3-Day China Itinerary: Shaolin Temple & Ancient Luoyang

A Cultural Journey Through Kung Fu, Buddhist Art & Ancient Capitals

Quick Trip Overview

Duration: 3 Days
Destinations: Shaolin Temple (Dengfeng) + Luoyang City
Best For: Travelers who love history, Buddhist culture, and Kung Fu.
Trip Theme: The path of Buddhism in China — from the Zen birthplace to royal cave art.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: The Legendary Shaolin Temple

Focus: Kung Fu, Zen Buddhism, and Temple Architecture

Morning (Arrive by 8:30 AM)

• Transport to Shaolin:
  • From Zhengzhou: Take the direct tourist bus from Zhengzhou Central Bus Station or near the高铁站 to the Shaolin Scenic Area (≈1.5h, ¥25-30).
  • From Luoyang: Take a bus from Luoyang Bus Station to Dengfeng (≈1.5h, ¥20), then transfer to a local bus/taxi to Shaolin.
• Start Your Visit (Ticket: included in scenic area pass):
  1. Shaolin Temple Complex: Explore the main halls.
     • Must-Sees: Main Gate (with emperor’s inscription), Mahavira Hall, Pagoda Forest, Dharma Cave site.
     • Tip: Hire an English-speaking guide at the entrance (≈¥100 per group) or use an audio guide.
     • Time Needed: 1.5 hours.

Noon (12:00 – 1:30 PM)

• Lunch: Try vegetarian dishes at the temple’s Shaolin Vegetarian Restaurant or local noodles outside.
• Kung Fu Show: Don’t miss the live performance at the Shaolin Martial Arts Hall (30 min shows, usually at 10:30, 11:30, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00).

Afternoon (1:30 – 5:00 PM)

1. Pagoda Forest: Walk among 240 ancient stupas for monks (≈40 min).
2. Optional Hike: Visit Chuzu Temple and Dharma Cave (where Bodhidharma meditated). This is a 1.5-2 hour round-trip hike. Skip if you’re saving energy for tomorrow.

Evening

• Check-in in Dengfeng city (more hotel/restaurant options) or near the temple.
• Dinner: Try Dengfeng’s local food like huimian (noodle soup) or sesame cakes.
• Optional Night Show: Watch “Zen Music Shaolin Ceremony” (seasonal, impressive open-air show).

Day 2: Mountain Hike & Travel to Ancient Luoyang

Focus: Natural Wonders of Songshan & Transfer

Morning (Start by 8:00 AM)

• Sanhuangzhai Hike (The Highlight):
  1. Take the Shaolin Cable Car up the mountain.
  2. Hike the plank walk to see Shuce Ya (Book Pages Cliff) — stunning quartzite rock formations.
  3. Continue to the Suspension Bridge for amazing views.
  4. Total Time: Cable car (15 min) + 2.5-3 hours hiking round-trip.
  5. Light Option: Just hike to the Book Pages Cliff viewing platform and return.

Afternoon (1:30 PM Onwards)

• Travel from Dengfeng to Luoyang (≈1.5 hours):
  • Best Option: Direct tourist bus from Shaolin parking lot to Luoyang.
  • Standard Option: Taxi to Dengfeng Bus Station → Bus to Luoyang (¥20).
  • Convenient Option: Book a car/didi direct to your Luoyang hotel (≈¥150-180).
• Check-in in Luoyang. Recommended areas:
  • Old Town (near Lijing Gate): Best for atmosphere and nightlife.
  • Luolong District (near Longmen高铁站): Modern, convenient for next-day departure.

Evening: Explore Luoyang’s Old Town

• Walk through Lijing Gate and the ancient streets (Dong/Ji大街).
• Dinner: Taste Luoyang Water Banquet (a feast of soups & dishes) at a local restaurant like “Zhenbutong” or “Guanji.”
• Night Views: Visit Luoyi Ancient City (free, reserve online) for beautiful lights and traditional architecture.

Day 3: Longmen Grottoes & Cultural Choice

Focus: UNESCO Cave Art & Museum or Temple

Morning (Go Early!)

• Longmen Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage)
  1. Getting There: Bus #81/#60 from city center, or taxi (≈¥25).
  2. Ticket: ¥90. Buy online in advance and scan your passport.
  3. Route (One-Way):
     • West Hill Caves (The Best Part): See Fengxian Temple with the gigantic 17m-tall Buddha (Vairocana).
     • Cross the bridge to East Hill Caves and Xiangshan Temple.
     • End at Bai Garden (Poet Bai Juyi’s tomb).
  4. Pro Tips:
     • Morning light is perfect for photos on West Hill.
     • Wear comfortable shoes — lots of walking.
     • English guides available (≈¥200) or use official audio guide.

Afternoon (Pick One Based on Your Interest)

• Option A: Luoyang Museum (For history lovers)
  • Why Go: See artifacts from 13 ancient dynasties.
  • Treasures: Bronze wine vessels, tri-colored glazed Tang pottery.
  • Cost & Time: Free (book online), needs 2-3 hours.
• Option B: White Horse Temple (For Buddhism lovers)
  • Why Go: China’s first Buddhist temple, with international monastery complex (Indian, Thai, Burmese styles).
  • Cost & Time: ¥35, needs 1.5-2 hours.

Departure from Luoyang

• By High-Speed Train: Leave from Luoyang Longmen Station to major cities.
• By Air: Fly from Luoyang Beijiao Airport or take a train to Zhengzhou for international flights.

Essential Travel Info

• Best Time to Visit: April-May (for peony flowers) or September-October (pleasant weather).
• Estimated Budget (per person):
  • Tickets/Entry: ¥200-300
  • Transport: ¥150-200
  • Hotels: ¥200-400/night (mid-range)
  • Food: ¥80-150/day
  • Total (3 days): Approximately ¥1,300 – 2,000
• Must-Book in Advance: Train tickets, Longmen Grottoes online ticket.
• Useful Apps: Alipay/WeChat Pay (for payments), Didi (for taxis), 

This compact 3-day trip packs in the very essence of Central China’s culture — the power of Shaolin Kung Fu, the serenity of Zen, and the breathtaking art of an ancient empire.