2-Day Private Tour: Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes from Jinan by Bullet Train

Your driver will pick you up from your Jinan city hotels lobby and take you to the Jinan West Railway Station. You will take the morning train to Zhengzhou, it takes about 4 hours. Upon arrival, meet your friendly local tour guide, you will be transferred to Shaolin Temple directly (approx. 1.5 hours drive), on the way your tour guide will explain the related history of the Shaolin Temple, and you will enjoy the beautiful countryside view. Once arrive at Shaolin Temple, you will stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch. Shaolin Temple is famous for Chinese Kungfu, first you will have a chance to witness the real Kung Fu 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.

Next, you will start to explore the Pagoda Forest which is a concentration of tomb pagodas for eminent monks and abbots of the temple. There are more than 240 tomb pagodas of various sizes from the Tang, Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties (618-1911), making it the biggest pagoda forest in China. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Luoyang. (about 1.5 hours drive, please book your own accommodation in Luoyang in advance)

Your tour guide will pick you up at the prearranged time, then heading directly to Longmen Grottoes. As the UNESCO Site, The Longmen Grottoes comprise more than 2,300 caves and niches carved into the steep limestone cliffs over a 1km long stretch. It is the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907). Accompanied by your knowledgable tour guide, you will also visit the Fengxian Temple and the Wanfo Cave.

Enjoy a delicious lunch in the local restaurant, your tour guide will take you to Luoyang Railway Station for your train back to Jinan (approx. 4 hours). You also can choose to finish your tour in Luoyang. Once arrives, your driver will pick you up at Jinan West Railway Station and transfer you back to your hotel in Jinan City. Note: You will take the train on your own, your local English speaking tour guide will meet you in Zhengzhou.