Shaolin Monastery and Longmen Grottoes — Xi'an to Luoyang Day Excursion

Xi'an–Luoyang high-speed rail round trip; UNESCO sites and Buddhist stone carvings

A single-day excursion from Xi'an into Henan Province reaches two major archaeological landmarks. Shaolin Monastery, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 as part of the Historic Monuments of Dengfeng, remains the institutional centre of Chan Buddhism and still hosts active martial arts training. The afternoon journey south to Longmen Grottoes, situated 12 kilometres outside Luoyang, presents approximately 110,000 Buddhist stone statues carved into limestone cliffs across a mile-long escarpment. Most sculptural work dates between the late 5th and middle 8th centuries. The route relies on the high-speed rail corridor connecting the two cities, allowing for a full day of visits without overnight travel.

Highlights

Martial arts demonstrations and active training practice at Shaolin Monastery
Shaolin Pagoda Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site component dating to the early medieval period
Longmen Grottoes: approximately 110,000 Buddhist stone statues and 60 stupas carved into limestone over roughly a mile of cliff face
Stone inscriptions and stelae carvings from the late 5th to 8th centuries at Longmen
High-speed rail transit between Xi'an and Luoyang (approximately 1.5 hours each way)

Day by day

1Shaolin Monastery and Longmen Grottoes via LuoyangShaolin Monastery · Longmen Grottoes · Xi'an North Railway Station · Pagoda Forest · Longmen railway station

The day begins with a hotel lobby departure for Xi'an North Railway Station, where you board a high-speed train bound for Luoyang. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, crossing Henan Province on dedicated rail infrastructure. On arrival, private transfer brings you directly to Shaolin Monastery. The complex and its Pagoda Forest stand in Dengfeng, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. The monastery functions as an active spiritual and training centre; visitors observe martial arts practice conducted by resident monks and students, including younger practitioners. The Pagoda Forest comprises centuries of memorial structures and remains one of the oldest and largest of its kind. After this morning visit, transfer south to Longmen Grottoes, located approximately 12 kilometres from Luoyang. The site consists of steep limestone cliffs extending for nearly one mile along the river valley; the cliff faces contain roughly 110,000 Buddhist stone statues, 60 stupas, and 2,800 inscriptions carved into stelae. Most carvings date between the late 5th and middle 8th centuries, representing continuous sculptural activity across the Tang dynasty period. Following the afternoon tour, proceed to Longmen railway station for the return high-speed train service to Xi'an, arriving in the evening.

Where you go

Map: Shaolin Monastery and Longmen Grottoes — Xi'an to Luoyang Day Excursion route — Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

1Shaolin Monastery
2Longmen Grottoes

Included

English speaking guide service throughout
Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
Entrance fee of Shaolin Monastery and Longmen Grottoes
Round trip fast train Xi'an-Luoyang-Xi'an

Not included

Do Not Include:
International airfare
China Visa
Hotel accommodation