Yanshi District Travel

Yanshi District, Luoyang, Henan Province - the location of the ancient capitals of the Xia and Shang dynasties, hometown of Xuanzang, integrating archaeological sites, celebrity hometowns, and historical culture. A 2-day 1-night in-depth tour including site exploration, cultural visits, and food experiences.

3800+
Years of Civilization History
2
National-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units
8+
Important Cultural Scenic Spots
20+
Local Special Foods
Panoramic View of Erlitou Site Museum
Erlitou Xia Capital Site Museum
The earliest China - the capital site of the middle and late Xia Dynasty, an important site of the Chinese Civilization Origin Exploration Project

2-Day 1-Night Xia and Shang Culture Tour in Yanshi District

Visit the earliest Chinese site, trace the traces of Xuanzang's hometown, explore the mysteries of the Shang Dynasty city site, and experience the profound heritage of the birthplace of Chinese civilization

Tour Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Erlitou Site, Xuanzang's Hometown, Shangcheng Museum, Tang Gongling Mausoleum
Suitable for
History and culture enthusiasts, archaeological explorers, cultural research tourists
Per Capita Budget
¥350-¥600
01
Exploring the Xia Capital
Erlitou Site · Xuanzang's Hometown · Xia and Shang Culture
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Erlitou Site Museum in the morning to learn about Xia Dynasty civilization. Visit Xuanzang's Hometown in the afternoon to experience Buddhist culture. Taste Yanshi's special food in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Erlitou Xia Capital Site Museum
The earliest dynasty capital site in China, known as the "earliest China", showcasing the urban layout, bronze civilization and ritual culture of the middle and late Xia Dynasty.
Xuanzang's Hometown
The birthplace of Xuanzang, a famous monk of the Tang Dynasty and a translator of Buddhist scriptures. It has Xuanzang Temple, former residence, memorial hall, etc., and is an important Buddhist cultural holy land.
Xuanzang Temple
A Buddhist temple built to commemorate Master Xuanzang. The temple houses a statue of Master Xuanzang and showcases his feat of traveling west to fetch Buddhist scriptures and his achievements in Buddhist studies.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotels in Yanshi urban area
  • Homestays around scenic spots
  • Cultural theme inns
Food Recommendations
  • Yanshi Silver Strips
  • Guxian Meat Pie
  • Mutton Soup
  • Braised Noodles (Huimian)
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to hire a guide for site visits
  • Xuanzang's Hometown is suitable for cultural research
  • Pay attention to cultural relic protection
02
Exploring Shang and Zhou Dynasties
Shangcheng Museum · Tang Gongling Mausoleum · Historical Culture
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Yanshi Shangcheng Museum in the morning to learn about Shang Dynasty civilization. Visit Tang Gongling Mausoleum in the afternoon to experience Tang Dynasty mausoleum culture. Buy local specialties in the evening to end the trip.

Attraction Arrangement
Yanshi Shangcheng Museum
A thematic museum featuring the early Shang Dynasty capital site, showcasing the urban layout and social life of the Shang Dynasty through rich cultural relics.
Tang Gongling Mausoleum
The mausoleum of Li Hong, the eldest son of Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi and Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty. It is one of the relatively well-preserved Tang Dynasty mausoleums in Luoyang and has important historical value.
Yanshi Ancient City Ruins
The ruins of Yanshi Ancient City from the Han to Tang Dynasties, with existing city wall foundations and some building remains, witnessing the long historical changes of Yanshi.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Buses connect major scenic spots
  • Self-driving is more convenient
  • Distances between scenic spots are relatively far, need to arrange reasonably
Ticket Information
  • Erlitou Museum: Free
  • Xuanzang's Hometown: ¥30
  • Shangcheng Museum: Free
  • Tang Gongling Mausoleum: ¥20
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to understand the historical background in advance
  • Maintain solemnity when visiting mausoleums
  • Buy specialties in urban stores

Must-Try Foods in Yanshi District

Yanshi Silver Strips

Specialty of Yanshi, a Chinese geographical indication product. Shaped like silver strips, white and bright, crisp and tender in taste, can be eaten cold or stir-fried, and is a fine dish for banquets.

Guxian Meat Pie

A traditional famous food in Yanshi, with crispy outer skin and delicious filling. Matched with carefully prepared meat filling, it has a fragrant smell and is deeply loved by local people.

Mutton Soup

A special food in Luoyang area, selected high-quality mutton, boiled with ancestral secret recipe, milky white soup color, tender meat, rich nutrition.

Braised Noodles (Huimian)

A special noodle in Henan, with chewy noodles, matched with mutton, fungus and other ingredients, rich soup, is a popular staple food.

Yanshi District Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-May): Pleasant climate, suitable for outdoor site visits
  • Autumn (September-November): Clear and crisp weather, excellent for cultural experience
  • Avoid rainy season: More convenient for site visits
Must-Try Foods
  • Yanshi Silver Strips
  • Guxian Meat Pie
  • Mutton Soup
  • Braised Noodles (Huimian)
  • Soybean Milk Noodles (Jiangmian Tiao)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥50
  • Accommodation: ¥80-¥150 per night
  • Catering: ¥40-¥70 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥60
  • Total: ¥350-¥600
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Importance of Erlitou Site? → The earliest dynasty capital site in China
  • Features of Xuanzang's Hometown? → Birthplace of the famous Tang Dynasty monk, Buddhist cultural holy land
  • Theme of Shangcheng Museum? → Exhibition of early Shang Dynasty capital culture
  • Where to buy specialties? → Specialty stores in urban area or scenic spot stores