Travel Guide

The Luoyang Museum is a history museum located in Luoyang, Henan Province, China, situated in the Yellow River Valley. It showcases Luoyang's rich cultural heritage, as Luoyang was an important cultural center in China and served as the capital for several Chinese dynasties, including the Eastern Zhou and Eastern Han. The museum was first built in 1958, moved to the north side of Zhongzhou Road in 1973, and officially opened to the public on May 1, 1974. It houses artifacts excavated from the suburbs and old city of Luoyang, including antiques from palaces and temples. These artifacts establish Luoyang's history and display cultural elements from nine ancient capitals, spanning from the Neolithic Age to 937 AD. The museum building adopts a Chinese Tang Dynasty architectural style, with its facade decorated with Eastern Han 'Hundred Flowers' lantern paintings. It features four exhibition halls and five exhibition rooms, covering a total area of 20,000 square meters, with a building area of 10,000 square meters. The museum's collection is arranged according to the evolution of social structure, starting from primitive society, followed by slave society and feudal society. Exhibitions are also arranged by ancient cultural sequence, beginning with Heluo culture, followed by Yangshao culture, Longshan culture, Xia (21st century BC - 17th century BC), Shang (17th century BC - 11th century BC), and Zhou (11th century BC - 256 BC).

The Longmen Grottoes are an outstanding example of Chinese Buddhist art, located 12 kilometers south of Luoyang City, Henan Province, between Xiangshan and Longmenshan mountains on both banks of the Yi River. Here, there are over 100,000 statues of Sakyamuni Buddha and his disciples, with sizes ranging from 25 millimeters to 17 meters, many of which were once painted. The grottoes are carved into limestone cliffs, including external rock reliefs and internal artificial caves. The Yi River flows northward between the two mountains, and the area was once known as Yique ('Gate of the Yi River'). The alternative name 'Longmen Grottoes' (Dragon Gate Grottoes) derives from the two peaks that control the flow of the Yi River, resembling the 'Chinese city gate towers' that once marked the southern entrance to Luoyang. Within the grottoes area, there are also nearly 2,500 steles and inscriptions, hence it is known as the 'Forest of Ancient Steles,' as well as over 60 Buddhist pagodas. The grottoes are situated in a beautiful natural environment, carved along 1 kilometer of cliffs on both banks of the Yi River. Among them, 30% of the grottoes were carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty, 60% during the Tang Dynasty, and less than 10% from other periods. Beginning in 493 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty, donors included emperors, Empress Wu Zetian, imperial family members, other wealthy families, generals, and religious groups. In 2000, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for the perfection of its art forms and its embodiment of the essence of Tang Dynasty culture, hailed as an 'outstanding manifestation of human artistic creativity.'

The Erlitou Xia Capital Site Museum is a museum primarily dedicated to exhibiting archaeological artifacts of the Erlitou culture. The Erlitou culture is a Chinese Bronze Age culture, which Chinese researchers believe may have been the capital of the proto-historic Xia Dynasty. The museum is located in Sijiaolou Village, Dianzhuang Town, Yanshi District, Luoyang City, Henan Province, approximately 300 meters north of the Erlitou Site Protection Area and south of Gucheng Expressway. The museum was jointly constructed and is managed by the Luoyang Municipal Government and the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The museum covers an area of approximately 246 mu (about 16.4 hectares), with a total building area of 31,781 square meters. It comprises four sections: public area, business area, administrative area, and the Early China Research Center. The overall structure is steel, with a total height of 22.9 meters. The architectural design of the museum was completed by Professor Li Li's team from Tongji University. The museum building extensively uses rammed earth and bronze decorations. The surrounding extended buildings and the first-floor exterior decorative surface of the museum all use rammed earth, with a total of 4,000 cubic meters of rammed earth used. Above the first-floor rammed earth decoration, the inner and outer facades and the roof of the museum's second floor are adorned with aged bronze decorative panels, covering a total area of over 30,000 square meters. The inner and outer facades of the museum's second floor feature 22,983 bronze panels, and the roof has 4,659 bronze panels. The museum houses five permanent exhibition halls, with Halls 1, 2, and 3 on the first floor, and Halls 4 and 5 on the second floor. The second floor also features two temporary exhibition halls.

