Xi'an Bullet Train Trip to Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple

Following an afternoon pickup from your accommodation in Xi'an city,  meet our driver and hop aboard your air-conditioned vehicle. Heading directly to railway station. Enjoy a 1.5 hour bullet train ride on your own. Once arrive Luoyang, our guide will hold a sign with your name on waiting for you at the exit of the arrival hall

The grottoes and niches of Longmen contain the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907). These works, entirely devoted to the Buddhist religion, represent the high point of Chinese stone carving.These contain almost 110,000 Buddhist stone statues, more than 60 stupas and 2,800 inscriptions carved on steles. The grottoes are formed in 1 km of the stretch of Yi river and were carved on both banks, in limestone formations creating the Longmen Caves. Most of the work was done on the western bank, while the eastern bank caves, of smaller numbers, served as residences for the large groups of monks. Accompanied by your tour guide, take the shuttle bus to enter the attraction, your will explore most caves on the western bank. Then, enjoy stunning carvings from the boat cruise (Not open during bad weather).

Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant, next move on to the Shaolin Temple. First, you will have a chance to witness the real Kungfu performed by Shaolin monks. As a UNESCO Site, the Shaolin Temple was first constructed in 495 A.D. Later, Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-557) had the temple built to accommodate the Indian master Batuo. As Chinese Kungfu also originated from Shaolin Temple, it has been recognized as the origin of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Kungfu. Accompanied by your knowledgable tour guide, you will get you know the histories and related stories about Shaolin Temple - culture, people and soul.

Afterwards, you will explore the Pagoda Forest which is a concentration of tomb pagodas for eminent monks and abbots of the temple.