Luoyang & Nearby Attractions
Luoyang & Nearby Attractions
Choose the sights that fit your time, interests and arrival point. The Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple sit right in Luoyang; the Shaolin Temple is about an hour away in Dengfeng — all three pair naturally into a one or two-day private route.
The three highlights
These three are why most international visitors come to the Luoyang region.
Longmen Grottoes
A UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of Buddhist statues carved into the Yi River cliffs — best visited in a half day, easy from Luoyang.
White Horse Temple
Traditionally regarded as one of China’s earliest Buddhist temples, founded in 68 AD — a compact, peaceful visit that pairs well with the Grottoes.
Shaolin Temple
The home of kung fu, with the Pagoda Forest and a live martial arts performance — about an hour from Luoyang, so allow extra travel time.
If you have more time
Worth adding when your schedule allows, and each one pairs naturally with a highlight.
Luoyang Museum
A strong overview of Luoyang’s thirteen dynasties — pair it with the Grottoes for a fuller sense of the city’s past.
Luoyang old town & Yingtian Gate
Lantern-lit Luoyi Ancient City, the illuminated Yingtian Gate and local food streets — best in the evening after a day of sights.
Local flavors
Water banquet dishes, Luoyang beef soup and the old-town food streets — a relaxed add-on that most visitors fit around dinner.
Peony season
Every April the city blooms for the Luoyang Peony Festival — see the peony guide before you book.
Build a route
The three most common combinations our guests book.
Where everything sits
A rough sense of direction — not to scale.
- Luoyang city — White Horse Temple (east), Luoyang Museum and the old town (centre).
- Longmen Grottoes — south of the city, beside Luoyang Longmen high-speed rail station.
- Shaolin Temple — in Dengfeng, roughly an hour’s drive from Luoyang.
Distances are approximate; travel time depends on your pickup point and traffic.
Common questions
Which sights can I visit in one day?
Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple fit comfortably into one day. Shaolin Temple needs a separate day because of the drive to Dengfeng.
Is Shaolin Temple in Luoyang?
No — it is in Dengfeng, about an hour from Luoyang by road. It is easy to visit as a day trip or on a two-day route, but it is not inside the city.
Do I need a guide at Longmen?
A guide helps you understand the key caves and avoid the crowds, but it is not required to enter. A private guide also handles the route from the station or city.
Can you arrange hotel and station pickup?
Yes — we arrange private transfers from Luoyang Longmen station, Luoyang Beijiao Airport, Zhengzhou Airport and Xi’an, and can help book your hotel.
Want these sights arranged for you?
Tell us your dates and we’ll build a private route with a clear group price.