Luoyang City Travel

Luoyang, Henan — the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties in China, home to the world heritage site Longmen Grottoes, the first ancient temple White Horse Temple, the Taoist sacred mountain Laojun Mountain, and many other famous attractions. It is a tourist destination integrating Heluo culture, Buddhist culture, and natural landscapes.

4000+
Years of City History
3
World Cultural Heritage Sites
152
Square Kilometers of Laojun Mountain Scenic Area
7.06M+
Permanent Population

Luoyang City Travel by District/County

Jianxi District

Central urban area of Luoyang, an integrated development zone of industry and culture

Peony SquareLuoyang MuseumZhoushan Forest ParkGuangzhou Market Pedestrian Street
Xigong District

Political and commercial center of Luoyang, core area of modern urban landscape

Mingtang Paradise Scenic AreaYingtianmenWangcheng ParkWangfujing Shopping Area
Old Town District

Core historical and cultural area of Luoyang, preserving numerous Ming and Qing buildings

Lijing GateCross Street Night MarketDrum TowerLuoyi Ancient City
Chanhe Hui District

Luoyang's Hui ethnic settlement, a multi-ethnic cultural fusion area

White Horse TempleChanhe Zhu YingGreat MosqueTongtuo Muyu
Luolong District

New administrative and cultural district of Luoyang, rich in tourism resources

Longmen GrottoesGuanlin TempleSui-Tang City Ruins Botanical GardenDingding Gate Ruins
Yanshi District

Location of Xia and Shang dynasty capital ruins, rich in history and culture

Erlitou Xia Capital RuinsShang City MuseumHometown of XuanzangGoushi Ancient Town
Mengjin District

Core area of Yellow River culture, location of the Han-Wei ancient capital ruins

Xiaolangdi Scenic AreaHan-Wei Luoyang City RuinsLongma Fuxi TempleFormer Residence of Wang Duo
Xin'an County

Western gateway of Luoyang, combining natural scenery and industrial heritage

Longtan Grand CanyonQiantang ZhizhaiDaimei MountainYousheng Industrial Mining Tourist Area
Luanchuan County

Southern ecological tourism demonstration area of Luoyang, excellent mountain and water landscapes

Laojun MountainJiguan CaveChongdu ValleyLongyu Bay
Song County

Core area of Funiu Mountain, combining ecology and culture

Baiyun MountainTianchi MountainMuzhalingHometown of Cheng Brothers
Ruyang County

Birthplace of Dukang wine, a mountain and water leisure resort

Dukang Fairy ManorXitai MountainDinosaur National GeoparkYunmeng Mountain
Yiyang County

A livable city along the Luo River, rich in history and culture

Huaguo MountainLingshan TempleHometown of Li HeLuo River Wetland
Luoning County

Ecological barrier of western Henan, an important birthplace of Heluo culture

Shenling FortressXizi LakePlace Where the Luo Book EmergedChuangwang Fortress
Yichuan County

By the Yi River, birthplace of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism

Er Cheng Cultural ParkTomb of Fan ZhongyanYichuan AcademyCrane Song Gorge

Three-Day Ancient Capital Cultural Tour in Luoyang

Explore the Longmen Buddhist kingdom, visit the ancient White Horse Temple, ascend the sacred Laojun Mountain, and savor the flavors of the Water Banquet

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area, White Horse Temple, Laojun Mountain, Mingtang Paradise Scenic Area
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, Buddhist devotees, nature explorers, history lovers
Budget per Person
¥1800 - ¥3500
01
Traces of the Divine Capital
Sui-Tang Culture Experience Tour
Highlights

In the morning, visit the Luoyang Museum to systematically understand the historical context of the ancient capital. In the afternoon, explore Mingtang Paradise and Yingtianmen to experience the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. In the evening, stroll through the Old Town Cross Street and taste authentic Luoyang cuisine.

Attractions
Luoyang Museum
A national first-class museum housing over 400,000 artifacts, featuring Tang Sancai, bronze ware, and jade articles, showcasing the historical changes of Luoyang, the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties.
Mingtang Paradise Scenic Area
The political center during Empress Wu Zetian's reign, with restored Tang Dynasty Mingtang and Paradise architecture, displaying a large amount of Tang court culture and history related to Wu Zetian.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotels near Xigong business district
  • Characteristic guesthouses in the Old Town
  • High-end hotels in Luolong District
Food Recommendations
  • Luoyang Water Banquet
  • Beef Soup
  • Fermented Noodles
  • Bu Fan Soup
Travel Tips
  • Advance reservation required for the museum
  • Mingtang Paradise is more beautiful at night
  • Cross Street Night Market opens after 18:00
02
Grotto Art
Longmen Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
Highlights

Spend the whole day touring the Longmen Grottoes. In the morning, visit the West Hill Grottoes and Fengxian Temple. In the afternoon, explore the East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Juyi's Tomb Garden. In the evening, head to Guanlin Temple to experience the culture of Lord Guan.

