Book a private driver in Luoyang for airport transfers, Longmen Grottoes, Shaolin Temple, and Zhengzhou.
About Luoyang
Luoyang, one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals, served as the capital for 13 dynasties over 1,500 years. Located in western Henan Province on the banks of the Yi and Luo Rivers, it is the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism and home to the world-famous Longmen Grottoes. A private car with driver is the most comfortable way to explore Luoyang's scattered ancient sites — from the grottoes 12km south of the city to Shaolin Temple 80km east, and the White Horse Temple in the eastern suburbs.
Top Attractions in Luoyang
Longmen Grottoes
UNESCO World Heritage Site with 100,000+ Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River. The Fengxian Temple with its 17m Vairocana Buddha is the highlight. Allow 2-3 hours.
White Horse Temple
China's first Buddhist temple, founded in 68 AD. A sprawling complex with ancient halls, pagodas, and international Buddhist temples (Indian, Thai, Burmese styles). 30 min from city center.
Shaolin Temple
Birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu, in Dengfeng (80km east, 1.5hr drive). Watch a 30-min kung fu show, visit the Pagoda Forest, and hike to the Sanhuang Village cable car.
Luoyang Museum & Old Town
Modern museum with 400,000+ artifacts from Luoyang's dynastic past. Combine with Lijing Gate, the old city wall, and a walk along the Luo River. Best for half-day exploration.
Peony Gardens (Apr)
Luoyang is the "City of Peonies." Every April, the Luoyang Peony Festival draws millions. Wangcheng Park and the National Peony Garden are the best places to see 1,000+ varieties in bloom.
Guanlin Temple
Shrine dedicated to General Guan Yu, with a 1,000-year-old cypress forest and ancient opera stage. A quieter alternative to the more crowded Longmen Grottoes.
Suggested Luoyang Itineraries
1-Day Classic Luoyang
Morning: Hotel pickup → Longmen Grottoes (2.5 hrs, include the East Hill and Xiangshan Temple)
Lunch: Local Luoyang Water Banquet or noodles near the grottoes
Afternoon: White Horse Temple (1.5 hrs) → Guanlin Temple (45 min) → Lijing Gate & old town walk
Evening: Drop-off at hotel or Luoyang Longmen High-Speed Rail station
2-Day Luoyang + Shaolin
Day 1: Longmen Grottoes → White Horse Temple → Luoyang Museum → old town dinner
Day 2: Early departure to Shaolin Temple (1.5hr) → kung fu show → Pagoda Forest → Sanhuang Village → return to Luoyang or transfer to Zhengzhou/Xi'an
Best Time to Visit Luoyang
Spring (Mar-May): Best season. April is peony season — the city is in full bloom and the weather is mild (15-25°C). Book early as hotels fill up.
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Comfortable temperatures (12-22°C), clear skies, and fewer crowds. Excellent for hiking at Shaolin and the grottoes.
Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot (30-35°C) and humid, but the Longmen Grottoes are well-shaded. Mornings and evenings are best.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold (0-8°C), but very few tourists and the grottoes look striking against bare cliffs.
Luoyang Travel Tips
- Airport & HSR: Luoyang Beijiao Airport (LYA) has limited flights. Most visitors arrive via Luoyang Longmen HSR Station (2hr from Xi'an, 1.5hr from Zhengzhou).
- Longmen Grottoes: Arrive before 9am to avoid crowds. The West Hill has the best statues; don't miss the Fengxian Temple. Wear comfortable shoes — there are many steps.
- Shaolin Temple: It's 80km from Luoyang (1.5hr drive). The kung fu shows run at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00. Arrive 20 min early.
- Food: Try Luoyang Water Banquet (24 soups), mutton soup, and peony-shaped pastries. Most restaurants don't have English menus — your driver can help order.
- Tickets: Longmen Grottoes ¥90, White Horse Temple ¥35, Shaolin Temple ¥80 (including kung fu show). Your driver can help purchase tickets on arrival.
What's Included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional driver
- Hotel / station / airport pickup
- All fuel, tolls, parking
- Driver waiting time at attractions
- Bottled water
- 24/7 English coordinator (WhatsApp/WeChat)
Not Included
- Entrance fees (Longmen ¥90, Shaolin ¥80, etc.)
- Meals & beverages
- Tour guide / interpreter
- Gratuities (optional)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Luoyang Car Service Rates
| Vehicle | Seats | Airport/Railway | City Charter | Longmen Grottoes | Shaolin Temple | Longmen+Shaolin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW Passat | 4 | $45 | $85 | $70 | $130 | $145 |
| Audi A6L | 4 | $65 | $130 | $100 | $170 | $185 |
| Buick GL8 | 6 | $65 | $130 | $100 | $160 | $170 |
| 14-seat Minivan | 14 | $85 | $145 | $115 | $200 | $215 |
| 19-seat Van | 19 | $100 | $170 | $130 | $230 | $245 |
| 35-seat Coach | 35 | $145 | $230 | $170 | $285 | $300 |
| 45-seat Coach | 45 | $160 | $270 | $200 | $330 | $345 |
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