How to Plan Luoyang One Day Tour to Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple

Summary

A well-paced one-day Luoyang tour lets you explore two of China’s most significant Buddhist sites: the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes and the ancient White Horse Temple. Begin early—arriving at Longmen by its 8:00 AM opening—to admire over 100,000 Buddha statues carved into limestone cliffs, then enjoy lunch with local specialties. In the afternoon, transfer east of the city center to White Horse Temple, the cradle of Chinese Buddhism, to stroll its tranquil courtyards and learn its history. This itinerary balances time on-site, transport, and meals, ensuring you see the highlights without feeling rushed.

1. Logistics & Transportation

1.1 Getting to Longmen Grottoes（龙门石窟）

Location & Access: The Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area lies about 13 km south of Luoyang’s urban core.

Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; last entry usually at 5:30 PM (varies by season).

Ticket Price: CNY 90 for adults; free for children under 1.4 m or under 12, and seniors over 60 .

Transport Options:

Taxi: Approximately CNY 15–20 from Luoyang center, 20 minutes.

Bus: Local bus routes are available but slower; a taxi is recommended to maximize sightseeing time.

1.2 Transfer to White Horse Temple（白马寺）

Distance: About 12 km east of downtown Luoyang.

Transport:

Bus No. 56 from Luoyang Railway Station directly to the temple; journey time ~40 minutes.

Taxi: CNY 50 one way, ~25 minutes.

2. Morning: Longmen Grottoes (8:00 AM – 12:30 PM)

2.1 Must-See Highlights

Shilou Cave: Features a 17 m tall Vairocana Buddha, one of the grandest sculptures here.
Binyang Caves（宾阳洞）: Renowned for its exquisite carvings and the tomb of Empress Wu Zetian’s mother.
Xiangshan Temple & Baiyuan Garden（香山寺与白园）: Scenic areas included in the ticket, perfect for photos and rest.

2.2 Recommended Timing

8:00 AM: Enter immediately to avoid crowds.
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Focus on East Hill (Shilou and Binyang).
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Explore West Hill’s smaller niches and enjoy garden rest spots.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Return to entrance area for museum exhibits and gift shop browsing.

3. Lunch Break (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)

Nearby Options: Small restaurants near the grotto entrance serve Henan specialties—try Luoyang Water Banquet (a multi-course soup-based meal) or local noodles.
Tip: Opt for quick local eateries to maximize sightseeing time.

4. Afternoon: White Horse Temple (1:30 PM – 5:00 PM)

4.1 Historical Context

Significance: Established in AD 68, White Horse Temple is recognized as the first Buddhist temple in China and dubbed the “No. 1 Ancient Temple of China”.

4.2 Key Sights & Activities

Central Pagoda (White Horse Pagoda，白马寺): Symbolizes the arrival of the first Buddhist scriptures by two monks on a white horse.
Mahavira Hall（大雄宝殿）: Houses statues of Sakyamuni and attendant Bodhisattvas; observe worshippers’ rituals.
Peace and Silence: The temple grounds are serene—respect by dressing modestly and keeping quiet in halls.

4.3 Practical Tips

Entry Fee: Approximately CNY 35; ID required for ticket purchase.
Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes—some courtyards have uneven paving and steps.
Incense Ritual: You may purchase incense sticks to join locals in offering prayers.

5. Evening Return & Optional Extras

Return to City Center: Plan taxi or bus back by 5:00 PM to avoid rush hour traffic.
Optional: If time allows, stroll Luoyang Old Town for night markets and street snacks such as beef soup and scallion pancakes.

6. Additional Tips

Seasonal Considerations: Spring (April–May) and October offer pleasant weather; summers can be hot and winters cold.
Hydration & Sun Protection: Bring water and sunblock, especially at the exposed grottoes site.
Advance Booking: Purchase Longmen tickets online to skip queues, especially on weekends and holidays.
Guide Services: Hiring a local guide enriches the experience with historical anecdotes and cultural context.

By following this schedule, you’ll fully appreciate both the majestic rock carvings of Longmen and the serene heritage of White Horse Temple in a single, well-structured day.