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Luoyang packs more than 1,500 years of history into one city. As capital of 13 Chinese dynasties, it is home to the Longmen Grottoes, the White Horse Temple and the Tang dynasty palace gates, all within a short taxi or metro ride of the centre. Here are the Luoyang travel guides that matter, starting with the sights you cannot miss.
Things to Do in Luoyang: Historic and Religious Sites
Longmen Grottoes
The Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site 12.5 km south of the centre, hold 2,345 caves and niches with over 100,000 carved Buddhas along 1 km of Yi River cliffs. The centrepiece is the 17.14 m Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Temple. Entry costs ¥90 (¥45 in the low season from November to February), it opens 8:00 to 17:30 from April to October and 8:00 to 17:00 in winter, and a night tour with lights runs in summer. Take bus 81, 53 or 60 from the city, allow 3 hours, and pick a mild month using our best time to visit Luoyang guide.
White Horse Temple (Baima Si)
The White Horse Temple, 12 km east of the centre, is the first Buddhist temple established in China, founded in 68 AD. It still functions as an active monastery, and its newer Thai, Indian and Myanmar temple halls give it an unusual international feel. Entry is ¥35 and it opens 7:30 to 19:00 in summer and 8:00 to 17:30 in winter. Take bus 56 or 58, and pair it with a morning at the Longmen Grottoes on the same day if the Luoyang weather by month forecast is clear.
Guanlin Temple
Guanlin Temple, about 7 km south of the centre, marks the burial place of the head of Guan Yu, the Three Kingdoms general who became a god of loyalty in Chinese folk religion. The temple holds his tomb and a collection of inscribed steles. Entry is ¥40 and it opens 8:00 to 18:00 daily. It is an easy stop on the way back from the Longmen Grottoes if you take the same southbound route.
Things to Do in Luoyang: Museums and Parks
Luoyang Museum
Luoyang Museum, near the Sui and Tang city ruins in the centre, covers the city’s history from the Neolithic through the Tang dynasty, with Tang sancai pottery and bronzes as highlights. Entry is free with a passport or ID, it is closed on Mondays, and it opens 9:00 to 17:00 with last entry at 16:00. Reserve a free slot online in advance during holiday periods. The Luoyang neighborhoods guide places it on the Luolong side of town.
Sui and Tang Luoyang City National Archaeological Park
This park reconstructs the Mingtang (Hall of Light) and Tiantang (Heavenly Hall) that Empress Wu Zetian built in the 7th century, and the Yingtianmen gate that stood as the palace’s main entrance. A combined ticket costs about ¥120 and the site opens 9:00 to 18:00, with the illuminated Yingtianmen gate best photographed after dark. The Tiantang’s gold-glazed interior and the nightly light show make it a good evening alternative to the events and festivals in Luoyang calendar.
Wangcheng Park and the China National Flower Garden
Wangcheng Park in the city centre is the main Peony Festival venue, with free entry and a small zoo (¥15) alongside its peony beds. The larger China National Flower Garden holds one of the country’s biggest peony collections and charges about ¥30 to ¥50 during the festival. Both peak from April 10 to 25, so visit early in the day before the tour groups arrive.
Things to Do in Luoyang: Old Town and Nightlife
Lijing Gate and the Old Town
The restored Lijing Gate marks the western entrance to Luoyang’s Old Town (Laocheng), a district of narrow lanes, snack stalls and courtyard houses. It is free to wander, busiest after sunset, and the nearby Cross Street night market is the place to try luoyang shuixi (a 24-dish water banquet) and bula noodles. Allow an evening here and check the where to stay in Luoyang page for hotels inside the old quarter, plus our Luoyang travel tips for getting there by metro.
