Luoyang (洛阳)
The ancient capital of 13 dynasties — Longmen Grottoes and peonies in spring
Luoyang is one of China's four great ancient capitals, having served as the imperial seat for 13 dynasties over 1,500 years. It's the kind of city where history is carved into the very landscape.
One of China's four great ancient capitals, home to the magnificent Longmen Grottoes and the legendary White Horse Temple.
Luoyang is where Chinese Buddhism reached its artistic peak. The Longmen Grottoes alone are worth the trip.
Longmen Grottoes
A UNESCO World Heritage site with over 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River. The largest statue is 17 metres tall — the Vairochana Buddha, completed in 676 AD. The sheer scale and artistry is breathtaking.
White Horse Temple
The first Buddhist temple in China, founded in 68 AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty. The current buildings are later reconstructions, but the site itself has been continuously occupied for nearly 2,000 years.
Peony Festival (April)
Luoyang is famous for its peonies — the flower has been cultivated here for over 1,400 years. The annual Peony Festival in April turns the city into a sea of colour. The National Peony Garden has over 1,000 varieties.
Food
Luoyang's cuisine is hearty and historical. Try: shui xi (Water Banquet — 24 courses of soup-based dishes), and luoyang yan cai (braised Chinese cabbage).
Getting There & Around
- •Fly into Luoyang Beijiao (LYA)
- •Recommended stay: 2–3 days
- •Book trains via Trip.com in English, DiDi for taxis
Budget Tips
- •Price level: Moderate
- •Street food is cheap and safe — eat where locals queue
- •Use DiDi Premier instead of tourist taxis
- •Book attractions online to skip ticket queues
Local Pro Tips
- •Go early (before 9am) to experience historical sites without crowds
- •Install Alipay before you arrive — most places don't take cash
- •Download Amap for navigation — Google Maps is unreliable in China
When to Go
- •Peak season: April–May (peony season), September–October
- •Book hotels and train tickets 2-4 weeks ahead for best rates
- •Avoid Golden Week (May 1-5 & Oct 1-7) — everything is packed
Suggested Itineraries
Seasonal Guide
Spring in Luoyang (April–May)12–25°C
- Peony Festival is spectacular
- Mild weather
- Crowded during Peony Festival
Luoyang Peony Festival (all April)
Light jacket, Camera for peonies
Autumn in Luoyang (September–October)12–24°C
- Best weather after peony season
- Fewer tourists
Light layers
Summer in Luoyang (June–August)25–35°C
- Green landscapes
- Hot and humid
Light clothing, Sunscreen
Winter in Luoyang (November–March)-2–8°C
- Empty grottoes without tourists
- Cold
- Grey
Heavy coat
What to Eat
Luoyang Water Banquet
洛阳水席
A 24-course feast of soup-based dishes — Luoyang's most famous culinary tradition.
Where: Zhen Bu Tong Restaurant
You Might Also Like
Home of the Terracotta Warriors and some of China's best street food
Same region · Shared interests
The ancient town straight out of a Chinese painting — stilted houses, misty rivers, and Miao magic
Same region · Shared interests
History, culture, and food that'll change how you think about China
Shared interests
Beijing's elegant neighbour — European architecture, street food, and a relaxed riverside vibe
Shared interests
Related Blog Posts
title
I've visited Luoyang more times than I can count — each time discovering something new. With 15+ years of traveling across all 35+ Chinese cities, I know what works, what doesn't, and how to make your trip truly memorable.
Ready to explore Luoyang?
I know Luoyang inside out. Let me build a custom itinerary that fits your style, budget, and schedule — no generic templates.