Itinerary designed by Ruqin
Last updated: August 15, 2026
2-Day Beijing to Luoyang Tour Overview
Luoyang makes an ambitious but rewarding two-day side trip from Beijing. High-speed rail has shortened the journey considerably, making this ancient capital practical for a short visit.
For first-time travelers, I would build the trip around two places: Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple. Both relate to Chinese Buddhism, but the experiences could hardly feel more different.
Travel Map: Luoyang, Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng, and Zhengzhou (Google Maps source)
At Longmen, thousands of Buddhist figures emerge from limestone cliffs beside the Yi River. Then, on Day 2, you travel into the Songshan Mountains to visit Shaolin Temple.
I would also leave a little time for Luoyang itself. After Longmen, a relaxed dinner and evening walk give you a glimpse of this historic city without making Day 1 too crowded.
Who Is This Side Trip For?
I recommend this itinerary for travelers interested in Chinese history, Buddhism, sculpture, temples, and martial arts.
It also works well for first-time visitors who want to see another side of central China while based in Beijing. However, expect two active days with considerable walking.
The second day involves road travel from Luoyang to Shaolin and then onward to Zhengzhou. Therefore, careful timing matters.
Beijing to Luoyang 2-Day Tour at a Glance
Day 1 — Beijing → Luoyang → Longmen Grottoes
Beijing → High-Speed Train → Luoyang Longmen Station → Lunch → Longmen Grottoes → Hotel → Luoyang Evening
Suggested departure: Around 7:00–8:00 am
Train journey: Roughly 3–4 hours, depending on service
Main sight: Longmen Grottoes
Overnight: Luoyang, preferably Luolong District
Day 2 — Shaolin Temple → Zhengzhou → Beijing
Luoyang → Shaolin Temple → Kung Fu Performance → Pagoda Forest → Lunch → Zhengzhou → High-Speed Train → Beijing
Road travel: Luoyang to Shaolin, then Shaolin to Zhengzhou
Main sight: Shaolin Temple
Suggested return: Late-afternoon or early-evening train
Arrival in Beijing: Evening
Day 1: Beijing to Luoyang & Longmen Grottoes
6:30–7:00 am — Leave Your Beijing Hotel
Start early.
Take a morning high-speed train from Beijing West Railway Station to Luoyang Longmen Railway Station (洛阳龙门站). Depending on the service, some of the fastest trains complete the journey in around three hours.
However, always check the current timetable and departure station when booking.
Beijing has several major railway stations. Do not assume your train leaves from Beijing West simply because an older timetable says so.
I recommend reaching the station 45–60 minutes before departure. Keep your passport easily accessible.
Around 7:30–8:00 am — High-Speed Train to Luoyang
Board your train and settle in for the journey south.
Second class is comfortable enough for most travelers. Bring breakfast or buy something at the station before boarding.
The train ride also gives you a useful break between two busy cities.
By late morning, you should be approaching Luoyang.
Around 11:00 am — Arrive at Luoyang Longmen Station
Luoyang Longmen Station is particularly convenient for this itinerary.
The station sits in Luolong District, south of central Luoyang and relatively close to Longmen Grottoes. It also connects with Luoyang’s urban transport network.
Arrive at Luoyang Longmen Station
For a short two-day trip, I would stay in this part of the city.
Leave your overnight bag at your hotel if convenient. Alternatively, arrange luggage storage before heading to Longmen.
Then have an early lunch.
11:30 am–12:30 pm — Lunch
Luoyang has its own distinctive food traditions.
If you want something quick, choose noodles, dumplings, or another simple local meal. Save a more leisurely Luoyang dinner for the evening.
Do not eat too heavily.
Longmen involves considerably more walking than many first-time visitors expect.
1:00–4:30 pm — Explore Longmen Grottoes
Give Longmen Grottoes at least three hours.
The grottoes extend along limestone cliffs beside the Yi River. Thousands of Buddhist images fill caves, niches, and cliff faces.
Explore Longmen Grottoes
Carving began during the Northern Wei period and continued through later dynasties. However, many visitors find the Tang-period sculpture particularly memorable.
Take your time as you walk through the site.
Small caves can contain remarkable details, so do not focus only on the largest statues.
Eventually, you reach the magnificent Fengxian Temple area.
The Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple in Longmen Grottoes
Here, the monumental Vairocana Buddha dominates the cliff. Its calm expression and enormous scale make this one of China’s great works of Buddhist sculpture.
Stand back for a few minutes rather than immediately taking photographs.
Longmen works best when you occasionally stop looking through the camera.
4:30–5:30 pm — Finish Your Longmen Visit
If your route and current access allow, take time to appreciate Longmen from across the Yi River.
From the opposite bank, the caves become part of the wider landscape rather than individual sculptures.
You can see the cliff, river, caves, and pathways together.
This wider view gives Longmen a very different character.
Then return toward your hotel.
5:30–6:30 pm — Check In & Rest
Check into your Luoyang hotel and take a short break.
