How Many Days in Luoyang?
How many days do you need in Luoyang?
One day is enough for the Longmen Grottoes; two days add Shaolin Temple; three days let you keep the Luoyang sights at a relaxed pace and see the old town at night. How long you stay really depends on whether you want to include Shaolin and how you are arriving.
The short answer
Allow one full day for the essentials — the Longmen Grottoes and, if time allows, White Horse Temple. Add a second day if you want to visit Shaolin Temple, which sits about an hour away in Dengfeng. Take a third day if you prefer an unhurried pace, want to spend an evening in the old town, or are arriving mid-day and leaving mid-day.
How long each option gives you
| Stay | What fits | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | Longmen Grottoes, with White Horse Temple if arrival allows | Short stopovers, rail-based trips |
| 2 days | Above, plus Shaolin Temple as a full day trip | Visitors who want kung fu and cave art |
| 3 days | Above at a relaxed pace, plus old town, food and one museum | First-time visitors who want to linger |
A practical guide to each length
One day
Make the Longmen Grottoes your anchor and schedule around your train or flight. If you arrive by high-speed rail at Luoyang Longmen station, you are already beside the Grottoes, which is a natural first stop. Add White Horse Temple only if your timing is comfortable.
Two days
Spend day one on the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple, and day two on Shaolin Temple. The Shaolin day is roughly 9–10 hours door to door because of the drive to Dengfeng, so do not schedule a train departure too early on the second evening.
Three days
Keep day one for the Grottoes, day two for Shaolin, and use day three for Luoyang Museum, the old town and a relaxed evening at Yingtian Gate — or simply build in buffer time around your transfers.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to fit Shaolin and Longmen into one day. It is possible in theory but rushed; the drive to Dengfeng eats into both sights.
- Underestimating transfer time. Luoyang Longmen station, the city centre and the Grottoes are in different spots — a private vehicle removes the guesswork.
- Booking a tight departure after a Shaolin day. Leave evening buffer for the return drive.
Who this suits
One day suits a quick stopover; two days suits the classic Luoyang-and-Shaolin trip; three days suits travelers who want the sights without rushing and value an evening in the old town.
Related
Last checked: September 2026. Train times, ticket prices and opening hours change — confirm current details before you book.
Not sure how long to stay?
Tell us your arrival and departure and we’ll suggest the right length and route.