2 Days Luoyang & Kaifeng Ancient Capitals Cultural Tour

White Horse Temple--Luoyang Museum--Longmen Grottoes

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

Start your morning with a visit to the White Horse Temple, known as the First Ancient Buddhist Temple in China. Established in 68 AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty, it is honored as the cradle of Chinese Buddhism. As the first state-sponsored Buddhist temple after the religion's arrival in China, the site houses precious Yuan Dynasty lacquered sculptures, Indian-style Buddhist halls, and Thai- and Burmese-style temple complexes. It is often referred to as an International Buddhist Cultural Expo Park.

Next, head to the Luoyang Museum, a cultural sanctuary in the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties. With a collection of over 15,000 artifacts, the museum showcases highlights such as bronzeware from the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, Han and Tang dynasty figurines, Tang Sancai pottery, and exquisite stone sculptures.

In the afternoon, explore the majestic Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognized as the finest among China’s four great grottoes, Longmen preserves the largest and most impressive Buddhist stone carvings in China, dating from the late Northern Wei to the Tang Dynasty (316–907 AD). Alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and Yungang Grottoes in Datong, it is hailed as one of the Three Great Buddhist Grottoes of China.

High-Speed Train to Kaifeng--Millennium City Park--Lord Bao Memorial Temple--Little Song City

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, take a high-speed train (about 1 hour) to Kaifeng, another ancient capital of China. Upon arrival, begin your tour with Millennium City Park (Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden), a large cultural theme park modeled after the famous painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival by Song Dynasty artist Zhang Zeduan. This 1:1 reconstruction vividly recreates the bustling life of Bianjing, the capital city during the Northern Song Dynasty, earning it the nickname A Living Qingming Scroll.

Continue to the Lord Bao Memorial Temple, a historical site built to honor Bao Zheng, also known as Bao Qingtian, a legendary upright official from the Northern Song Dynasty. As a symbol of justice and integrity in Chinese culture, the memorial serves as both a pilgrimage site for history enthusiasts and a window into the judicial traditions of ancient China.

Finally, visit Little Song City, affectionately known as the Reception Hall of Kaifeng Locals. This lively historical block replicates the market scenes from Along the River During the Qingming Festival. Inside the traditional-style buildings with gray tiles and stone walls, you’ll find over 200 types of Henan-style snacks and delicacies—from juicy soup dumplings and carp noodles to almond tea and more.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your train station or airport according to your travel plans, concluding your enriching journey through two of China’s most historic cities.