Destinations: Explore Erlitou ruins, Longmen Grottoes and make Tang Sancai pottery
This 5-day Luoyang-centered study tour focuses on Heluo Civilization, widely known as the root of Chinese culture. Designed for history and art student groups, the program turns ancient ruins, cave temples and museums into a living classroom. Students explore the earliest Chinese capital at Erlitou Site, study Buddhist stone sculpture art at Longmen Grottoes, visit China’s first ancient temple White Horse Temple, and join hands-on Tang Sancai pottery workshops. The itinerary maintains a gentle pace, with regular group discussions and heritage recording tasks, letting students trace 3,000 years of Chinese dynastic history in one ancient capital.
Day1: Arrival in Zhengzhou, transfer to Luoyang, orientation Arrive at Zhengzhou airport, private coach transfer to Luoyang. Hotel check-in. Brief welcome session introducing Heluo culture and study tour objectives. Short evening stroll in Luoyang old town. Overnight Luoyang.
Day2: Erlitou Site Museum + Luoyang Museum Morning: Visit Erlitou Site Museum. English educator explains the discovery of the earliest palace ruins, bronze ritual vessels and origin of "China". Students complete field observation worksheets. Afternoon: Luoyang Museum. Study relics spanning Xia, Shang, Northern Wei and Tang dynasties, compare bronze, pottery and stone art from different eras. Overnight Luoyang.
Day3: Longmen Grottoes & Bai Garden Full day at Longmen Grottoes along Yi River. Walk both river banks, closely examine Fengxian Temple grand Buddha statues. Learn about the history of stone carving, Buddhist belief and Empress Wu Zetian's influence. Visit Bai Garden, the memorial garden of famous poet Bai Juyi. Evening group reflection on ancient Buddhist art. Overnight Luoyang.
Day4: White Horse Temple + Tang Sancai Handicraft Workshop Morning: Tour White Horse Temple. Learn how Buddhism traveled along the Silk Road into China and shaped Chinese architecture and culture. Afternoon: Tang tri-color pottery workshop. Local master teaches students to shape and glaze ceramic pieces. Students create their own small Tang-style artwork. Overnight Luoyang.
Day5: Mingtang & Paradise, Luoyi Ancient City, depart to Zhengzhou airport Morning: Visit Mingtang and Paradise, reconstructed Tang imperial palace. Learn about Tang royal rituals and architecture. Short exploration of Luoyi Ancient City. Transfer back to Zhengzhou for departure flight.
