This full-day tour offers a deep dive into Luoyang’s historic and artistic legacy. Begin your journey at the White Horse Temple, the first official Buddhist temple in China, showcasing international Buddhist architecture and sacred relics. Continue to the Luoyang Museum, home to thousands of ancient artifacts reflecting the city’s imperial past. In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, where thousands of stone statues and carvings illustrate the pinnacle of Chinese Buddhist art. End the day with a convenient transfer to your train or flight, completing a culturally enriching experience in one of China's oldest capitals.
White Horse Temple--Luoyang Museum--Longmen Grottoes
4+ stars Hotel
Begin your morning with a visit to the White Horse Temple, known as China’s First Ancient Temple. Founded in 68 AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty, it is regarded as the cradle of Chinese Buddhism. This was the first government-sponsored Buddhist temple built after Buddhism was introduced to China. Inside, you’ll discover rare Yuan Dynasty lacquered figurines, Indian-style Buddhist halls, and a complex of Thai and Burmese-style shrines, making it a true International Buddhist Cultural Expo Park.
Next, head to the Luoyang Museum, a cultural treasure trove of this former capital of thirteen dynasties. The museum boasts over 15,000 artifacts, with standout collections of Xia, Shang, and Zhou bronzeware, Han and Tang dynasty figurines, Tang Sancai (Tri-colored glazed pottery), and intricate stone carvings.
In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Widely considered the most outstanding of China’s four great grottoes, Longmen showcases the largest and finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art dating from the late Northern Wei to the Tang Dynasty (316–907 AD). Together with the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, it forms one of China’s Three Great Buddhist Cave Sites.
After the tour, you will be transferred to your train station or airport according to your schedule, concluding a wonderful day in Luoyang.