Yingtianmen, initially built in 605 AD (the first year of Daye in the Sui Dynasty), was originally named Zetianmen. In 705 AD (the first year of Shenlong), it was renamed Yingtianmen to avoid Empress Wu Zetian's given name. The gate was destroyed during the Northern Song Dynasty and rebuilt on its original site in 2016. Yingtianmen served as an important venue for ceremonies and celebrations during the Sui, Tang, and Wu Zhou dynasties. Emperor Gaozong of Tang once issued an edict here to release the King of Baekje, and Wu Zetian also ascended to the throne as empress here. The reconstructed Yingtianmen city gate stands 35 meters high and 25 meters deep, situated on a 9.2-meter-high base. The base houses a museum showcasing the ancient relics of Yingtianmen. Today, Yingtianmen has become a city landmark in Luoyang and features a public square for citizens to visit and relax.

White Horse Temple is located in Luoyang City, Henan Province, and is China's first ancient temple. It is renowned as the 'Cradle of Chinese Buddhism' and the 'Source of Buddhism'. It was first built in the 11th year of Yongping reign during the Eastern Han Dynasty (68 AD), making it the first official Buddhist temple constructed after Buddhism was introduced to China. The temple houses a large number of precious Buddhist relics and historical sites, including the Qingliang Platform, the Great Buddha Hall, and the Putong Pagoda. White Horse Temple is not only the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism, but also an important venue for cultural exchange between China and other countries, carrying a rich historical and cultural heritage.

Mingtang Tiantang Scenic Area is located in the Old Town of Luoyang City, Henan Province, and is an important part of the Sui and Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park. The scenic area features Mingtang and Tiantang, the main halls of the Ziwei Palace in Luoyang Imperial City during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, showcasing the magnificent palace complex of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. It is an important window into understanding Wu Zhou culture and the history of the Sui and Tang dynasties.

Luoyang Wenfen Tower, located near Liulin Street in Luoyang City, is a tourist attraction. It is open 24 hours a day, requires no admission fee, and is a great place for citizens to relax and take a walk.

China National Garden is located on the south bank of the Luo River in Luoyang City, extending from Luoyang Bridge in the east to Peony Bridge in the west. It is a comprehensive botanical garden with peony culture as its theme. The garden gathers numerous peony varieties from home and abroad. Every blooming season, thousands of flowers bloom in a riot of colors, competing for beauty, making it an excellent place to admire peonies in Luoyang and an important window to understand Chinese peony culture.

The Luoyang Zhou Wangcheng Museum of the Son of Heaven's Six-Horse Chariot is a specialized museum established based on the large chariot and horse pit site from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, discovered in the early 21st century. It primarily showcases the magnificent chariot procession of the Son of Heaven (Zhou Tianzi) driving six horses and related cultural relics. It is one of China's major archaeological discoveries, holding significant importance for the study of Zhou Dynasty rituals and chariot and horse systems. The museum is located in the center of Luoyang City, and its underground exhibition hall is the in-situ protected chariot and horse pit site, visually presenting a real scene from over 2000 years ago.

The National Peony Garden is located in the old town of Luoyang City and is a famous attraction for enjoying peonies. The garden boasts a wide variety of peony species, which bloom in a riot of colors during their flowering season, making it an excellent destination for photography enthusiasts and flower lovers. The park is open from Monday to Friday from 08:00-18:00, and on weekends from 07:30-18:30.

Bai Garden is the tomb garden of Bai Juyi, a famous poet of the Tang Dynasty, located on Pipa Peak of Longmen East Mountain in Luoyang City, covering an area of approximately 44 acres. It is a cultural and natural landscape within the Longmen Grottoes scenic area, hidden among the mountains and forests, imbued with a sense of ethereal charm and Taoist spirit. It is also the only theme park in China dedicated to commemorating Bai Juyi. Bai Juyi lived in Luoyang for 18 years in his later life. Although honored as "Shaofu" (Junior Tutor), he lived a life of poverty, with a great love for drinking and poetry. He built Xiangshan Temple and developed Bajie Beach in Longmen. He had a special affection for the landscapes of Longmen, and was buried here according to his wishes after his death. Many delegations from countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, as well as from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, come to Bai Garden to commemorate, trace their roots, and pay respects to their ancestors. In 1988, the Japan-China Cultural Promotion Association erected a stele here, with inscriptions written in both Chinese and Japanese. In 1995, Japan donated cherry blossoms and erected a stele in Bai Garden. In 1999, South Korea erected a stele here, and in 2000, Singapore also erected a stele.