Attractions
Longmen Grottoes
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's four major grottoes, carved from the Northern Wei to the Tang Dynasty. It contains 2,345 niches and over 100,000 statues, with the Vairocana Buddha being the most famous.
Guanlin Temple
The only ancient architectural complex in China that combines a tomb, temple, and forest in one, built in memory of the famous general Guan Yu of the Three Kingdoms period. It is an important site for Chinese people worldwide to pay homage to Guan Yu.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 30 minutes from city center to Longmen Grottoes
  • Accessible by bus routes 60 and 81
  • Electric cart within the scenic area costs 20 yuan
Ticket Information
  • Longmen Grottoes ticket: 90 yuan
  • Guanlin Temple ticket: 40 yuan
  • Audio guide rental: 30 yuan/unit
Visit Tips
  • It is recommended to start from the West Hill Grottoes
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes (about 3-4 hours total)
  • On holidays, arrive before 8:00 AM
03
Zen and Tao United
Religious Culture Exploration Tour
Highlights

In the morning, visit the first ancient temple in China, White Horse Temple, to experience the history of Buddhism's eastward transmission. In the afternoon, head to Luanchuan County to visit the Taoist holy mountain Laojun Mountain, admire the spectacular sea of clouds, and experience Taoist culture.

Attractions
White Horse Temple
The first officially built temple in China, established in the 11th year of Yongping of the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 68). Known as the "First Ancient Temple in China," it was the first temple built after Buddhism was introduced to China.
Laojun Mountain
The main peak of the Funiu Mountains, a Taoist sacred site. Legend says it is where Laozi retreated for cultivation. Famous for its granite peak forest landforms, with sea of clouds, sunrise, and the Golden Summit as its three wonders.
Practical Information
Return Suggestions
  • Luanchuan to Luoyang Airport takes about 2.5 hours
  • To Luoyang Longmen Station takes about 2 hours
  • It is recommended to start the return journey before 3:00 PM
Food Map
  • Luanchuan Tofu
  • Hu Tu Noodles
  • Steamed Meat
  • Hawthorn Sugar Snowballs
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Tang Sancai Crafts
  • Dukang Wine
  • Peony Cakes
  • Laojun Mountain Taoist Cultural Creative Products

Must-Try Foods in Luoyang

Luoyang Water Banquet

The most representative traditional banquet in Luoyang. Named because all hot dishes come with soup and are served one after another like flowing water. It consists of 24 dishes, with Peony Swallow Dish and Meat Slices in Soup being the most famous.

Beef Soup

A classic Luoyang breakfast made by simmering beef bones and meat for hours to create a rich broth, served with vermicelli, chopped green onions, chili oil. The soup is delicious and pairs perfectly with youtiao or baked flatbread, a local tradition.

Fermented Noodles

A signature noodle dish in Luoyang, made with fermented mung bean soup as the base, adding noodles, celery, peanuts, sesame seeds, and other ingredients. Sour and fragrant, it is a popular summer delicacy among locals.

Bu Fan Soup

A traditional Luoyang snack named because the thin pancake cooks instantly in the pot without needing to be flipped. Served with vermicelli, seaweed, wood ear mushrooms, dried shrimp, and other ingredients, it is sour and spicy, appetizing, and uniquely flavored.

Luoyang Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • April: Peony Cultural Festival, peonies in full bloom across the city
  • May-June: Late spring and early summer, pleasant climate suitable for mountain climbing
  • September-October: Clear autumn skies, best time for Longmen Grottoes
  • December-February: Laojun Mountain snow scenery is stunning, perfect for photography
Must-Do Experiences
  • Take a photo in front of the Vairocana Buddha at Longmen Grottoes
  • Check in at the International Buddhist Temple Area of White Horse Temple
  • Watch the sea of clouds and sunrise at Laojun Mountain Golden Summit
  • Taste authentic Luoyang Water Banquet
  • Night tour of the Yingtianmen light show
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 500-700 yuan
  • Accommodation: 500-1000 yuan/night
  • Meals: 200-400 yuan/day
  • Transportation: approx. 400 yuan (including round trip to Laojun Mountain)
  • Total: 1800-3500 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long does it take to visit Longmen Grottoes? → Recommended 5-6 hours
  • Do I need to climb Laojun Mountain? → Cable car available to the summit
  • How many people is the Luoyang Water Banquet suitable for? → Recommended for groups of 4 or more for the full set
  • When is the Peony Cultural Festival? → Every year from April 1 to May 10