2 days Xi’an -luoyan-Shanglin temple

Morning (8:00 AM The Terracotta Warriors

08:00 AM: Pick-up from your hotel. Meet your guide and driver. The journey to the Terracotta Warriors takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

09:30 AM – 12:30 PM:Explore the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.

Strategy: Visit the pits in reverse order to avoid the largest crowds at Pit 1 initially.

Pit 3: Start here. This is the smallest pit, believed to be the army’s command post. It’s a good warm-up for the scale of what you’re about to see.

Pit 2: Move next door. This pit is the most “active” archaeologically, containing a mix of cavalry, infantry, and chariots. You can see uncovered figures right next to areas still under excavation. The famous kneeling archer is here.

Pit 1: The Grand Finale. This is the largest and most impressive hangar, housing thousands of life-sized soldiers in battle formation. The sense of scale is breathtaking. Spend the most time here, walking along the viewing platforms to appreciate the details.

Afternoon (1:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Xi’an City Wall

• 01:30 PM: Return to central Xi’an and have lunch. Your guide can recommend a restaurant on the way back.
• 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM:Explore the Xi’an City Wall. The most complete city wall that has survived in China, and one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. It’s 13.7 km (8.5 miles) around.
• 04:15 PM – 06:15 PM: Visit the Pagoda Square and Da Ci’en Temple.Muslim Quarter & Dinner

07:00 AM – 08:30 AM:High-Speed Train Journey.

Train: Take a G-series high-speed train from Xi’an North to Luoyang Longmen Station (洛阳龙门站).

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Key Advantage: The “Luoyang Longmen” station is strategically located just 5-10 minutes by taxi from the Longmen Grottoes, making it the perfect first stop.

08:30 AM: Arrive at Luoyang Longmen Station. Take a taxi (约¥10-15) directly to the main entrance of the Longmen Grottoes.

09:00 AM – 11:30 AM:Explore the Longmen Grottoes.

Strategy: Focus on the western hill, which contains the most significant caves.

Must-Sees in Order:

Fengxian Temple (Fengxian Si): Your first major stop. Behold the magnificent 17-meter-tall Vairocana Buddha. Spend time here absorbing the scale and detail.

Wanfo Cave (Wanfo Dong): The “Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas,” stunning for its sheer density of small carvings.

Guyang Cave (Guyang Dong): The oldest and most historically significant cave at Longmen.

after Luoyan guide and driver take 2 hours drive to Afternoon (1:30 PM – 4:30 PM): Shaolin Temple

• 01:30 PM – 04:00 PM:Explore the Shaolin Temple Scenic Area.
  • Check the Schedule! Immediately upon arrival, check the timetable for the Kung Fu Performance at the Tagou Martial Arts School stadium. Plan your visit around a show (they are usually every hour or so).
  • Suggested Route:
    1. Watch the Kung Fu Show (approx. 30 minutes). This is a highlight and showcases incredible skill and discipline.
    2. Explore the Shaolin Temple itself. Walk through the main halls, see the stone floor depressions made by generations of training monks, and visit the Dharma Cave.
    3. Walk to the Pagoda Forest (Ta Lin). This cemetery for esteemed monks is a serene and fascinating area with pagodas from various dynasties.
• 04:00 PM: Begin your exit from the scenic area to meet your driver/taxi.

Late Afternoon & Evening (4:30 PM – 8:00 PM): Return to Xi’an