The Luoyang City Dingding Gate Site Museum is located in Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province. It is a specialized museum established based on the Dingding Gate site of Luoyang City from the Sui and Tang Dynasties, primarily showcasing the archaeological excavation results of the Dingding Gate city gate and its related historical and cultural significance.

Luoyang Cross Street Night Market is a famous local food street, gathering various specialty snacks and local delicacies. It's a great place to experience Luoyang's nightlife and taste authentic flavors. At night, it's brightly lit, bustling with people, and full of a strong sense of life.

Wangcheng Park is located in Luoyang City, Henan Province. It is China's only park built on the ruins of a Zhou Dynasty royal city, and also Luoyang's largest comprehensive park. The park preserves the ruins of the royal city from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, serving as an important embodiment of Luoyang's profound historical and cultural heritage. The park boasts beautiful scenery and rich vegetation, especially renowned for its peonies. The annual Peony Culture Festival held every spring attracts numerous visitors. Additionally, the park features Luoyang Wangcheng Zoo, an aquarium, and an amusement park, integrating historical culture, natural scenery, popular science education, and leisure entertainment, making it an excellent destination for citizens to relax and for tourists to experience Luoyang's culture.

Shangyang Palace Cultural Park is located in Luoyang City. It is a comprehensive cultural park integrating historical culture, garden art, and leisure entertainment. Modeled after the Tang Dynasty Shangyang Palace, the park recreates the court style and historical and cultural heritage of the prosperous Tang Dynasty through ancient-style architecture, garden landscapes, and cultural exhibits. Visitors can experience the elegance of the Tang Dynasty here, learn about historical figures and cultural stories of the Tang Dynasty, making it an important cultural tourism attraction in Luoyang.

The Sui-Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park is located in the central area of Luoyang City, Henan Province, and is a large-scale comprehensive historical and cultural heritage park of the Sui and Tang dynasties in China. Based on the Sui-Tang Luoyang City ruins, the park primarily includes important components such as the Mingtang-Tiangtang Scenic Area, the Yingtianmen Relic Museum, and the Dingdingmen Relic Site, showcasing the glorious history and unique charm of Luoyang as the capital during the Sui and Tang dynasties. It serves as an important window into understanding ancient Chinese capital planning, architectural art, and the prosperous Tang culture.

Lijing Gate Scenic Area is an important part of Luoyang Old Town's historical and cultural district, serving as the western gate of the ancient capital Luoyang with a history of over 2000 years. It integrates various architectural styles such as ancient city walls, city gates, barbicans, arrow towers, gate towers, and Lijing Gate itself. It is one of the few ancient buildings in Luoyang city and is known as the 'First Gate of Luoyang'.

Guanlin Scenic Area is located in Luoyang City, Henan Province, China. It is the only ancient classical architectural complex in China that combines a tomb, temple, and forest for worship, and is also the burial place of the head of Guan Yu, a famous general of the Shu Han kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. It is a pilgrimage site for Guan Yu devotees worldwide, known for its magnificent architecture, rich historical and cultural connotations, and unique garden art, and is hailed as one of the 'Hometowns of Guan Gong'.

Luopu Park is a large urban park located in Luoyang City, Henan Province, built along both banks of the Luo River. The park boasts beautiful scenery and lush greenery, making it an excellent place for Luoyang citizens to relax, entertain themselves, and exercise. The park features multiple scenic spots, including Luopu Autumn Wind Garden and Luopu Ecological Sports and Leisure Park, as well as dedicated greenways for cycling and walking. The park is open 24 hours a day, all year round, with free admission.

The Sui-Tang Luoyang City Jiuzhou Pond Ruins are an important palace garden area within Sui-Tang Luoyang City, serving as a crucial window into understanding the royal garden culture of the Sui and Tang dynasties. It was once one of the core areas of Sui-Tang Luoyang City, carrying rich historical and cultural information.

Luoyang Ancient City is a ruin located 15 kilometers east of Luoyang's modern urban area. It was the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Emperor Yang of Sui rebuilt the city in 605. In 1961, Luoyang Ancient City was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit; in 2014, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Silk Roads: Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor Network.

