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This 6-day private tour connects two of China's great ancient capitals by high-speed rail: Luoyang in Henan Province and Xi'an in Shaanxi. It is designed for first-time visitors, cultural travellers and small groups of 2–30 people who want UNESCO World Heritage sites explained properly, with a private English-speaking guide and vehicle throughout.
In Luoyang you walk the 1-kilometre cliff gallery of the Longmen Grottoes, carved between 493 and 1127 AD and home to more than 100,000 Buddhist images, then travel to the Songshan Mountains for the Shaolin Temple, birthplace of Chan Buddhism and of Shaolin kung fu. Two further days cover White Horse Temple — traditionally regarded as China's first Buddhist temple, founded in 68 AD — and the Guanlin Temple. In Xi'an you see the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, buried around 210 BC and unearthed by farmers in 1974, walk the Ming-dynasty city wall, and visit the Xi'an Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.
The route runs Luoyang in, Xi'an out, which avoids backtracking: both cities sit on the Zhengzhou–Xi'an high-speed line, roughly 90 minutes apart. Both are on China's unilateral visa-free entry list coverage, and Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is an approved 240-hour transit port.
Longmen Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage, inscribed 2000) — a 1 km cliff face holding over 100,000 Buddhist statues and 2,300 niches, including the 17.14 m Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple.
Shaolin Temple, Songshan — founded in 495 AD and recognised as the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and of Shaolin kung fu; watch a live kung fu training display by the temple's monk students.
White Horse Temple — founded in 68 AD, generally recognised as the first Buddhist temple in China, with the Indian-style Great Hall added in 2010.
Terracotta Army, Xi'an — more than 8,000 life-sized figures guarding the mausoleum of China's first emperor; see Pit 1, Pit 2 and the bronze chariots in the exhibition hall.
Xi'an City Wall — the most complete surviving Ming-dynasty city wall in China, 13.74 km in circumference and wide enough to cycle along the top.
Xi'an Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda — a quieter finale, with Tang-dynasty Buddhist architecture and a collection of more than 130,000 artefacts in the Jianfu Temple grounds.
Luoyang Banquet dinner — a traditional Luoyang Shuixi (water banquet) on the first evening, a 1,000-year-old regional banquet format.
Private guiding and transport throughout — one English-speaking guide and one private vehicle for your group, with high-speed rail tickets between Luoyang and Xi'an booked in advance.
Morning — Arrival in Luoyang
Arrive at Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, a modern hub that connects the city with major destinations across China, and sense immediately the historical richness of this ancient capital. Your guide welcomes you and accompanies you to your hotel for check-in.
Lunch — Near Your Hotel
Enjoy a quick and convenient lunch at a local eatery near your hotel, sampling regional flavors and specialties before the afternoon's sightseeing.
Afternoon — Longmen Grottoes
Visit the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into limestone cliffs over many centuries. The site holds tens of thousands of Buddhist statues, ranging from small, delicate carvings to colossal figures such as the great Vairocana Buddha. Exploring the caves offers a profound insight into the artistic and religious achievements of ancient China.
Evening — Luoyang Water Banquet & Old Town
Dine on a Luoyang Water Banquet, a unique feast of many hot and sour dishes served in a set order, resembling a flowing stream. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around Luoyang Old Town, a charming historic district of traditional architecture, local shops, and street-food vendors. Its lively atmosphere offers a delightful glimpse into the city's rich heritage.
Morning — Shaolin Temple
Set out on a day trip to Shaolin Temple, about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive each way. Nestled in the scenic Song Mountains, Shaolin is celebrated as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and of Chinese Kung Fu. As you explore the temple complex, you gain a glimpse into the daily lives of the monks and the history of their martial tradition. A captivating Kung Fu performance brings the discipline and skill of Shaolin to life.
Cultural Insight
Founded in the 5th century during the Northern Wei Dynasty, Shaolin Temple grew into a major center of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, and the monks' training is the source of countless martial arts legends.
