Luoyang: Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple Guided Tour

Luoyang, an ancient city in China’s Henan province, is home to two remarkable cultural treasures: the Longmen Grottoes and the White Horse Temple. The Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boast over 2,100 caves and 100,000 intricate Buddhist sculptures, offering a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich spiritual history. Nearby, the White Horse Temple, China’s first Buddhist temple, stands as a testament to the faith’s enduring influence. Set out on a guided tour to uncover the stories behind these timeless monuments and learn about the cultural tapestry that defines Luoyang’s legacy.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Guided Tours In Luoyang.

Key Points

• Private guided tour from Luoyang to Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple, lasting 8 hours and covering round-trip transportation and English-speaking guide.
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Longmen Grottoes, featuring over 2,100 caves and 100,000 Buddhist sculptures, with a 2.5-hour guided tour.
• Visit the historic White Horse Temple, China’s first Buddhist temple founded in 68 AD, for a 1.5-hour guided exploration.
• Enjoy an optional boat cruise for unique perspectives of the Longmen Grottoes, and a local lunch featuring regional dishes.
• Hassle-free logistics with pickup and drop-off from Luoyang hotel or railway station, and transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

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Tour Overview

This private guided tour from Luoyang takes visitors on an 8-hour exploration of two renowned historical and cultural sites in the region.

Priced from £11,581 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and potential boat cruise options for unique views of the Longmen Grottoes.

Visitors will have 2.5 hours to discover the UNESCO World Heritage site, home to over 2,100 caves, crematory urns, and 100,000 Buddhist sculptures.

After lunch, the tour continues to the White Horse Temple, founded in 68 AD as China’s first Buddhist temple.

Here, guests will spend 1.5 hours exploring the temple’s halls, pavilions, and courtyards.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from either the guest’s Luoyang hotel or the Longmen railway station.

First, visitors will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Longmen Grottoes, where they’ll marvel at the 2,100 caves, crematory urns, inscribed stone tablets, and 100,000 Buddhist sculptures and images.

After the 2.5-hour guided tour, guests will enjoy a local lunch featuring regional dishes.

Next, the group will visit the historic White Horse Temple, founded in 68 AD as the first Buddhist temple in China. During the 1.5-hour guided tour, they’ll discover the temple’s halls, pavilions, and courtyards.

The tour concludes with an optional boat cruise for different views of the impressive Longmen Grottoes.

Experience Details

Typically, the tour begins with the guide meeting your in the hotel lobby or at the Longmen railway station. From there, the group travels in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Longmen Grottoes. Throughout the 2.5-hour guided tour, the guide shares the history and significance of the over 2,100 caves, crematory urns, inscribed stone tablets, and 100,000 Buddhist sculptures and images. For a different perspective, guests may opt for an optional boat cruise. After the Longmen Grottoes, the tour continues to the White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist temple in China founded in 68 AD, where guests explore the halls, pavilions, and courtyards with the guide for 1.5 hours.

Tour Experience	Details
Meeting Point	Hotel lobby or Longmen railway station
Transportation	Private, air-conditioned vehicle
Longmen Grottoes	2.5-hour guided tour
Optional Activity	Boat cruise

Pickup and Drop-off

For the guided tour, pickup and drop-off services are provided from either the guest’s Luoyang hotel or the Longmen railway station.

This convenient arrangement ensures a seamless start and end to the day’s activities. The tour guide will meet the group in the hotel lobby or at the railway station, and then transport them in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple.

At the end of the tour, the guide will drop off the group back at their original pickup location. This hassle-free transportation allows visitors to fully enjoy the cultural sights without worrying about logistics.

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English-speaking Tour Guide

An experienced, English-speaking tour guide accompanies visitors on this guided tour of the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple. The guide provides historical context, cultural insights, and answers any questions throughout the excursion.

Visitors can expect the guide to:

1. Provide a detailed explanation of the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 100,000 Buddhist statues and carvings.

2. Describe the significance and architectural features of the White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist temple established in China.

3. Offer recommendations on the best vantage points, photo opportunities, and local cuisine to enhance the overall experience.

The knowledgeable tour guide ensures a seamless and enriching exploration of these renowned cultural heritage sites.

Reliable Driver and Vehicle

Along With the knowledgeable tour guide, this guided excursion provides a reliable driver and air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable and efficient journey.

The driver is experienced and adept at navigating the local roads, ensuring a smooth and timely transfer between the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple sites.

The private, air-conditioned vehicle offers a relaxing respite from the elements, allowing you to enjoy the sights without the hassle of public transportation.

This seamless transportation service allows you to make the most of your time and focus on experiencing the cultural and historical wonders of these renowned destinations.

Lunch and Entrance Fees

The guided tour package includes lunch at a local restaurant, allowing visitors to sample the regional cuisine and further enjoy the local culture.

The entrance fees to the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple are also covered in the package. This ensures a hassle-free experience for the tour participants.

Some key points to note:

1. The lunch menu features a selection of authentic local dishes, providing an opportunity to savor the flavors of the region.

2. The entrance fees cover access to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Longmen Grottoes and the historic White Horse Temple.

3. Choosing the package tour simplifies the planning process and eliminates the need to manage additional expenses during the excursion.

Exclusions and Restrictions

Not suitable for children under 2 years, the guided tour has some age restrictions in place.

Plus, the itinerary is subject to change, so travelers should be aware that the tour’s schedule may need to be adjusted.

While lunch and entrance fees are included in the package tours, these aren’t covered in the base tour price.

Visitors should also note that the tour is private and conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

The tour can likely be customized to include additional sites, though this may impact the duration and price. Travelers should consult with the tour provider to discuss their specific interests and preferences.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

The tour operator offers group discounts for larger parties. Guests can inquire about group pricing when booking the tour. Discounts may be available for parties of 4 or more participants.

What Happens if the Tour Needs to Be Rescheduled?

If the tour needs to be rescheduled, travelers can request free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve again for a later date. The tour provider offers flexible rebooking options to accommodate changes in plans.

Can We Stop for Additional Photo Opportunities Along the Way?

The tour can accommodate additional photo stops along the way, subject to the guide’s discretion and the group’s schedule. Passengers are encouraged to communicate any special requests for photo opportunities during the tour.

Is There Any Dress Code or Special Requirements for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Modest attire is recommended when visiting religious sites. The tour provider advises checking weather conditions prior to the tour.

The Sum Up

The Luoyang guided tour offers a captivating exploration of the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple, immersing visitors in the rich cultural heritage of China. With an experienced English-speaking guide, round-trip transportation, and a local lunch, this tour provides a comprehensive and memorable experience, allowing travelers to explore the history and significance of these UNESCO-recognized sites.

You can check if your dates are available here: