2-Day Beijing to Luoyang Tour: Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Kung Fu
Tour Overview
Take a 2-day Luoyang tour from Beijing by high-speed train, combining Luoyang’s three major cultural highlights — Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang Museum and White Horse Temple — with a visit to Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng.
Explore the cliffside caves and monumental Buddhist sculptures of Longmen Grottoes, discover Luoyang’s ancient-capital history at Luoyang Museum, and visit White Horse Temple closely associated with the early spread of Buddhism in China.
Continue to Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng for a traditional Kung Fu performance. The optional Kung Fu class offers you a chance to learn a few basic martial arts movements.
Travel Destinations: Luoyang, Shaolin Temple
Suitable for: First-time visitors to Luoyang, history and Buddhist culture lovers, Kung Fu enthusiasts
Tour type: Private
Tour at A Glance
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Day
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Destination
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What to See & Do
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1
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Beijing → Luoyang
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High-speed train to Luoyang, Longmen Grottoes, Vairocana Buddha, Wanfo Cave, Luoyang Museum
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2
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Luoyang → Dengfeng → Beijing
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White Horse Temple, Shaolin Temple, Pagoda Forest, Shaolin Kung Fu Show, optional Kung Fu class, high-speed train back to Beijing
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Highlights of this tour
Travel from Beijing to Luoyang by high-speed train. Turn a short Beijing side trip into two full days of Buddhist art, ancient history and Shaolin Kung Fu, with private transfers arranged after arrival.
Admire Vairocana Buddha at Longmen Grottoes and explore caves filled with Buddhist carvings created over centuries, from monumental cliff statues to thousands of miniature Buddhas.
Step into White Horse Temple, one of China’s earliest Buddhist temples. Walk through its historic halls and courtyards while learning how Buddhism first took root and developed in China.
Watch a live Shaolin Kung Fu performance after visiting Shaolin Temple’s temple complex and Pagoda Forest. For a more immersive experience, join an optional Kung Fu class and practice a few basic martial arts movements.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Beijing to Luoyang by High-speed TrainAdmire Magnificent Grotto Complex and Explore Luoyang's History
This morning, the driver will pick you up at your Beijing hotel and take you to the station for the high-speed train to Luoyang, about a 4-hour journey. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you at the station and then start your Luoyang tour to Longmen Grottoes.
Explore the most iconic caves and stone statues, including the Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Temple and the Wanfo Cave which contains about 15,000 miniature Buddhas.
The caves were carved over multiple dynasties, so you can observe how the styles of the Buddha statues evolved over different periods. Your guide will walk you through the main caves and explain their history and most representative sculptures.
Head to the Luoyang Museum (closed on Mondays). The museum houses pottery, bronze wares and other historical relics, many of which were unearthed in Luoyang and its surrounding areas. Through the exhibits, you can gain a deeper understanding of Luoyang's history as an important ancient capital of China.
Exhibitions displayed in Luoyang Museum Optional Night Activity: In certain months, the Longmen Grottoes is open for night tours. You can enjoy the statues and the Yi River illuminated by lights, a different experience from daytime visits. The schedule for night tours may change. If you are interested, please confirm with your travel consultant in advance.
After the tour, take the private vehicle to a hotel in downtown Luoyang for check-in.
- Day 2: Luoyang Back to Beijing by High-Speed TrainStep into Buddhist Temples and Watch a Shaolin Kung Fu Show
Today’s focus is on Buddhist temples. Drive to White Horse Temple first, one of the most important temples in the history of Chinese Buddhism. Visit the main Buddhist halls, ancient buildings and inscriptions, and learn about the introduction of Buddhism to China and the history of this temple.
Then leave for Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, about a 1.5-hour drive. Through explorations of temple’s main buildings to learn about the temple’s history and why it is considered the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin martial arts.
An unmissable highlight is the Pagoda Forest, the largest and oldest ancient pagoda complex in China. You will see over 240 stone pagodas built from the Tang to Qing dynasties to honor deceased eminent monks.
Pagoda Forest at Shaolin Temple - the world’s largest collection of ancient monk stupas Watch the Shaolin Kung Fu show if it is running as scheduled. Enjoy demonstrations of boxing, kicks and other traditional techniques. The exact performance time is subject to the arrangement on the day.
Optional Activity: If you'd like a deeper experience of Shaolin martial arts, participate in a Kung Fu class and practice some basic movements under professional guidance. It is recommended to wear loose and comfortable clothes and flat shoes. Please confirm class availability and reservation requirements in advance.
This is the end of your 2-day Luoyang tour. Your will be transferred to the train station and return to Beijing by high-speed train.
Travel Tips: Shaolin Temple is about a 1- to 1.5-hour by car from Luoyang Longmen Station, so it is recommended to book a later return high-speed train to allow sufficient time for today’s visit and the drive to the railway station. The specific train number depends on the tickets issued.
Upon arrival in Beijing, the driver will take you back to your hotel.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation For This 2-Day Luoyang Tour from Beijing
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
