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Luoyang, a thousand-year-old capital, is China's oldest capital, has served the most dynasties, and lasted the longest. Over 100 emperors ruled from here, earning it the nickname "the ancient capital of 13 dynasties." During the day, visitors can explore scenic spots and historical sites, and at night, admire the ancient city's nightscape. The Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, Guanlin, Lijing Gate, and the Emperor's Six-Chariot Museum all chronicle the rise and fall of Chinese civilization.
Once a major city in the Central Plains and a crucial stop on the Silk Road, Luoyang, also known as the "Divine Capital," is the birthplace of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Taoism, and Neo-Confucianism. Known as the "Capital of the Eight Passes" and "surrounded by mountains and rivers, its location is unrivaled in the world," Luoyang has served as the capital of 13 dynasties, starting with the ancient Xia Dynasty. A hub for scholars and writers, Luoyang embodies the profound and majestic spirit of the Central Plains while embodying the charming elegance of a southern water town.
Luoyang's annual Peony Festival is usually held from mid-April to early May. At that time, Luoyang's China National Flower Garden will be filled with blooming peonies to welcome visitors from all over the world.
The Eight Scenic Spots of Luoyang are: the scenery of Longmen Mountain, the bell of Ma Temple, the clear spring in Jingu, the evening view of Mangshan, the dawn moon in Tianjin, the autumn wind in Luopu, the morning tour of Pingquan, and the evening rain of Tongtuo.
Famous scenic spots: Baiyun Mountain, Guanlin, White Horse Temple, Jiguan Cave, Laojun Mountain, etc.
Luoyang is one of China's ancient capitals with over 4,000 years of history. It has been the capital for multiple dynasties and is a key cultural and religious center, especially for Buddhism. The city is known for its historical architecture, ancient temples, grottoes, and traditional Chinese festivals.
Luoyang is in western Henan Province. It is accessible by Luoyang Longmen Airport, high-speed trains via Luoyang Railway Station or Luoyang Longmen Station, and highways. Within the city, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps are convenient. Walking is feasible in Old Town and historical areas.
Most attractions are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is spring (April-May) for peonies and autumn (September-October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Booking 1-2 weeks in advance is recommended during peak season (Peony Festival in April). For other times, tickets can often be bought on arrival.
Visiting Luoyang's main attractions typically requires 2-3 days. One day for Longmen Grottoes, one day for city temples and Old Town, and an optional day for nearby scenic areas.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and English at major attractions like Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple. Audio guides are usually offered in Chinese, with some English options.
Start with Longmen Grottoes, proceed to White Horse Temple, explore Old Town, visit Guanlin Temple, and if time allows, hike Yuantong Mountain. Allocate a full day for outdoor attractions and half a day for city exploration.
Night visits are limited. Some temples may offer evening illumination during festivals. Special seasonal tours are available during Peony Festival.
Peak crowds occur during Peony Festival (April) and public holidays. Least crowded times are weekdays in spring (March or late April) and autumn (September-October).
Major attractions have public toilets, rest areas, souvenir shops, and food stalls. Old Town offers cafes and restaurants. Bring water for longer walks.
Main attractions provide some accessibility, but Longmen Grottoes involves steps and uneven terrain. Older visitors or those with mobility issues should plan accordingly. Child-friendly amenities are limited, so supervise young children.
Most major attractions and restaurants accept mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and cards. Carry some cash for small vendors in Old Town.
Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available in most restaurants. Halal food can be found in some local eateries catering to Muslim communities.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, peony-themed items, Buddhist artifacts, and Henan specialty foods like steamed buns, dried fruits, and local tea.
From Luoyang, travelers can use high-speed trains or long-distance buses to other Henan cities or nearby provinces. Flights are available from Luoyang Longmen Airport for domestic travel.