Shenzhou Peony Garden is located in Luoyang City, Henan Province, adjacent to the White Horse Temple, and is one of China's important peony viewing gardens. The garden gathers thousands of peony varieties, including rare domestic and international species, making it a modern peony industrial base that integrates peony culture, garden art, and high-tech agriculture. Every April, when the flowers bloom, tens of thousands of peonies blossom in competition, attracting a large number of tourists. The park also features multiple functional areas such as a Peony Culture Zone, a High-tech Demonstration Zone, and a Commercial Peony Garden, making it an excellent place to learn about peony culture and appreciate the 'King of Flowers'.

The Luoyang Duke of Zhou Temple Museum is located at No. 21 Dingding South Road, Old Town, Luoyang City, Henan Province. It is a thematic museum integrating cultural relic protection, collection, display, and research. Relying on the Duke of Zhou Temple, the museum primarily showcases the historical achievements of the Duke of Zhou and his influence on later generations, as well as historical and cultural heritage related to him. The Duke of Zhou Temple was built to commemorate Ji Dan, the outstanding statesman and thinker of the Western Zhou Dynasty, and holds significant historical and cultural value. The museum houses a rich collection of historical relics, and through its exhibitions, it popularizes knowledge of Zhou culture to visitors, serving as an important window into Luoyang's history and culture.

The Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum, also known as the Luoyang Museum of Ancient Art, is a museum in China dedicated to ancient tomb culture, located in Luoyang City, Henan Province. Through the display of ancient tomb structures, murals, burial objects, and more, the museum reveals the development and evolution of ancient Chinese elaborate burial customs and funerary culture, possessing significant historical and artistic value.

Xiangshan Temple is located on Xiangshan Mountain on the east bank of the Yi River within the Longmen Grottoes scenic area in Luoyang City, Henan Province, facing the West Hill of the Longmen Grottoes from afar. It was first built in the Northern Wei Dynasty, and later, Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty spent her summers here. It is famous because Bai Juyi, a poet of the Tang Dynasty, often resided here in his later years and called himself 'Hermit of Xiangshan'. The temple is built against the mountain, boasting beautiful scenery, and is an important part of the Longmen Grottoes, as well as a prime example of the integration of Buddhist culture and natural landscapes.

The China Peony Museum is located in Luoyang City, Henan Province. It is a specialized museum dedicated to peonies, aiming to showcase the historical culture, varietal evolution, cultivation techniques, and artistic appreciation value of peonies. It serves as an important window for understanding Luoyang's peony culture.

Dongguan Mosque is located at No. 95 Dongguan Street, Chanhe Hui District, Luoyang City, Henan Province. It is a historic mosque. Specific details such as opening hours and ticket prices are not clear; it is recommended to call for inquiries or consult official sources before visiting.

Luoyang Folk Museum is located on Xinjie Street, Old Town, Luoyang City, Henan Province. It is a museum dedicated to showcasing the folk culture of the Luoyang area. The museum houses a rich collection of folk artifacts, aiming to protect and inherit local traditional culture.

Luoyang Fuwemmiao Temple, also known as Luoyang Confucian Temple, is an ancient architectural complex with a long history, serving as an important venue for commemorating Confucius and spreading Confucian culture. It carries rich historical information and cultural connotations, and is an an important window for understanding Luoyang's Confucian culture.

Old Luoyang Antiques City is a market that integrates antique, calligraphy and painting, and handicraft trading with cultural exchange. It is a gathering place for Luoyang cultural enthusiasts and collectors. Here, various rare antiques, exquisite calligraphy and paintings, unique ceramics, and a wide array of handicrafts are gathered. It is an excellent place to experience Luoyang's historical culture and hunt for treasures.

Xiyuan Park is an urban park in Luoyang City that integrates leisure, entertainment, and sightseeing. It has a beautiful environment, lush trees, and is a great place for citizens to relax and take a walk.

The Luoyang Sancai Art Museum is a museum dedicated to showcasing and researching Luoyang Sancai art. Luoyang Sancai is an art form in ancient Chinese ceramic firing techniques, renowned for its vibrant colors and unique shapes. The museum is committed to protecting, inheriting, and promoting Luoyang Sancai culture, showcasing the charm and history of Sancai art to the public through its rich collections and exhibitions.

