Ancient Capitals High-Speed Rail Tour: Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Mount Hua & Xi'an

Starting in Zhengzhou and ending in Xi'an, this route connects Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes, Mount Hua, and the Terracotta Army via high-speed rail.

A classic combined route for Henan and Shaanxi, traveling west along the Longhai corridor. High-speed rail connections save time. The eastern section features Buddhist grottoes and the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu; the middle section tackles Mount Hua; and the western section concludes with the Terracotta Army and the ancient city of Xi'an. The itinerary is packed, and climbing Mount Hua and returning on the same day requires significant physical stamina. Perfect for first-time visitors to the Central Plains and Guanzhong regions who want to see two great ancient capitals in one go. Can also be done in reverse.

Mount Hua's paths can be icy in winter; check the cableway maintenance schedule in advance.

Day by day

Day 1 · Zhengzhou and Henan Museum

Zhengzhou & Shaolin（Henan Museum、Erqi Memorial Tower）

After arriving at Zhengzhou East Railway Station, take the metro to the city center (about 30 minutes). Travel between city sights takes about 20 minutes by taxi or metro.

Henan Museum requires advance reservation and is closed on Mondays.

Stay: Erqi Square · Zhengzhou Railway Station

Day 2 · Shaolin Temple and Westbound to Luoyang

Zhengzhou & Shaolin（Shaolin Temple） → Luoyang City（Luoyi Ancient City）

Take a chartered car or tourist bus from Zhengzhou to Shaolin Temple (about 1.5 to 2 hours), then continue to Luoyang (about 1.5 hours).

Stay: Old Town, Luoyi Ancient City

Day 3 · Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple

Luoyang City（Longmen Grottoes、White Horse Temple、Yingtian Gate）

Drive about 30 minutes from the Old Town to Longmen, then about 40 minutes to White Horse Temple. Take a taxi for the night tour of Yingtian Gate.

Stay: Old Town, Luoyi Ancient City

Day 4 · High-Speed Rail to the Foot of Mount Hua

Mount Hua (Huashan)（Xiyue Temple、Yuquan Temple (Jade Spring Daoist Temple)）

Take a high-speed train from Luoyang Longmen Railway Station to Huashan North Railway Station (about 1.5 hours). In the afternoon, take a taxi or shuttle to the mountain entrance area.

Purchase Mount Hua entry and cableway tickets in advance, and decide on your ascent and descent routes.

Stay: Yuquan Courtyard and Visitor Center

Day 5 · Climb Mount Hua and Transfer to Xi'an

Mount Hua (Huashan)（Mount Hua (Huashan)、North Peak (Yuntai Peak), Mount Hua、Canglong Ridge、East Peak (Chaoyang Peak) Sunrise、South Peak (Luoyan Peak), Mount Hua、West Peak (Lotus Peak), Mount Hua）

The cableway rides and hiking on the peaks take about 6 to 8 hours. In the evening, take a high-speed train from Huashan North Railway Station to Xi'an (about 30 minutes).

Winds can be strong on the cliffside paths. Do not force your way in rainy or snowy weather, and wear slip-resistant shoes.

Stay: Bell and Drum Towers · Muslim Quarter

Day 6 · Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace

Xi'an（Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Army)、Huaqing Palace）

Take the metro or a dedicated tourist bus line to Lintong (about 1 to 1.5 hours). Return via the same route. Allocate the entire day for this excursion.

Terracotta Army tickets are highly sought after during peak season; reserve online with your real name at least a few days in advance.