4 Days Henan Discovery Tour: Kaifeng, Luoyang & Shaolin Temple

Welcome to Zhengzhou! Upon arrival, our local guide will meet you at the railway station or airport. We will then escort you to downtown Zhengzhou and assist you with checking into your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Zhengzhou at your leisure.

Zhengzhou (郑州), the capital of Henan Province, is located in Central China and serves as an important transportation hub for traveling to other cities in Henan. Travelers can reach Zhengzhou by flying into Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport or taking a high-speed train to Zhengzhou East Railway Station or Zhengzhou Railway Station.

Free Time in Zhengzhou (Explore on Your Own):

Visit the Henan Museum (河南博物院), one of the largest museums in China after the Forbidden City Museum in Beijing. It boasts a diverse collection of artifacts, including prehistoric tools, bronze and jade wares, pottery and porcelain, calligraphy and painting, and sculpture. For those interested in Chinese history, this museum offers rich exhibits on ancient relics and local culture. The visit typically takes about 2 hours.

After breakfast, our guide and driver will take you to Kaifeng (开封), located to the east of Zhengzhou (80 km, about 1.5 hours' drive).

Upon arrival, you will have a full day to explore this ancient capital, which served as the capital for eight dynasties and boasts a rich history spanning over 4,100 years. Kaifeng is the birthplace of the influential "Song Culture", which bridged the Han and Tang dynasties with the Ming and Qing dynasties, leaving a profound impact on Chinese history. As the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), Dongjing (today's Kaifeng) was once the largest city in the world and the inspiration for the famous painting "Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival" (清明上河图).

The first stop is Dragon Pavilion Park (龙亭公园). The Dragon Pavilion, located at the heart of the park, was once the imperial palace of the Northern Song Dynasty. The pavilion faces south and is perched on a high platform made of blue bricks, standing 13 meters above the ground. The steps leading up to the main hall are 36 zhang (a traditional Chinese unit of measurement) high, symbolizing the 36 Heavenly Stems, and there are 72 steps, representing the 72 Earthly Spirits. The steps are intricately carved with cloud and dragon patterns. Crossing the Jade Belt Bridge, you will reach the main hall of the Dragon Pavilion.

Next, head to the Kaifeng Iron Pagoda (开封铁塔), built during the Song Dynasty in 1049. This is the only surviving historical monument from the eight ancient capitals of China and is often referred to as the "World's First Pagoda." Standing at 55.88 meters tall, the pagoda has 13 octagonal tiers, making it the tallest, oldest, and best-preserved glazed brick pagoda in China. The pagoda's exterior is covered in brown glazed bricks, giving it the appearance of being made of iron. Its walls are adorned with over 50 intricate carvings, including images of flying apsaras, descending dragons, mythical creatures like qilin, and scenes of musical performances.

After that, let’s explore Millennium City Park (清明上河园). This large-scale historical and cultural theme park brings the famous painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" to life. Upon entering the park, you will see numerous replicas of Song Dynasty buildings, including temples, pagodas, bridges, and residences. You can also enjoy various cultural performances, such as traditional music, dance, acrobatics, and puppet shows.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to the downtown area of Zhengzhou.

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Zhengzhou to the Shaolin Temple (88 km, about 1.5-2 hours) in Dengfeng City, located southwest of Zhengzhou. Shaolin Temple is renowned as the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. Here, you can immerse yourself in an incredible Kung Fu experience.

Upon arrival, you will first enjoy a Kung Fu performance at the Shaolin Martial Arts Hall, lasting about 30 minutes. Afterward, explore the Shaolin Temple complex, which consists of seven main halls along its central axis and seven additional halls surrounding them. The first hall, known as Shanmen or "Mountain Gate" Hall, features a large black tablet inscribed with "Shaolin Temple" in gold, written by the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. At the heart of the complex lies the Mahavira Hall, where daily prayers and significant celebrations take place. The floor of this hall contains 50 small pits, believed to be the footprints left by monks practicing Kung Fu.

Next, visit the Pagoda Forest, hailed as the "Museum of Ancient Chinese Pagoda Art." This area houses over 250 tomb pagodas of varying sizes, dedicated to eminent monks, abbots, and ranking temple monks. The forest, the largest of its kind in China, showcases diverse architectural styles spanning the Tang to Qing Dynasties, offering a visual feast of history and culture.

Optional Kung Fu Class Experience (If You Are Interested):

For those interested in Shaolin Kung Fu, you can visit a local professional Martial Arts School to attend 1-hour Kung Fu training class. During the session, you will learn various Kung Fu styles and boxing techniques under the guidance of a skilled local Kung Fu coach.