For this itinerary, Luolong District offers the best balance of convenience. You stay close to the high-speed railway station and relatively near Longmen.
However, travelers who value evening atmosphere more than transport convenience can stay closer to the old city.
For only one night, I would prioritize logistics.
Tomorrow starts early.
7:00–9:00 pm — Dinner & Luoyang Evening
Have dinner in Luoyang and try some local food.
Luoyang is particularly famous for its Water Banquet (洛阳水席), a traditional sequence of soup-rich dishes. You do not need to order an elaborate banquet for a short trip, but trying a few local dishes can be worthwhile.
If you still have energy, take a relaxed evening walk.
You might visit an accessible historic neighborhood or simply explore around your hotel.
However, I would not add another major ticketed attraction.
Longmen deserves to remain the focus of Day 1.
Then return to your hotel and sleep early.
Day 2: Shaolin Temple & Return to Beijing
6:30–7:00 am — Breakfast
Have an early breakfast at your hotel.
Then check out and meet your driver.
For this itinerary, I strongly recommend arranging a private car with driver for Day 2. You are traveling from Luoyang to Shaolin and then continuing to Zhengzhou rather than returning to your starting point.
That point-to-point route saves valuable time.
Around 7:30 am — Drive to Shaolin Temple
Leave Luoyang for the Shaolin Temple, near Dengfeng in the Songshan Mountains.
Allow roughly 1½ hours for the drive, although traffic and road conditions vary.
The scenery gradually becomes more mountainous as you approach Dengfeng.
Use the drive to rest.
You have another substantial walking day ahead.
Around 9:00 am — Arrive at Shaolin Scenic Area
Arrive early if possible.
Shaolin is one of China’s best-known cultural attractions and can become crowded later in the day.
The site is much larger than simply the famous temple compound.
Therefore, allow several hours for the visit.
Check the current performance schedule when you arrive because this may affect the order of your morning.
9:15–10:15 am — Shaolin Temple
Begin with the historic Shaolin Temple (少林寺).
The temple has deep connections with Chan Buddhism and later became famous for its martial traditions.
Begin with the historic Shaolin Temple (少林寺)
Walk slowly through the courtyards and halls.
Despite the crowds and worldwide fame of Shaolin Kung Fu, remember that this remains a Buddhist temple.
Look beyond the martial-arts imagery.
Incense, temple architecture, old trees, stone inscriptions, and monks going about their daily routines reveal another side of Shaolin.
10:15–11:00 am — Shaolin Kung Fu Performance
Next, watch a Shaolin martial arts performance, depending on the current performance schedule.
For many foreign visitors, this is one of the most anticipated parts of the trip.
Shaolin Kung Fu Performance
The demonstrations may include forms, flexibility, balance, weapons, and other traditional martial skills.
However, keep the performance in perspective.
Shaolin’s cultural importance goes beyond spectacular physical demonstrations. Its history connects Buddhism, monastic life, martial traditions, folklore, and modern popular culture.
Check performance times when planning your visit because schedules can change.
11:00 am–12:00 pm — Pagoda Forest
Continue to the Pagoda Forest (塔林).
The Pagoda Forest (塔林) in Shaolin Temple
This area contains historic brick and stone pagodas associated with generations of prominent Shaolin monks.
For me, it provides an important counterbalance to the Kung Fu performance.
The performance is energetic and public. The Pagoda Forest feels quieter and more reflective.
Walk slowly and observe how the pagodas vary in height, form, age, and decoration.
Together, they form a physical record of Shaolin’s long monastic history.
12:00–1:00 pm — Lunch Near Shaolin
Have lunch near the scenic area.
Keep it relatively simple because you still need to travel to Zhengzhou and catch your train.
If available and convenient, you can try vegetarian dishes associated with temple cuisine.
Then meet your driver and continue toward Zhengzhou.
1:00–2:30 pm — Drive from Shaolin to Zhengzhou
Instead of driving back west to Luoyang, continue east toward Zhengzhou.
This is one of the most important design choices in this itinerary.
Shaolin sits between the broader Luoyang and Zhengzhou travel corridors. Continuing toward Zhengzhou avoids unnecessary backtracking.
Allow around 1½–2 hours, depending on your destination station and traffic.
Most importantly, build a generous buffer into your schedule.
Road traffic does not care about your train reservation.
Around 3:00–4:30 pm — High-Speed Train to Beijing
Take a late-afternoon high-speed train from Zhengzhou to Beijing.
Your exact station will depend on the train you book. Therefore, make sure your driver knows the correct station before leaving Shaolin.
Do not choose a return train with an extremely tight connection.
I would rather wait at Zhengzhou station for 45 minutes than spend the final hour of the trip worrying about traffic.
Once aboard, relax.
Around 6:00–8:00 pm — Arrive in Beijing
Arrive back in Beijing in the evening.
Return to your hotel and keep the rest of the night free.
In two days, you have traveled from China’s modern capital to an ancient capital, explored Buddhist cave art, crossed the Songshan Mountains, and visited Shaolin.
