Xi’an to Luoyang Day Trip: Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple by High-Speed Train
Tour Overview
Journey from Xiāan to Luoyang by high-speed train for a full day of Chinaās Buddhist and martial arts heritage.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes, where thousands of Buddhist statues and inscriptions were carved into the cliffs along the Yi River, then continue to Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and a legendary center of Chinese kung fu.
With an early train, private transfers, and a local guide, this day trip combines two of Luoyangās most iconic cultural sites without the need for an overnight stay.
Travel Destination: Luoyang
Suitable for: Cultural & history lovers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour
See thousands of Buddhist statues at Longmen GrottoesĀ and learn how the carvings and inscriptions changed from the Northern Wei to the Tang Dynasty.
TraceĀ the roots of Zen and kung fuĀ when exploringĀ Shaolin TempleĀ and its Pagoda Forest, then watch a live showĀ featuring traditional boxing and weapon techniques.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Xiāan to Luoyang by High-Speed TrainBuddhist Grotto Art and Shaolin Kung Fu Show
Around 06:00, the driver will take you from your Xi'an hotel to the railway station for the high-speed train to Luoyang, which takes about 1.5 hours.
High-speed train schedule reference: According to the day'sĀ schedule, you may take aĀ train departing around 08:09 and arriving around 09:38. The final schedule is subject to the actual ticket issued.
After arrival, meet your local guide and driver at the train station and headĀ toĀ Longmen Grottoes.
Mini Buddhist statues in Wanfo Cave in Longmen Grottoes Follow the trailsĀ along the Yi River to explore the vast grotto complexĀ and seeĀ up close the Buddha statues and inscriptions carvedĀ across different historical periods.
Your guide will introduce several representative caves and statues. Through the details on the faces, costumes and hair buns of the Buddha statues, you can glimpse the evolution of artistic styles and Buddhist culture over the grottoes' long history.
The Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple is the centerpiece of the grottoes. Standing 17.14 meters tall, the statue wears a serene expression with a subtle smile ā and legend has it that the face was modeled after the only female emperor in Chinese history, Wu Zetian.
Close-up view of Vairocana Buddha at Longmen Grottoes Warm Tips: Longmen GrottoesĀ involves many stepsĀ withĀ some steep sections. PleaseĀ wear comfortable and non-slip shoes and adjust yourĀ walking distance based onĀ your fitness level.
Drive about 1 hour to theĀ Shaolin Temple at the foot of Songshan Mountain.
Founded in 495 AD, Shaolin Temple is the cradle of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and a living monastery where prayer, meditation, and daily rituals have continued uninterrupted for over 1,500 years. Wander through incense-scented halls and step into the Dharma Cave where Bodhidharma first meditated in China.
ContinueĀ to theĀ Pagoda Forest, where you can see ancient pagodas of different eras and forms.Ā They are actually the burial sites of eminent Shaolin monks of past dynasties.
Pagoda forests in Shaolin Temple If there is a regular performance on that day, watch a Shaolin kung fu showĀ and enjoy demonstrations of traditional martial arts such as boxing and weapon techniques.
After the tour, your guide and the driver will take you to the railway station. Return to Xi'an by high-speed train. If you plan to continue your tour, Luoyang also has direct high-speed train services to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Kunming.
If you get backĀ to Xi'an, the local driver will pick you up at the station and transfer you to your hotel.
Travel Tip: Shaolin Temple covers a large area. If you want to save energy, consider taking the sightseeing bus at your own expense.
Tour Price ($=USD)
From $309 P.P, which is based on a private tour for 2 people. The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel.
