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Luoyang’s calendar is built around two anchors: the Peony Festival every April and a series of temple and lantern events that follow the lunar calendar. Most dates below are approximate because Chinese festivals shift each year, so confirm before you book. Pair this with the best time to visit Luoyang guide to hit the right week, and use the Luoyang city guide for the basics.
Events and Festivals in Luoyang: Spring
China Luoyang Peony Culture Festival
The Peony Festival runs roughly April 10 to 25 each year and has been held since 1983. More than 1,400 peony varieties bloom across Wangcheng Park, the China National Flower Garden and the Sui-Tang Botanical Garden, and the opening ceremony brings floats, concerts and a fireworks display. Hotel prices jump by about a third, so book early and check the where to stay in Luoyang options in advance. It is the single busiest event of the year and the best reason to visit in April.
Longmen Grottoes Cultural Tourism Festival
Held in late April into May at the Longmen Grottoes, this festival pairs the spring bloom with Buddhist cultural performances and calligraphy exhibitions at the caves. It overlaps with the tail of the Peony Festival, so a single spring trip can catch both. Entry to the grottoes stays at ¥90 during the festival. See the things to do in Luoyang list for grotto opening hours.
Events and Festivals in Luoyang: Summer and Autumn
Guanlin International Pilgrimage Festival
Guanlin Temple hosts an international pilgrimage around the birthday of Guan Yu, on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, which usually falls in July or August. Devotees and martial arts troupes gather at the temple for ceremonies, incense offerings and demonstrations. It is a good reason to visit Guanlin Temple, 7 km south of the centre, if you are travelling in summer, and the Luoyang neighborhoods guide shows the easiest route there.
Mid-Autumn Festival at Yingtianmen
On the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, usually September or October, families gather to eat mooncakes and the Yingtianmen gate and Sui-Tang park host lantern displays and evening concerts. The weather is at its most comfortable for outdoor events this month. Check the Luoyang weather by month page for typical September conditions.
Events and Festivals in Luoyang: Winter
Luoyang Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month, usually February, lights up the Lijing Gate and Old Town with thousands of lanterns, riddles and street food stalls. It marks the end of the Chinese New Year period, when many hotels and attractions run at reduced capacity in the preceding week. Winter temperatures sit near freezing, so dress warmly using our Luoyang travel tips packing advice.
