Luoyang: A long letter from the ancient capital to history

Luoyang: A Long Letter to History from a Millennium-Old Capital

In the Central Plains, Luoyang resembles a long scroll, repetitively painted over by time. Ancient city walls, bluestone streets, the shadows of temples and pagodas intertwine with the misty waves along the banks of the Yellow River. The weight of history settles in the air, as if every breath breathes in the scent of millennia of stories and culture.

In the early morning, a thin mist shrouds the ancient city. The Buddha statues of the Longmen Grottoes appear solemn and tranquil in the soft light. The bluestone alleys are still quiet, and the morning bells echo leisurely. The aroma of soy milk, sesame cakes, and Luoyang water banquets wafts through the streets. The ancient buildings blend with the morning light, inviting you to slow down and feel the flow of time. The afternoon light is at its warmest, and the streets, temples, and ancient city gates are dappled with light and shadow. The waves of the Yellow River shimmer in the distance, blending the past and the present in one moment.

At dusk, the setting sun paints the ancient city a golden orange. The shadows of the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple stretch out, and the Yellow River reflects the sunset's light. Truly breathtaking, it's the night lights that intertwine with the ancient buildings, the shadows of the lights in the streets and alleys reflected on the bluestone slabs. The richness of history and the vibrant atmosphere of urban life merge at this moment.

If time permits, explore the alleys of the old city or stroll along the banks of the Luo River, passing ancient temples, museums, and historical sites, and experience the interweaving of light, culture, and history. You'll understand then: Luoyang is not just a city, but a long poem written of history, culture, and light, where every step whispers a millennium.

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✨ Tips (useful tips snuck into your travels)
• Time to visit: Early morning when the grottoes and ancient streets are at their most tranquil, and dusk when the light and shadows are at their most gentle.
• Viewing spots: Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, the streets and alleys of the old city, and the banks of the Yellow River. • Recommended Activities: Hike the ancient streets, visit the grottoes and museums, take photos, and try Luoyang Water Banquet.

• Recommended Foods: Luoyang Water Banquet, mutton soup, soup dumplings, and imperial pastries.

• Recommended Accommodation: A B&B in the old city or a hotel in the historic district, where you can listen to the morning bells ringing in the ancient streets.

• Transportation: Accessible by bus or car, walking is the most convenient way to explore the ancient city.

• Seasonal Moods: Spring and summer offer refreshing and pleasant cityscapes; autumn sunsets and ancient buildings are most captivating; winter's misty streets shroud the rich history.

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📌 Traveler's Notes
In Luoyang, I learned to see with my eyes how the grottoes transform under light and shadow, and to listen with my ears to the chimes of the bells and the whispers of the Yellow River. That sense of weight and history remains more deeply etched in my heart than any shutter.

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