Luoyang Travel Guide
Ancient capital of thirteen dynasties and home of the Longmen Grottoes — a rewarding stop between Xi’an and Beijing.
Luoyang was the capital of China for thirteen dynasties and for centuries one of the most important cities in Asia. Today it is best known for two things: the Longmen Grottoes and its peonies.
The grottoes, carved into limestone cliffs beside the Yi River, contain tens of thousands of Buddhist statues and are one of China’s great UNESCO sites. They are easily reached from the city and need half a day.
Most travellers visit Luoyang as an overnight stop on the high-speed line between Xi’an and Beijing or Zhengzhou. Two days allows for the grottoes, the city’s temples, and a side trip to the Shaolin Temple.
Top Things to See and Do
Longmen Grottoes
Thousands of Buddhist carvings in riverside cliffs, dating from the 5th century onwards. Allow three to four hours.
White Horse Temple
Traditionally regarded as the first Buddhist temple in China, founded in the 1st century.
Luoyang Museum
A well-presented museum covering the city’s long imperial history and archaeological finds.
Peony Festival
Luoyang is famous for peonies, which bloom in April. The city hosts a large festival each spring.
Shaolin Temple
The legendary birthplace of Zen Buddhism and kung fu, about 90 minutes away near Dengfeng.
Old Town
A reconstructed historic quarter with snack streets and a lively evening atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit
April to May — when the peonies bloom — and September to October are the most pleasant. Summers are hot and winters are cold and dry, though the city is quiet outside the festival period.
Getting There and Around
Luoyang Beijiao Airport (LYA) has limited domestic service, so most visitors arrive by high-speed rail: Xi’an is around 1.5 hours away and Zhengzhou around 40 minutes. The grottoes are reachable by city bus or taxi, and the metro is small but useful.
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Shaolin Temple Tours
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Ancient Capital Tours
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