After the tour, you will be transferred from the Shaolin Temple to Luoyang. On the way, you will stop at the White Horse Temple, located northeast of Luoyang city. Founded in 68 CE during the Eastern Han Dynasty, White Horse Temple holds the distinction of being the first Buddhist temple established in China, earning it titles like the "Cradle of Chinese Buddhism" and the "Ancestral Temple." According to legend, two white horses carrying Buddhist scriptures arrived at this site, inspiring its name. The temple played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism throughout China. What makes this temple complex unique is its solemn atmosphere and its incorporation of architectural styles from China, India, Myanmar, and Thailand - ****a distinction unmatched worldwide. You will follow the temple's central axis to explore its many halls, including the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Hall of the Great Buddha, Hall of Mahavira, Clear Cool Terrace, and Qiyun Pagoda, as well as the three temples from Thailand, Myanmar, and India.

Afterward, drive to downtown Luoyang to explore Luoyang Old Town, centered around the iconic Lijing Gate (丽景门). Known for its rich history, the area is famously described by the phrase “Luoyang's peonies are unparalleled, and Lijing Gate is unmatched in the world”. The Old Town is a lively hub, filled with historic residential buildings, bustling food streets, and charming shops. It offers a vibrant glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Luoyang. Stroll through the streets to savor local snacks or shop for unique souvenirs at your leisure. Adding to the ambiance, you’ll encounter young people dressed in traditional costumes, making it feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to ancient China.

After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel in Luoyang.

Then, our experienced guide will lead you to the Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟), located south of Luoyang city. Recognized as the most outstanding of China's Four Great Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes house the largest and most remarkable collection of Chinese art from the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316–907). This UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2000, consists of over 2,300 caves and niches carved into steep limestone cliffs spanning a 1 km stretch. Inside, you will discover nearly 110,000 Buddhist stone statues, over 60 stupas, and 2,800 inscriptions carved on steles. These masterpieces, entirely dedicated to Buddhism, represent the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving.

Longmen Grottoes is divided into the Western Hill Grottoes and the Eastern Hill Grottoes, with the Western Hill being the highlight. The most iconic grotto is the Fengxian Temple (奉先寺), dominated by the colossal Vairocana Buddha at its center (17.14 meters tall). This statue, believed to represent Empress Wu Zetian, exudes elegance with its serene smile, earning it the title of the "Eastern Mona Lisa". Flanking the Buddha are four pairs of figures: disciples, Bodhisattvas, heavenly kings, and warriors. You will also explore Wanfo Cave (万佛洞), named for its 15,000 small Buddha statues intricately carved into its walls, with the smallest being only 2 cm tall. This cave, completed in 680 AD during the Tang Dynasty, is the most complete in terms of statue combinations. Don’t miss the Three Bingyang Caves (宾阳三洞), excavated during the Northern Wei Dynasty and commissioned by Emperor Xiaowen to honor his father. Another highlight is Yaofangdong Cave (药方洞), which features 140 inscriptions detailing treatments for various diseases. Finally, visit Guyang Cave (古阳洞) for an awe-inspiring experience.

Recommended Visiting Route for Longmen Grottoes:

North Gate → Yu Wang Pool → Qianxi Temple → Three Binyang Caves → Cliffside Three Buddhas Niche → Wanfo Cave → Lianhua Cave → Fengxian Temple → Guyang Cave → Yaofang Cave → South Gate. Exploring the highlights of the Western Hill Grottoes takes 2–3 hours. If time permits, visit the Eastern Grottoes across the Yi River.

Later, our guide and driver will take you to the Luoyang Museum (洛阳博物馆), where you can fully immerse yourself in the history of ancient Luoyang, spanning 13 dynasties. With over 1,000 exhibits from various dynasties that once made Luoyang their capital, a stroll through the exhibition halls on the first floor will transport you through centuries of history. Take your time to explore the second floor, which features the Ancient Treasures of Luoyang exhibition and the Tricolor Pottery of Tang exhibition. The Ancient Treasures exhibit showcases prized artifacts, including the Black Glazed Pottery Horse (AD 618–907), Facial Part of a Clay Buddha Figurine (AD 386–557), White Jade Cup (AD 220–225), Gilt Bronze Figurine of a Winged Man (AD 25–220), Bronze Ding Intertwined with Gold and Silver Patterns (BC 475–221), and more. Spend some quiet time admiring these exquisite artifacts, each with its own unique story to tell.

After the tour, your 4 Days Henan Tour concludes. Your guide and driver will escort you to the train station (or airport) in Luoyang for your onward high-speed train (or flight) to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China Henan tour! We are always here to assist you and look forward to seeing you again for your next trip to China/Asia!