Luoyang Travel Guide – An Ancient Capital of a Thousand Years
Luoyang City in Henan is one of the most time-honored ancient capitals in China, boasting a history of over 4,000 years. Once the capital of 13 different dynasties in Chinese history, an important hub along the ancient Silk Road, and the center of the Grand Canal in the Sui and Tang dynasties… the city bears multiple historical marks, making it a can’t-miss for people keen on Chinese history and culture. And this ultimate Luoyang Travel Guide is to help you discover the best this ancient capital has to offer.
The profound history of Luoyang has endowed this ancient city with numerous cultural and historical sites, including the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes, the White Horse Temple (believed to be the first Buddhist temple in China), the Museum of Emperor’s Six Chariots, and six significant ancient capital ruins.
Beyond the historical and cultural heritage, Luoyang is also famous for its annual Peony Festival, attracting tourists both domestically and abroad.
Chinese: 洛阳 luò yáng
Location: Western Henan
Population (urban area): 7,079,000
Where is Luoyang?
Luoyang is located in the western part of Henan Province, China, with the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River flowing through it. The city got its name from its location on the north bank of the Luo River.
Situated in the heartland of central China, Luoyang borders the provincial capital Zhengzhou, and several other significant cities. It was an integral part of ancient Central Plains culture and has been one of the political, economic, cultural, and transportation centers of the Central Plains region in ancient times. The Yellow River and many other rivers in the region have influenced and given birth to many civilizations on the Chinese mainland. Thus, it is associated with many ancient myths of China, including Emperor Ku, Tang Yao, Yu Shun, and Xia Yu.
Fast Facts of Luoyang
- Area: 15,200 square kilometers
- Population: about 7.079 million (about 4.773 million in urban areas)
- Best Highlights: Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, ancient capital ruins, peony festival, educational museums.
- Time Needed: 3-4 days
- Best Time to Visit: April to May is the best time to appreciate peonies in Luoyang; autumn months from September to October when the weather is most pleasant.
Top Tourist Attractions in Luoyang
Luoyang National Peony Garden
Each April, the annual Luoyang Peony Festival makes Luoyang a hot tourist destination, attracting numerous tourists from both China and abroad. As a premier place to admire peonies, the Luoyang National Peony Garden will entertain all visitors with over 1,000 varieties of peonies from around the world.
Top Things to Do in Luoyang
During a trip to Luoyang, besides visiting famous attractions like Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, and ancient ruins, you can also enrich your Luoyang tour with many immersive cultural experiences and activities. Below are several suggestions to inspire you on what to do in Luoyang.
Take Part in the Peony Culture Festival
Each year from April to May, this ancient city hosts the Luoyang Peony Festival to attract tourists from both China and abroad. Besides the visual feast provided by peony exhibitions, the festival also features displays of local intangible cultural heritage and various cultural performances. The top places to appreciate blooming peonies are Wangcheng Park, the National Peony Garden, and Sui and Tang Dynasty Relics Botanical Garden.
Night Tour at Luoyi Ancient City
With its history dating back to the Zhou Dynasty, Luoyi Ancient City is home to many historical relics, including the Wenfeng Tower, Henan Prefecture Confucian Temple, the ruins of ancient city walls, Siyan Well, and more. The scenic area is characterized by rich historical architecture of different dynasties, diverse intangible cultural heritage, and numerous dining and entertainment options. It is particularly famous for its vibrant nightscape when the colorful lights alongside the ancient structures create a unique atmosphere and vividly showcase Heluo Culture.
Learn to Make a Tang Sancai Pottery (Tri-colored Pottery)
The famous Tang Sancai is also known as “Luoyang Tang Sancai” since it was unearthed the earliest and the most in Luoyang. For a deep understanding of this exquisite Tang Dynasty craftsmanship, visitors can get a chance to make their own Tang Sancai pottery at either the Tang Sancai Art Museum or a local workshop. Under the guidance of a local artisan, you’ll take part in each making process, from kneading clay, molding, and glazing to firing.
Experience Hanfu Photography
Thanks to the many historical landmarks in Luoyang, such as Yingtian Gate, Ming Tang, and Yongning Pagoda, dressing in traditional Hanfu or Tang attire for photography in Luoyang is a popular and immersive experience. To rent your attire with a local professional photography team, you can expect to learn about some ancient etiquette and lifestyles during the shooting.
Taste Luoyang Water Banquet
A bright cultural emblem of Luoyang, the Water Banquet is a local traditional banquet that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. It was named so for two reasons. One is the “soup-filled” dishes in the banquet, and the other one is that the dishes are continuously served one after another new dish, just like flowing water. There will be over twenty dishes served in a water banquet, including appetizers, main courses, soup, and desserts.
Related Reading: Top Things to Do in Kaifeng
Luoyang Weather & Best Time to Visit
Luoyang enjoys a temperate monsoon climate featuring a dry and warm spring, hot and humid summer, cool and pleasant autumn, and a cold and dry winter. Summer months from July to September are the time seeing the most rainfall in a year.
When planning a trip to Luoyang, the best time is spring, especially in mid-April to early May. During this period, the weather is moderate, and the peony flowers are in full bloom, making the peak season of Luoyang.
The autumn months from September to November are also great times when the weather is cool and comfortable, rewarding great experiences at the historical attractions and captivating autumn landscapes.
Luoyang Transportation: How to Get to and Travel Around
How to Get to
It is convenient to get to Luoyang by either flight or train. Luoyang Beijiao Airport is about 11 kilometers from the downtown area, offering flights to/from many domestic cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Chengdu, etc.
If get to Luoyang by train, you can take a high-speed train and arrive at Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, from where you can take either the subway or a taxi to reach the city center. Luoyang Railway Station mainly operates regular trains to/from major domestic cities and is just located in the city center area.
How to Travel Around
Traveling around Luoyang city area is also convenient thanks to its well-developed urban transportation options, including subways, buses, taxi services, etc.
Currently, there are two subway lines in operation in Luoyang. And its extensive bus network with over 60 routes allows an easy transfer in both urban and surrounding areas.
How to reach popular attractions in Luoyang:
- Longmen Grottoes: Take bus routes 60 or 81, or take Subway Line 2 and get off at the Balitang Station, then transfer to Bus 81 or take a taxi to reach.
- White Horse Temple: Can be accessed by Bus No. 56 or 58.Or take Subway Line 1 and get off at Yangwan Station, then take a taxi or a local mini electric vehicle to reach.
- Wangcheng Park: Take Bus No. 9 or 101, or take Subway Line 1 and get off at Wangcheng Park Station.
- Luoyang Museum: Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Wenboyuan Station.
- Luoyi Ancient City: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Qingniangong Station.
