origin and development of Chinese Kung Fu in the world-famous Shaolin Temple. That is the reason why you should visit Henan at least for once. This private tour takes you to discover the Golden Triangle of Henan – Luoyang, Shaolin Temple and Kaifeng with a leisure pace. It’s an authentic cultural experience which is quite different from what you can get in other parts of China.
Highlights of this tour
- Trace back on the vivid scene of ancient Chinese capital and its living style in Kaifeng near Zhengzhou;
- Go to enjoy grand architectures in Shaolin Temple and enjoy a magnificent Shaolin Kung Fu show performed by Shaolin monks;
- Educational and artistic tour to Longmen Grottoes to appreciate Buddhist statues, carvings and caves, etc.
Basic Trip Information
- Price:
- from
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- 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
- 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
- Travel Route:
- Zhengzhou / Kaifeng / Dengfeng / Luoyang
- Travel Length:
- 5 Days and 4 Nights
- Tour Code:
- CD-HNCT-05
- Group Size:
- You, your family, friends or group
- Experience:
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- Departure:
- Any day you want
Full Itinerary Day by day
- Day 1 Zhengzhou Arrival
Welcome to Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province. You will be picked up by local tour guide in Zhengzhou airport or train stations, and escorted to check in to your hotel in Zhengzhou downtown. The rest time is free for you to relax and explore this city of Yellow River.
Where to go if you have some free time? 1) go to Henan Museum to learn about the history of the region and appreciate ancient bronze ware; 2) view how the mighty Yellow River run through the plain of Zhengzhou city in Yellow River Scenic Area; 3) hunt for local snacks at Erqi Square.
How to Get to Zhengzhou? Arrival Ideals: At present, you can get to Zhengzhou by high speed trains from Beijing (about 3hrs), Xian (about 2.5hrs), Luoyang (40mins), etc., or direct flights from Beijing (about 2hrs), Shanghai (about 2hrs), Chengdu (about 2hrs), Hangzhou (about 2hrs), Guangzhou (about 2.5hrs), etc.
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- Day 2 Zhengzhou - Kaifeng - Zhengzhou (B, L)
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After breakfast, meet your tour guide in your hotel, then drive about 1 hour to Kaifeng, a famous ancient capital city in China where there are many ancient buildings and relic sites remaining for you to discover Chinese history especially the prosperous era of Northern Song Dynasty (960~1127). You will visit Dragon Pavilion, a part of the ancient ruin of the imperial palace of the Song and Jin Dynasties. Then go to enjoy a leisure stroll on the Ancient City Wall of Kaifeng. With a length of 14.4 kilometers, this city wall still remains the architecture style and scale in Yuan and Ming Dynasties (1271~1644).
After lunch, you will visit the Millennium City Park, which is a real reflection of the most famous ancient painting in China titled "Qing Ming Shang He Tu" (Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival). This historical cultural theme park is a recreation of the buildings, merchant life and landscape of Kaifeng during the Song Dynasty.
Later, you will go to see Kaifeng Iron Pagoda, a Buddhist Chinese pagoda built in 1049 during Song Dynasty. This pagoda is made of iron, with octagonal-base structure standing at a height of 56.88 meters with 13 stories.
After the visit, driven back to Zhengzhou.
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- Day 3 Zhengzhou - Dengfeng - Luoyang (B, L)
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to visit the Henan Museum home to an impressive collection of 130,000 cultural relics. This museum offers the perfect opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of Henan's history and achievements over thousands of years. It also provides insight into half of China's history, showcasing artifacts ranging from Central Plains Chu Bronze Art to Ming and Qing Treasures and Henan Ancient Jades. Among the recommended treasures not to be missed are The Jiahu Bone Flute (6000-2000 B.C.), the "Fuhao" Owl-shaped bronze Zun (1600-1046 B.C.), the "Prince Wu" Ding (770-476 B.C.), and the White Jade Dancer-shaped Pei-pendant (206 B.C. - 25 A.D.), among others.
After sightseeing, drive about 1.5 hrs to Shaolin Temple, renowned as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and the birthplace of Kung Fu. Here, you'll have the chance to tour grand temples and halls, marvel at stone carving art, immerse yourself in Buddhist culture, and perhaps witness the daily lives and meditation practices of the temple's monks. Be sure not to overlook the famous Pagoda Forest, the largest of its kind in China. When a revered monk passes away, their remains or skeleton are interred in an underground palace, and a pagoda is erected atop it. The pagoda's height, size, and number of layers are determined by the monk's knowledge of Buddhism, reputation, and merits and virtues accumulated during their lifetime.
Later, you'll be treated to a spectacular Kung Fu Show at the Shaolin Wushu Hall, typically lasting around half an hour. On occasion, several audience members may even be invited to learn a few Shaolin Kungfu techniques.
After the Kung Fu experience, drive about 1.5 hour to Luoyang, one of the greatest ancient capitals of China. Check in to your hotel in downtown. The rest time is free for you to relax.
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- Day 4 Luoyang City Tour (B, L)
After breakfast, your guide will lead you to explore the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art from the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907). Take an electric car to the West Tourist Center to begin your exploration from there. You'll marvel at the remarkable Buddhist caves scattered across the West Hill from north to south. The Bingyang Middle Cave, the first royal cave, was excavated to immortalize Emperor Xiaowen's historical achievements in moving the capital to Luoyang and initiating Chineseization reforms. In the Wanfo Cave, adorned with 15,000 small seated Buddhas, you'll witness a harmonious depiction of the Western Pure Land. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the Longmen Grottoes awaits you at the Fengxian Temple, where the majestic Vairocana Buddha stands 17.14-meter tall, showcasing unparalleled carving skills through its diverse statues. After immersing yourself in the beauty of the grottoes, take a leisurely stroll to the opposite side of the river for a panoramic view, particularly of the magnificent Vairocana Buddha. Conclude your visit by exiting the scenic area aboard an electric car.
In the afternoon, you will visit White Horse Temple, located approximately 50 minutes' drive from downtown. Established in AD 68 during the Eastern Han dynasty, White Horse Temple holds the distinction of being China's first Buddhist temple, boasting a history spanning over 1900 years. Since its establishment, it has played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism throughout China and is revered as the cradle of Chinese Buddhism. A visit to White Horse Temple offers the opportunity to admire the ancient architecture of the main temple and explore other temples in the International Zone, each featuring distinct exotic styles such as the Indian Temple, Burmese Temple, and Thai Temple.
Lastly, go to take a stroll through the ancient streets of Luoyang Old City (Lijing Gate & Shizi Street). Teeming with old residential buildings, food streets, and quaint shops, it offers a vibrant glimpse into the splendor of old Luoyang. Indulge in local snacks or shop for unique souvenirs at your leisure. After the trip, drive back to your hotel.
After the trip, drive back to your hotel.
Tips for Today: Comfortable footwear is essential for your visit to the Longmen Grottoes, as exploring the scattered grottoes across the hill involves walking several steps up and down.
Optional Night Activities: To fully immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, considered China’s most glorious period, and savor the breathtaking night views of Luoyang City, consider a visit to the Mingtang Tiantang Scenic Area. Nestled on the historic grounds of Emperor Wu Zetian's official and sacred sites, this awe-inspiring location promises exceptional panoramas from the top floor of the Hall of Enlightenment, allowing you to marvel at Luoyang's beauty under the moonlit sky.
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- Day 5 Luoyang Departure (B)
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Today is free for you to relax until your tour guide and driver escort you to catch your flight/train to next destination. Your memorable Henan culture tour ends.
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