Lunch — Near Shaolin Temple
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the temple, with a variety of options including vegetarian dishes. This is a chance to sample local flavors while catering to different dietary preferences and to reflect on the morning's sights.
Afternoon — Pagoda Forest
Explore the Pagoda Forest at Shaolin Temple, a remarkable site made up of stone and brick pagodas that served as tombs for eminent monks. The pagodas display diverse architectural styles and intricate carvings that reflect the temple's long history. Wandering among them is a contemplative experience honoring the monks who devoted their lives to Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu.
Evening — Dinner at Wangfu Restaurant
Return to Luoyang for dinner at Wangfu Restaurant, which offers a refined dining experience with a menu of traditional Luoyang cuisine and interiors reminiscent of imperial China. Indulge in local specialties and savor the flavors of Luoyang in an elegant setting.
Morning — White Horse Temple
The White Horse Temple, regarded as the first Buddhist temple in China, holds immense historical and religious significance. Founded in 68 AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty, it is celebrated as the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism. The complex features striking halls, serene courtyards, and sacred statues, offering a tranquil setting in which to explore Buddhist culture.
Morning — Guanlin Temple
Continue to Guanlin Temple, dedicated to Guan Yu, the revered general celebrated for his loyalty and righteousness. The complex is traditionally associated with the burial of Guan Yu's head and features impressive architecture, intricate carvings, and statues that honor his legacy. Exploring here reveals the enduring place of Guan Yu in Chinese folk religion as a symbol of integrity and valor.
Afternoon — Luoyang Museum
Visit the Luoyang Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts chronicling the city's long history as one of China's ancient capitals. The galleries range from prehistoric relics to imperial treasures, offering a comprehensive overview of Luoyang's cultural heritage and its significance in Chinese history.
Evening — Dinner at Zhen Butong Restaurant
Dine at Zhen Butong Restaurant, a culinary institution in Luoyang renowned for its traditional Henan cuisine and especially its Luoyang Water Banquet. The meal showcases local flavors and time-honored recipes passed down through generations, a fitting way to immerse yourself in the gastronomic heritage of Luoyang.
Morning — Wangcheng Park
Visit Wangcheng Park, laid out on the ancient city site of the Zhou Dynasty and now Luoyang's largest comprehensive park. Its expansive grounds combine lush gardens, tranquil lakes, and cultural exhibits that showcase Luoyang's heritage. It is an ideal place to relax and take a leisurely stroll before departure.
Lunch — A Final Luoyang Meal
Enjoy a final Luoyang lunch at a restaurant of your choice, perhaps trying a dish you have not yet experienced. This is a chance to explore the city's diverse culinary landscape and end your stay on a high note.
Afternoon — Departure to Xi'an
Head to Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, where your guide assists with your transfer. Depart from Luoyang to Xi'an by train and continue your journey through China.
Evening — Arrival in Xi'an
On arrival in Xi'an, your private vehicle transfers you to your hotel, where your guide assists with check-in. The evening is yours to rest and prepare for the days ahead.
Morning — Terracotta Army Museum
The Terracotta Army was built to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (221–206 BC), the first emperor of a unified China. Over 8,000 life-sized warriors, 670 horses, and 150 chariots were buried with the emperor, each figure uniquely crafted with distinct facial features. Your guide will lead you through the three excavation pits, explaining the discovery, construction techniques, and historical significance, then on to the Bronze Chariot Hall to view the gold-and-silver imperial relics.
Afternoon — Xi'an City Wall
The Xi'an City Wall is the most complete and best-preserved ancient city fortification in China, dating back to 1370 AD (Ming Dynasty). The wall stretches 13.7 kilometers in a perfect rectangle around the old city, with 12-meter-high ramparts, watchtowers, and a surrounding moat. You can walk or rent a bicycle to ride along the top, passing the South Gate with its ceremonial drum performances and the willow trees lining the moat.
Evening — At Your Leisure
The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure — you may rest at the hotel or explore the nearby surroundings on your own.
