Luoyang Travel Guide

Luoyang is located between the Luo and Yellow Rivers and is the place where the concept of "China" took shape. The Tang Dynasty statues in the Longmen Grottoes, the starting point of Buddhism in China at White Horse Temple, and the rammed earth foundations of the Han and Wei cities each correspond to three different eras.

Key Highlights

Longmen Grottoes

Carved during the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties, the Fenshansi Luoshen Buddha is the most representative statue of the Tang Dynasty.

White Horse Temple

The first ancient Buddhist temple in China, it was the first state-run temple after Buddhism was introduced to the Central Plains.

Erlihtou Museum (Yanshi)

Displays excavated results from the capital of the Xia Dynasty, about a one-hour drive from downtown Luoyang.

Han and Wei Luoyang Ancient City

The capital ruins from the Eastern Han to Northern Wei dynasties, with a very large foundation at the Taiji Hall site.

Suggested Stay and Route

• Suggested stay: 2 days.
• One day for Longmen Grottoes + White Horse Temple, one day for the Han and Wei ancient city and museum, or add Yanshi Erlihtou.
• It is more efficient to combine with other cities of the same theme; see "Extended Routes" below for reference.

Best Season

April-May (peony season), September-November

How to Get There and Intercity Transport

High-speed train from Zhengzhou to Luoyang takes about 40 minutes; there is a direct connection to Longmen Grottoes from Longmen Station on the high-speed railway.

Local Cuisine

Luoyang Water Banquet, Bufan Soup, Jiang noodles, Peony Swallow dish.

Local Tips

• It's recommended to visit the Longmen Grottoes in the morning, when the light hits the Buddha statues at an angle; accommodations should be booked early in April during the peony season.

Province

This entry belongs to Henan (2 ready-made routes), where you can compare all routes in the province on the province page.