Zhouwangcheng Square is an urban square located in Luoyang City, Henan Province. Its specific address is No. 6 Renmin West Road (next to Exit A1 of Zhouwangcheng Square Metro Station). The square is open 24 hours a day, serving as a place for citizens to relax and entertain, and its proximity to Zhouwangcheng Square Metro Station ensures convenient transportation.

Luoyang International Peony Garden is a distinctive park in Luoyang City with peony viewing as its theme. The garden cultivates a large number of precious peony varieties and is one of the important viewing locations during the Luoyang Peony Culture Festival.

Luoyang Old Market is a traditional commercial district in Luoyang City with a long history and a vibrant local atmosphere. It gathers numerous local specialty snacks, handicrafts, and daily necessities, making it an excellent place to experience local Luoyang life and taste authentic cuisine. It retains the charm of old Luoyang, offering a unique venue to experience the intertwining of historical culture and modern life.

Luoyang Bridge is a bridge located in the Old Town of Luoyang City, Henan Province, China.

A beverage made primarily from almonds, with a sweet taste and unique almond flavor, it is a common specialty drink in the Luoyang area.

Jiang Mian Tiao, also known as Jiang Fan, is a local delicacy from Henan, China. It is a unique noodle dish made with fermented soybean milk, known for its simple preparation, affordability, delicious taste, unique sourness, and digestive benefits. This food is commonly sold as street food or in markets and train stations. Jiang Mian Tiao, together with Huimian and Xiaolongbao, is considered one of the three major noodle dishes in the Central Plains region. It resembles Hutumian in appearance but is an entirely different dish. Various regions in Henan have different variations of Jiang Mian Tiao at different times, with Luoyang Jiang Mian Tiao being the most famous.

A local specialty of Luoyang, made by simmering lamb and lamb bones. The soup is milky white, the meat is tender, and the flavor is rich and mellow. Often served with vermicelli, cilantro, and chopped green onions, it is a common nourishing delicacy in the local area during winter.

Hu La Tang, also known as Spicy Soup or Mala Soup, is a traditional Chinese soup originating from Henan Province, popular in both Henan and Shaanxi provinces. It was introduced to the United States by Chinese immigrants, where it is known as "Spicy Soup." In Henan, it can be divided into two distinct versions: the Xiaoyao Town version (a town near Zhoukou City) and the Beiwudu version. As the name suggests, pepper and chili are added to a broth made from beef stock.

Bufan Tang is a traditional snack from Luoyang, Henan. It gets its name because during its preparation, the dough skin in the pot doesn't need to be flipped; it's simply served by pouring broth over it. Its characteristics include delicious soup, thin and smooth dough skin, rich ingredients, and a sour and spicy taste.

Yin Si Su, also known as Dragon's Beard Candy, is a traditional Chinese handmade confection, similar to Turkish pişmaniye or Western cotton candy. It originated in China and later became popular in East Asia and Southeast Asia, becoming a local delicacy in Korea in the 1990s and popular in Singapore in the 1980s, before being introduced to Canada and the United States. Yin Si Su has a low sugar content (19%) and low saturated fat content (2%). It is very sensitive to moisture, easily melts in warm environments, and has a very short shelf life.

Gaolu Shaobing is a traditional Chinese pastry, named for its baking method in a blast furnace (a high-temperature oven). This flatbread is characterized by its golden and crispy crust, distinct layers inside, and rich, mellow flavor.

Egg-filled Pancake is a popular specialty snack in northern China. It is made from a thin flour pancake, into which egg liquid is poured during the cooking process, making the pancake fluffy and the egg cooked through. It is usually served with sweet bean paste, chili sauce, lettuce, and other accompaniments.

Luoyang Tofu Soup is a traditional snack from Luoyang City, Henan Province. It is made primarily from tofu, simmered with various ingredients. Its characteristics include a milky white broth, tender tofu, and a delicious flavor.

Guotie is a pan-fried, stuffed snack, exquisitely made and delicious. Specific information about 'Xiaojie Guotie' (such as its origin, history, characteristics, etc.) is difficult to find through public sources. It is more likely a local or specific shop's name rather than a widely known traditional delicacy. Typically, guotie features a crispy golden bottom, a soft top, and savory filling.