Quick answer
This 3-day route keeps nearby places together and leaves realistic space for local transport, meals and ticket controls. Check official entry notices before fixing travel dates.
Day 1
Luoyang · 洛阳
Begin at opening and allow for the full riverbank circuit.
Day 2
Luoyang · 洛阳
Museum first, old-city lights later.
Day 3
Luoyang · 洛阳
Keep the east-side excursion separate from Longmen.
View every stop
Longmen Grottoes on mapA UNESCO-listed kilometre of Buddhist caves and carvings along both banks of the Yi River.Luoyang Museum on mapThe best indoor overview of Luoyang’s long capital-city history and archaeological collections.Luoyi Ancient City on mapA reconstructed evening district useful for food, lights and seeing how heritage tourism is staged in modern Luoyang.White Horse Temple on mapA historic Buddhist temple east of Luoyang that is best treated as a half-day excursion rather than an old-city walk.
Continue the route
Luoyang ↔ DatongUse rail and expect a transfer on many departures; keep this as a travel-heavy day.Luoyang ↔ ChongqingPrefer a direct daytime train when available; flying rarely saves as much time door to door as the timetable suggests.Luoyang ↔ ZhangjiajieTreat this as a transfer day and confirm the best connection before booking hotels.