Luoyang Travel Guide

Luoyang: The Cradle of East Asian Civilization & China's "City of Buddhist Smiles"

For international travelers seeking a deep journey to the origins of Chinese civilization, Luoyang is truly unmatched. As the capital of 13 ancient dynasties, it is where Heluo culture - one of the core foundations of Chinese civilization - was born. Buddhism entered China through Luoyang, and from here the Silk Road extended westward, connecting China with the wider world.

Often described by historians as "the center of all under heaven," Luoyang brings together extraordinary stone-carving masterpieces, a profound Buddhist legacy, the elegance of its world-famous peony blossoms, and a dynamic modern City Character: Profound, inclusive, and timeless. Here, the silent grandeur of ancient grottoes coexists with modern industry; echoes of the Tang Dynasty blend naturally with everyday local life.

Convenience for International Visitors: Luoyang benefits from China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The city is actively improving English signage and visitor services, making travel increasingly foreigner-friendly.

What Makes Luoyang Special

A World-Class Treasure of Buddhist Art
Home to over 100,000 Buddhist carvings, the Longmen Grottoes represent the pinnacle of Chinese Buddhist art. The serene smile of the Vairocana Buddha is often called one of the greatest masterpieces of Eastern art.

The Birthplace of Chinese Buddhism
White Horse Temple, China's first officially established Buddhist temple, marks where Buddhism truly took root in China. Its unique International Buddhist Temple Zone allows visitors to experience architectural styles from India, Myanmar, Thailand, and beyond - all in one place.

The Ultimate Peony City
Luoyang's peonies are legendary. Each April, the Luoyang Peony Festival transforms the city into a sea of color, making it one of the most romantic springtime destinations in China.

Immersive Journeys into the Tang Dynasty
At Luoyi Ancient City and the Sui–Tang Luoyang City ruins, visitors in traditional Hanfu mingle with reconstructed historic streets. Evening light shows and live performances bring the former Tang "divine capital" vividly back to life.

A Bold Dialogue Between Past and Present
In Luoyang, you can explore ancient grottoes in the morning and visit YTO Group (First Tractor Company of China) in the afternoon - test-ride a modern tractor. This striking contrast between millennia-old history and modern manufacturing is often described by foreign visitors as "the most hardcore kind of romance."

Top Attractions in Luoyang

Longmen Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
A must-see highlight of any Luoyang visit. Highly recommended is the Longmen Night Tour, when thousands of lights illuminate the cliffs and the Vairocana Buddha appears even more majestic and mysterious. Allow at least half a day to fully appreciate the site.

White Horse Temple
The birthplace of Chinese Buddhism. Alongside the ancient Central Plains temple, the International Buddhist Temple Zone offers striking photo opportunities with architectural styles from India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

Luoyang Museum
Essential for understanding Luoyang's role as a 13-dynasty capital. Don’t miss the museum’s star artifact, the Cao Wei white jade cup, admired for its refined craftsmanship and historical value.

Sui–Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park
Includes Yingtian Gate, Mingtang & Tiantang, and Jiuzhou Pool. Climb Yingtian Gate for panoramic city views, explore the ceremonial halls associated with Empress Wu Zetian, and enjoy the spectacular 3D light shows after dark.

Luoyi Ancient City
A paradise for Hanfu lovers. In the evening, glowing lanterns, arched bridges, and flowing streams create a vivid "time-travel" experience back to the golden age of the Tang Dynasty.

Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum (A Unique Experience)
Built atop the Mangshan burial grounds, sometimes called the "Eastern Pyramids."  Visitors descend underground to explore reconstructed tombs from different dynasties, gaining insight into ancient Chinese burial beliefs. The museum's immersive night tours are especially popular with international travelers.

Nearby Day Trips (1–2 Days)

Zhengzhou (≈40 min by high-speed train)
Henan's capital and a major transport hub. Visit the Henan Museum for an excellent overview of Chinese civilization, or head to the Yellow River Scenic Area to see the cradle of Chinese history.

Shaolin Temple & Dengfeng (≈1.5 hours by car)
The birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. Combine your visit with Mount Song, one of China's Five Sacred Mountains, for a rewarding mix of culture and nature.

Kaifeng (≈30 min by high-speed train)
Once the Northern Song capital, historically known as Bianjing. Its lively old streets and markets bring the famous painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival to life.

Xi'an (≈1.5–2 hours by high-speed train)
Another legendary ancient capital. Pairing Luoyang with Xi'an creates a classic "Twin Capitals of Chinese Civilization" journey.