Morning — Xi'an Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Housed near the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the Xi'an Museum focuses on the city's lesser-known history, with exhibits that include Tang Dynasty epitaphs detailing the lives of scholars, Silk Road maps annotated with caravan routes, and a replica of the scripture-laden backpack carried by the monk Xuanzang. Next door you can climb the 43-meter Tang-era Small Wild Goose Pagoda, which has survived some seventy earthquakes thanks to its honeycomb brick structure and forms part of the UNESCO-listed Silk Roads site. The adjacent Jianfu Temple Bell Tower houses an 8,000-kilogram Ming Dynasty bell that was struck during morning rituals.
Lunch — Farewell Lunch
A farewell lunch is arranged before your afternoon departure.
Afternoon — Departure
Your guide and driver will provide a private transfer to Xi'an Airport or the Xi'an North Railway Station for your onward journey, assisting with luggage and seeing you off at the departure point.
Meals — Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
All three meals are included on this day.
| Group Size | Adult(Age:8-80) Price/p.p | Child(Age:4-7) Price/p.p | Infant(Age:0-3) Price/p.p |
| 2 PAX | from $2051 | / | / |
| 4 PAX | from $1505 | / | / |
| 6 PAX | from $1335 | / | / |
| 8 PAX | from $1244 | / | / |
| 10 PAX | from $1122 | / | / |
| 20 PAX | from $978 | / | / |
| 30 PAX | from $930 | / | / |
5 nights in selected 4–5 star or internationally branded hotels, twin sharing, daily breakfast
Meals as listed in the itinerary (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner)
Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver throughout, including all airport/train station transfers
Dedicated English-speaking local guides in Luoyang and Xi'an
All entrance fees, including shuttle buses and cable cars inside scenic areas (Longmen Grottoes shuttle, Shaolin Temple scenic-area transport, Terracotta Army shuttle)
High-speed rail tickets Luoyang → Xi'an, second class, booking fee included
Travel accident insurance, 30 CNY per person per day
Government taxes and service fees
International flights to and from China, and any domestic flights
Chinese visa fees where a visa is required
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Personal expenses: laundry, drinks, telephone, optional activities, meals not listed
Single room supplement
Anything not listed under "price includes"
Visa. Citizens of 50 countries (including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and — under a separate mutual agreement — Singapore and Malaysia) can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026. Citizens of 57 countries including the United States may use 240-hour visa-free transit if they hold an onward ticket to a third country; Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is an approved port. Everyone else should apply for a visa at least 4–6 weeks before departure.
Best season. March–May and September–November, for mild temperatures and clear skies. Luoyang's peony season peaks in mid-April. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold and dry.
Pace and fitness. Moderate. Expect two to four hours of walking per day, mostly on paved paths and temple steps. Longmen Grottoes and the Shaolin scenic area both involve uneven ground.
What to bring. Comfortable walking shoes, a passport carried daily (required for tickets and hotel check-in), a light layer for early mornings, and a hat in summer.
Payments. Alipay and WeChat Pay now accept international Visa and Mastercard cards. Carry a small amount of cash for small shops and older taxis.
Booking lead time. Terracotta Army and Longmen Grottoes tickets are best reserved 7–14 days ahead in high season; April and the October national holiday fill fastest.
Do I need a visa for this tour?
Depends on your passport. Citizens of 50 countries enter visa-free for 30 days, and travellers from 57 countries can use 240-hour transit with an onward ticket. We confirm your specific case before booking.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, from around age 6. The kung fu demonstration at Shaolin and the Terracotta Army pits are reliable highlights for younger travellers. Child pricing is available on request.
Is Luoyang connected to Xi'an by high-speed rail?
Yes. Luoyang Longmen station to Xi'an North takes roughly 1.5 hours. Tickets are included in the tour price.
Can the itinerary be shortened or extended?
Yes. Mount Hua, the Qianling Mausoleum and the Pingyao ancient city can be added; Luoyang and Xi'an days can also be dropped to build a 4-day version.
