Luoyang / Luoyang Museum

To understand a city, start with its museum.

Luoyang boasts a 4,000-year history as a city and a 1,500-year history as a capital. Historically, 13 dynasties established their capitals here, leaving behind five major capital city ruins.

The permanent exhibition at the Luoyang Museum introduces the Heluo civilization through a chronological narrative of the five major capitals. The conclusion of the exhibition states:
"The Heluo region is the cradle of Chinese civilization, and the Heluo civilization is its core. Touring the historical displays of the Luoyang Museum is like traversing the long river of history. The roughness of the Stone Age, the solemnity of the Bronze Age, and the splendor of the Iron Age all reflect the great creativity of the Chinese people, enduring through the ages."

I find the act of quietly "gazing" to be a unique experience. You realize that this artifact has traveled through millennia, and as you stand here, gazing ahead, you are also gazing at people from thousands of years ago.

In the past, living people were buried with the deceased, but during the Qin and Han dynasties, this practice gradually shifted to using terracotta figurines as burial companions. While the method changed, the living's hopes for the deceased remained constant.

"I always wish I could do something more for you."

The creation of countless terracotta figurines in preparation for one's afterlife reflects the ancient people's fear of death, a fear that persists to this day. The Luoyang Museum is rich in exhibits, and each artifact tells a story. You can choose to focus on the ones that interest you! It's recommended to purchase a guided tour for a more comprehensive experience.

Post by Lee Lee Sam | Oct 22, 2025