Luoyang 1-Day Tour

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Longmen Grottoes (Lushan Temple Giant Buddha + Binyang Caves) + Xiangshan Temple White Garden + White Horse Temple (Qiyun Pagoda + Heavenly Kings Hall) + Bufan Soup Lunch

Longmen Grottoes

The Longmen Grottoes are an outstanding example of Chinese Buddhist art, located 12 kilometers south of Luoyang City, Henan Province, between Xiangshan and Longmenshan mountains on both banks of the Yi River. Here, there are over 100,000 statues of Sakyamuni Buddha and his disciples, with sizes ranging from 25 millimeters to 17 meters, many of which were once painted. The grottoes are carved into limestone cliffs, including external rock reliefs and internal artificial caves. The Yi River flows northward between the two mountains, and the area was once known as Yique ('Gate of the Yi River'). The alternative name 'Longmen Grottoes' (Dragon Gate Grottoes) derives from the two peaks that control the flow of the Yi River, resembling the 'Chinese city gate towers' that once marked the southern entrance to Luoyang. Within the grottoes area, there are also nearly 2,500 steles and inscriptions, hence it is known as the 'Forest of Ancient Steles,' as well as over 60 Buddhist pagodas. The grottoes are situated in a beautiful natural environment, carved along 1 kilometer of cliffs on both banks of the Yi River. Among them, 30% of the grottoes were carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty, 60% during the Tang Dynasty, and less than 10% from other periods. Beginning in 493 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty, donors included emperors, Empress Wu Zetian, imperial family members, other wealthy families, generals, and religious groups. In 2000, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for the perfection of its art forms and its embodiment of the essence of Tang Dynasty culture, hailed as an 'outstanding manifestation of human artistic creativity.'

Xiangshan Temple

Xiangshan Temple is located on Xiangshan Mountain on the east bank of the Yi River within the Longmen Grottoes scenic area in Luoyang City, Henan Province, facing the West Hill of the Longmen Grottoes from afar. It was first built in the Northern Wei Dynasty, and later, Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty spent her summers here. It is famous because Bai Juyi, a poet of the Tang Dynasty, often resided here in his later years and called himself 'Hermit of Xiangshan'. The temple is built against the mountain, boasting beautiful scenery, and is an important part of the Longmen Grottoes, as well as a prime example of the integration of Buddhist culture and natural landscapes.

Longmen Grottoes - Xiangshan Bai Garden

Bai Garden is the tomb garden of Bai Juyi, a famous poet of the Tang Dynasty, located on Pipa Peak of Longmen East Mountain in Luoyang City, covering an area of approximately 44 acres. It is a cultural and natural landscape within the Longmen Grottoes scenic area, hidden among the mountains and forests, imbued with a sense of ethereal charm and Taoist spirit. It is also the only theme park in China dedicated to commemorating Bai Juyi. Bai Juyi lived in Luoyang for 18 years in his later life. Although honored as "Shaofu" (Junior Tutor), he lived a life of poverty, with a great love for drinking and poetry. He built Xiangshan Temple and developed Bajie Beach in Longmen. He had a special affection for the landscapes of Longmen, and was buried here according to his wishes after his death. Many delegations from countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, as well as from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, come to Bai Garden to commemorate, trace their roots, and pay respects to their ancestors. In 1988, the Japan-China Cultural Promotion Association erected a stele here, with inscriptions written in both Chinese and Japanese. In 1995, Japan donated cherry blossoms and erected a stele in Bai Garden. In 1999, South Korea erected a stele here, and in 2000, Singapore also erected a stele.

White Horse Temple

White Horse Temple is located in Luoyang City, Henan Province, and is China's first ancient temple. It is renowned as the 'Cradle of Chinese Buddhism' and the 'Source of Buddhism'. It was first built in the 11th year of Yongping reign during the Eastern Han Dynasty (68 AD), making it the first official Buddhist temple constructed after Buddhism was introduced to China. The temple houses a large number of precious Buddhist relics and historical sites, including the Qingliang Platform, the Great Buddha Hall, and the Putong Pagoda. White Horse Temple is not only the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism, but also an important venue for cultural exchange between China and other countries, carrying a rich historical and cultural heritage.