Must-Try Local Food

Luoyang Water Banquet (Shuixi)
The city's signature imperial-style cuisine. A set of 24 soup-based dishes, each with a distinct flavor and story.

Luoyang Soup Culture
Locals say, "One bowl of soup in the morning, and even immortals wouldn't trade places."
Popular choices include beef soup, lamb soup, donkey soup, and tofu soup. Enjoy them the local way—served with flatbread or torn pancakes soaked into the broth.

Guotie (Pan-Fried Dumplings)
Especially famous at small neighborhood eateries. Crispy bottoms, juicy fillings - simple and deeply satisfying.

Peony Pastries
Delicate pastries made with edible peony petals, elegant in both flavor and appearance. A refined and uniquely Luoyang souvenir.

Getting to and Around Luoyang

By Air

Luoyang Beijiao Airport (LYA) serves major domestic routes within China.

For most international travelers, the easiest option is to fly into Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO), a major international hub, then transfer to Luoyang by high-speed train (about 1–1.5 hours).

With Luoyang's growing international profile, more direct international flights are expected in the future.

By Train 

Luoyang Longmen Railway Station is the main high-speed rail hub. It offers convenient connections to:

Beijing (≈4 hours)

Shanghai (≈4.5 hours)

Xi'an (≈1.5 hours)

Other major cities across China

High-speed rail is often the most efficient and comfortable way to reach Luoyang.

Best Time to Visit Luoyang

Best Seasons: April & September–October

April is peak season thanks to the Luoyang Peony Festival, when the entire city is filled with blooming flowers.

Autumn (September–October) offers clear skies, mild temperatures, and ideal conditions for exploring outdoor historical sites.

Tip: April is extremely popular - book hotels and tickets well in advance. In autumn, bring a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.

Summer: June–August 

Hot weather, but evenings are lively. Night visits to Longmen Grottoes and illuminated historic areas provide a cooler and atmospheric experience.

Tip: Stay hydrated, use sun protection, and carry an umbrella for occasional afternoon showers.

Winter: December–February

Cold and dry, with fewer tourists. A peaceful time to enjoy museums and indoor attractions without crowds.

Tip: Pack warm winter clothing. Some outdoor or mountain sites may close during snowy periods.

Recommended Itineraries

Classic Ancient Capital – 3 Days

Day 1 Arrive in Luoyang. In the afternoon, visit the Longmen Grottoes and be sure to stay until evening for the illuminated night view. Have dinner at Longmen Ancient Street, just outside the grottoes.

Day 2 In the morning, travel to Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu. Return to Luoyang in the afternoon and choose either White Horse Temple or Guanlin Temple, depending on your interests. In the evening, head to Luoyi Ancient City, rent Han-style clothing, and enjoy an immersive night walk through the lantern-lit streets.

Day 3 Spend the morning at the Luoyang Museum or the Ancient Tombs Museum, then depart Luoyang.

In-Depth Culture Journey – 5 Days

Day 4 Choose a Yellow River–themed day trip, such as visiting the Xiaolangdi Water Control Project or exploring the dramatic landscapes of Longtan Grand Canyon.

Day 5 Visit the Erlitou Xia Capital Site Museum or the Sui–Tang Grand Canal Culture Museum to explore the very origins of Chinese civilization. Depart in the afternoon.

Planning Your Luoyang Trip

Deep Cultural Immersion (Highly Recommended for First-Time Visitors)
Consider hiring a professional guide with strong historical expertise. At places like the Longmen Grottoes and major museums, a knowledgeable guide can bring the carvings and artifacts to life, transforming stone and relics into vivid stories. Many international travelers describe this as one of the most rewarding cultural experiences in China.

Flexible Independent Travel
Luoyang's main sights - Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, and the major museums - are relatively close to each other, making taxis or ride-hailing apps convenient and affordable. For farther destinations such as Laoshan (Laojun Mountain), Longtan Grand Canyon, or Yellow River sites, a private car or guided tour is the most time-efficient option.

Special Experiences
Try a Hanfu (traditional clothing) photoshoot at Luoyi Ancient City or Yingtian Gate - it's one of the most fun ways to blend into Luoyang's historic atmosphere. For travelers seeking something truly unique, the "Ancient Tomb Exploration" night tour at the Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum is often described as unforgettable.

In short, Luoyang is not a city to simply look at—it is a city to read and experience. Standing on land that once shaped the course of East Asian civilization, you may find that even the passing breeze carries echoes from a thousand years ago.