That is enough for one side trip.
Tickets, Transport & What to Bring
Beijing–Luoyang High-Speed Train
High-speed rail is the most practical way to make this two-day trip.
The fastest Beijing–Luoyang services can take around three hours, while others take longer.
Choose an early morning train from Beijing West Railway Statiob to Luoyang Longmen Station before noon.
Book ahead, particularly for weekends and Chinese public holidays.
Train schedules, departure stations, and fares change. Therefore, check current information when booking rather than relying on an old timetable.
Luoyang Longmen Railway Station
Do not confuse the name with Longmen Grottoes.
Luoyang Longmen Railway Station is the city’s main high-speed rail station. It is not the entrance to the grottoes.
However, its location makes it convenient for travelers visiting Longmen.
The station also connects with Luoyang’s metro system, making onward travel easier.
Day 2 Transport: Luoyang → Shaolin → Zhengzhou
For this route, I recommend a private car and driver.
The key is to arrange a one-way itinerary:
Luoyang → Shaolin Temple → Zhengzhou Railway Station
Do not automatically arrange a round trip back to Luoyang.
Continuing to Zhengzhou makes much better geographical sense and gives you more high-speed rail choices for the return to Beijing.
Confirm the full route and price with your driver before departure.
Longmen Grottoes Tickets
Book Longmen tickets ahead during busy periods.
Carry your passport for identification and ticket verification.
Allow around three to four hours for the full visit.
The site requires considerable walking and includes steps, especially around some of the main caves.
Photography rules can vary in sensitive areas. Follow posted instructions and avoid flash where prohibited.
Shaolin Temple Tickets
Shaolin Scenic Area has its own admission arrangements.
Check current opening hours, ticket requirements, sightseeing transport, and Kung Fu performance schedules shortly before visiting.
During busy periods, book ahead where possible.
Your passport may be required for ticket verification.
Where to Stay in Luoyang
For this specific two-day itinerary, I recommend Luolong District.
It gives you convenient access to Luoyang Longmen Railway Station and works well for reaching Longmen Grottoes.
Luoyang Layout Map: 4 Districts, Key Attractions, Train Stations and Airport (Google Maps source)
If you had two or three nights in Luoyang, I might choose differently.
Travelers focused on food and historic atmosphere may prefer Laocheng District, while Xigong offers convenient shopping and central-city access.
However, on a one-night side trip, every unnecessary cross-city journey costs time.
That is why Luolong works best here.
What to Bring
Travel light with a small overnight bag.
Bring your passport, comfortable walking shoes, phone, charger, and portable power bank.
Longmen has exposed walking areas, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water during warmer months.
Meanwhile, Songshan can feel cooler than central Luoyang, particularly in spring and autumn.
Bring an extra layer when needed.
Finally, carry a small amount of cash as backup. Mobile payments dominate in China, but cash can still be useful for small purchases.
Ruqin’s Trip Design Note
At first, this looks like a simple two-attraction itinerary: Longmen on Day 1 and Shaolin on Day 2.
However, the route works because the two places tell different chapters of a connected story.
At Longmen, Buddhism appears in stone.
You walk beneath cliffs filled with Buddhas, bodhisattvas, guardians, and tiny carved figures. Some are monumental, while others are small enough to overlook.
Then Shaolin changes the atmosphere completely.
Here, Buddhism lives within temple courtyards, mountain scenery, monastic history, and the martial tradition that made Shaolin famous around the world.
The most important practical decision comes after Shaolin.
Do not return to Luoyang unless your travel plans require it.
Continue to Zhengzhou and take the high-speed train back to Beijing from there. It creates a cleaner route and avoids wasting several hours retracing your journey.
I would also avoid adding too much sightseeing in Luoyang on the first evening.
Two days sounds generous on paper. In reality, you are covering hundreds of kilometers and two major heritage sites.
Give Longmen and Shaolin the time they deserve.
That will leave you with a much stronger memory of Luoyang than another hurried checklist ever could.
Plan More of Your Beijing & Luoyang Trip
Use Ruqin China Travel’s practical guides to prepare for China high-speed trains, Luoyang transport, Longmen Grottoes, Shaolin Temple, mobile payments, internet access, local food, and independent travel in China.
If you can add a third day, stay longer in Luoyang rather than adding another distant city. Explore Luoyang Old Town, Luoyang Museum, White Horse Temple, and more of the city’s local food and neighborhoods at a slower pace.
Luoyang Travel Guide: Map, Top Attractions, City Walks and Tips
Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple Day Trip from Beijing by Bullet Train
Xi’an to Luoyang Day Trip: Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple
The Best Luoyang Tour Itinerary
How to Book Luoyang Attraction Tickets: All You Need to Know
2 Day Beijing Luoyang Tour to Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple
Questions About Planning Your Beijing to Luoyang Trip
Still have questions about this route? You’re welcome to write to me.
If you need advice on timing, transport, tickets, or adjusting the itinerary, I’m happy to offer a practical suggestion based on my experience in Beijing and Luoyang.
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