3 Day Luoyang – Dengfeng Tour

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up by your guide for the 40 minute drive to the Longmen Grottoes. Along the way your guide will share with you the thirteen-dynasty history of the ancient capital, Luoyang, and the background to the grottoes. An electric car will transfer you from arrival point to the majestic entrance to the sight-seeing area. Marvel at the sheer number and artistry of exquisite collection of over 100,000 Buddhist sculptures scattered over thousands of large and small caves, covering a kilometer long limestone cliff along the river. The smallest statue is tinier than a finger – the largest ten times human size. Hear from your guide the stories behind the development, destruction and conservation of the grottoes. The 17.14 meter high statue of Locana Buddha can be viewed by climbing up 100 steps.

By taking a walk onto the bridge across the Yi River you can get a panoramic view of the whole of the grottoes. Alternatively, a short cruise on the river provides a further perspective (at your own cost).

Later, take the electric car to the parking lot to travel further back in time to the White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist temple in China. Savor the peace and tranquility of the leafy complex while appreciating magnificently decorated halls, statues of Arhats and temple architecture from Thailand, Myanmar and India.

Relax on the 1.5 hour drive to Denfeng, where you can join in a one hour Kung Fu lesson at a local martial arts school. You will then be transferred to the pre-booked hotel in Denfeng.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast at your hotel, an hour’s drive will take you to the Shaolin Temple, home of the legendary Chinese Kung Fu and Chinese Zen Buddhism. Enter through the grand white gate carrying an inscription from Emperor Kangxi to view the many temple halls with their inner decorations. Just as amazing is the extensive pagoda forest – tombs commemorating monks revered over different dynasties. No visit to the temple would be complete without enjoying a thrilling Kung Fu performance, which legend has it said that it originated in the temple as exercise for monks.

Note: Your guide will adjust the sequence of your tour to ensure you do not miss a performance at Shaolin Temple, which occurs on a fixed schedule five times daily. Each performance lasting about half an hour includes interaction with visitors.

Good to know: The Shaolin Tagou Martial Arts School, the largest local martial arts school, is located in the scenic area of Shaolin Temple. Weather permitting, you may catch the students practicing martial arts in the playgrounds nearby.

Relax in comfort as you are transferred back to Luoyang to continue your tour with a visit to Museum of King's Six-Horse Chariot, the 2,000 year old burial site of one emperor, built over the burial site of emperors in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770BC-256BC). Relics and artefacts reveal the burial rituals and ancient history of people who lived during those eras.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to the train station or airport for your next destination, with time for departure recommended after 19:00.

Meals included: Breakfast