Luoyang Travel Forum

Will stopover in Luoyang, when travelling from Beijing to Xian.

Any VTers know of any local tour that covers Longmen Caves and Shaolin Temple in a day?

Is it necessary to stay overnight in Luoyang in order to cover both places mentioned?

Thanks.

I think it would be wiser to do those 2 places in 2 days. I'm sure you could find tours in Luoyang which could cover both in a day, but personally I think that's way too rushed. You could choose to stay overnight at either Luoyang or Shaolin, but the former would have a slightly better standard of accommodation.

Ellyse, appreciate your suggestion.

I plan to arrive early morning in Luoyang, join a tour to both Longmen and Shaolin, and depart just before midnite by train.

Should I travel to Zhengzhou first, visit Shaolin and then make my way to Luoyang (by bus) if I opt for the overnight stay?

I understand that in Luoyang, besides Longmen Grottoes, there's also the Ancient Tombs, Guanlin Si (worth a visit?), Baima Si, old town area.

Is the water banquet not to be missed experience? Any recommendations?

Thanks.

I would instead opt to go by train for Beijing -- Luoyang, do the Longmen Grottoes, try to make it to Shaolin Temple by nightfall to stay overnight, then visit Shaolin Temple the next morning. You can then move on to Zhengzhou after finishing with Shaolin Temple and catch an overnight train to Xi'an.