From Xi’an, the high-speed rail line to Luoyang takes you into Henan province in a little under two hours, and a day trip there opens up two of China’s most famous sights. The Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the banks of the Yi River, hold thousands of Buddhist statues carved into the limestone cliffs over several centuries, many of them in the Northern Wei and Tang periods. The largest carving, a seated Vairocana Buddha beside a series of attendants, is among the great works of Chinese Buddhist art and is the reason most people make the trip. Shaolin Temple, in the Songshan mountains near Dengfeng, is the Buddhist monastery most closely tied to Chinese martial arts. A visit usually includes the temple halls, the Pagoda Forest of memorial stupas, and a kung fu demonstration given by students. It is a lively, commercial site, and it can be crowded, but it is also a fascinating one, with history stretching back to the fifth century. Combining the two in a single day is possible with an early start, and tours usually arrange the train, drivers and tickets for you. It is a full day of travel and sightseeing, and best suited to visitors with some stamina.
How to visit
A guided day tour is the sensible option, since the sights are some distance from the Luoyang station and from each other. Tours typically start with an early high-speed train, then use a private driver for the grottoes and the temple, and finish with a return train in the evening. The train ride is comfortable, with seats that are assigned in advance, and your passport is needed to board. Make sure the schedule gives enough time at each site, as rushing the grottoes would defeat the purpose.
What to expect
At Longmen, allow two hours or more to walk the west cliff, where most of the major carvings are, and to see the Vairocana Buddha in the Fengxian Temple cave. Shaolin takes another two to three hours, including the Pagoda Forest and a demonstration if one is running. There is a lot of walking and some stairs, and weather can be hot in summer and cold in winter. Food is simple and local. Do not expect a quiet, contemplative experience at Shaolin, especially at weekends.
Making the most of it
Choose this trip if you have a few extra days in Xi’an and an interest in Buddhist art or martial arts, or if you are heading east to Henan anyway. Many visitors choose to stay overnight in Luoyang rather than doing it as a day trip, which is easier on the legs. With limited time, the Terracotta Army and Mount Huashan are better first choices, and Longmen alone, without Shaolin, makes a calmer day if you prefer a slower pace.
Pack a light snack, a bottle of water and a portable phone charger, since the day involves long stretches of walking and travelling. Photography rules inside some caves can be strict, so follow the signs, and keep an eye on the clock so you do not miss the return train, which is the one fixed point of the day.
What to expect
The experience
A full day by high-speed train and private driver to the Longmen cliff carvings and then to Shaolin Temple and its Pagoda Forest.
Best time
Spring or autumn, on a weekday outside holidays.
How long
A full day, about twelve hours door to door.
Tips
Bring your passport for the train, start early, wear good shoes, and consider staying overnight in Luoyang.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who love Buddhist art or martial arts and have a few days to spare.
- Families
- Teenagers who enjoy kung fu will like Shaolin, but the day is long for young children.
- Couples
- A memorable shared day out for couples who like culture and do not mind an early start.
- Pair with
- Mount Huashan or the Terracotta Army on other days.
- Time needed
- A full day, or two days with a night in Luoyang.
Good questions
How long is the train from Xi’an to Luoyang?+
The high-speed train takes a little under two hours, depending on the service, and runs frequently. Day tours usually book the tickets for you.
Do I need my passport?+
Yes, your passport is needed to board the high-speed train and may be checked at some sites, so carry it all day.
Can I see both Longmen and Shaolin in one day?+
Yes, with an early start, but it is a long day. Many visitors choose one of them or stay overnight in Luoyang for a more relaxed pace.
What is the highlight of the Longmen Grottoes?+
The huge seated Vairocana Buddha and its attendants in the Fengxian Temple cave, carved in the Tang period, are the best-known works among thousands of Buddhist statues.
Is Shaolin Temple quiet?+
Not usually. It is a popular site with tour groups and performances, so go in the morning if you can, and treat it as lively rather than peaceful.
