Henan

Longmen Grottoes · Photo: xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0

Cities in Henan

1–2 daysLuoyang洛阳The Longmen Grottoes, with Shaolin Temple within reach.best Apr–May, Sep–Oct

Top sights

龙门石窟Longmen GrottoesOver 100,000 Buddha statues carved into the cliffs on both banks of the Yi River, crowned by the giant Vairocana Buddha.LuoyangBooking required白马寺White Horse TempleTraditionally China’s first Buddhist temple, founded in the 1st century, with Indian, Thai and Burmese-style halls built next to it.LuoyangBooking recommended少林寺Shaolin Temple (day trip)The birthplace of Zen Buddhism and kung fu on Mount Song, with a forest of monks’ stone pagodas and daily martial-arts shows.LuoyangBooking recommended洛阳博物馆Luoyang MuseumA big, free museum covering 13 dynasties that ruled from Luoyang, with superb Tang tri-colour pottery and bronzes.LuoyangBooking required丽景门Lijing Gate and the Old TownA rebuilt Ming-style city gate with its barbican and moat, opening onto the lanes and snack stalls of Luoyang’s old town.Luoyang