Destinations: Luoyang Buddhist grotto art with Shaolin Kung Fu
This 6-day study tour combines Luoyang’s ancient Buddhist and imperial heritage with Shaolin Temple Zen and Kung Fu culture. Perfect for groups interested in philosophy, martial arts and religion. Starting in Luoyang to explore the origin of Chinese Buddhism at White Horse Temple and Longmen Grottoes, students then travel to Songshan Shaolin Temple. They watch monk performances, take beginner Kung Fu lessons, visit Songyang Academy, and compare how Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism coexisted in ancient central China.
Day1: Arrive Zhengzhou, transfer to Luoyang Airport arrival, coach to Luoyang. Orientation and overview of Chinese religious culture. Overnight Luoyang.
Day2: Longmen Grottoes field study Full day Longmen Grottoes. Study cliff Buddhist sculptures and how Buddhism evolved from Northern Wei to Tang Dynasty. Group sketching activity. Overnight Luoyang.
Day3: White Horse Temple, then travel to Dengfeng Shaolin area Morning: White Horse Temple, trace the Silk Road transmission of Buddhism. Afternoon: Coach transfer to Dengfeng. Visit Songshan landscape and brief introduction to Shaolin history. Overnight Dengfeng.
Day4: Shaolin Temple, Pagoda Forest & Kung Fu performance Morning: Tour Shaolin Temple main halls and Pagoda Forest, learn the history of Zen Buddhism. Afternoon: Watch live Kung Fu performance. Students join basic Kung Fu training led by local martial arts instructors. Overnight Dengfeng.
Day5: Songyang Academy & heritage discussion Visit Songyang Academy. Learn ancient Confucian education philosophy. Compare Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist ideas. Group project preparation. Transfer back to Luoyang. Overnight Luoyang.
Day6: Tang culture quick visit, transfer to Zhengzhou airport for departure Morning short visit of Tang heritage site. Final presentation of group projects. Private transfer to Zhengzhou airport.
