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Xi'an to Luoyang by High-Speed Rail: Longmen Grottoes Day Trip (2026)
The short answer: Luoyang's Longmen Grottoes — 100,000+ Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs between 493–1127 AD — sit just ~1.5 hours from Xi'an by high-speed rail (roughly 100–150 CNY second class; confirm 12306). It's one of China's three great cave-art sites (with Datong's Yungang and Dunhuang's Mogao), and the easiest major detour from the Terracotta Army city.
Why This Day Trip Works
- Short rail hop: frequent trains Xi'an North → Luoyang Longmen station, ~1.5h;
- The station is next to the site: Luoyang Longmen station sits close to the grottoes — a short taxi/bus from train to cave entrance;
- World-class site, half-day visit: the grottoes need 2.5–3.5 hours — comfortable as a day trip, better with one night.
The Longmen Grottoes in One Visit
| Section | What to see |
|---|---|
| West Hill | The main event: Fengxian Temple's 17m Vairocana Buddha — the face everyone photographs |
| East Hill | Fewer caves, quieter, views back across the river |
| Xiangshan Temple & Bai Juyi's tomb | East bank, included in the ticket |
| Riverside walk | The classic postcard view of the west cliff from across the Yi River |
Timing tip: go at opening or after 15:00 for softer light and thinner crowds; the afternoon sun lights the west cliff face.
Day-Trip Plan from Xi'an
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 07:30 | Train Xi'an North → Luoyang Longmen |
| 09:00 | Taxi/bus to grottoes; enter West Hill |
| 09:30–13:00 | West Hill caves + Fengxian Temple + riverside walk |
| 13:30 | Lunch: Luoyang water banquet (shui xi) if curious, or simple noodles |
| 15:00 | Optional: old town or White Horse Temple if staying overnight |
| 17:00+ | Train back to Xi'an |
Overnight Option (Recommended If You Can)
- Add White Horse Temple (China's first Buddhist temple, 68 AD) on day 2 morning;
- Add Luoyang old town at night;
- Combine further east: Luoyang → Kaifeng (Song dynasty capital, 40 min) → continue toward Beijing.
Booking Notes
- Book via Trip.com or 12306 (passport e-tickets — see our rail guide);
- Use Luoyang Longmen station (洛阳龙门站), not Luoyang station, for the grottoes;
- Tickets for the grottoes can be bought online in advance via official mini-programs.
FAQ
Is one day enough?
Yes for the grottoes alone; overnight to add White Horse Temple and the old town.
How do Longmen compare to Yungang (Datong)?
Longmen is later, grander, and riverside; Yungang is older and more intimate.
Can I combine Datong and Luoyang?
Not efficiently in one trip - pick one per trip, or do the full northern loop.
Is it crowded?
Weekends and holidays yes; weekday mornings are manageable.
Wheelchair or limited mobility?
The riverside path is accessible; some cave platforms involve steps.
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