Luoyang City

Capital of thirteen dynasties, home to the Longmen Grottoes' Vairocana Buddha and White Horse Temple (China's "first temple"), plus Sui-Tang Luoyang City by night, the Peony Festival and Hanfu night strolls in Luoyi Ancient City.

Luoyang lies in the Yi–Luo River basin on the south bank of the Yellow River in western Henan Province. It was the capital of thirteen dynasties, including the Xia, Shang, Zhou, Han, Wei, Sui and Tang. Together with Xi'an, Nanjing and Beijing it is one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals, as well as the eastern starting point of the Silk Road and the center of the Sui-Tang Grand Canal. The city's sights are divided into several areas. First, the Longmen Grottoes (including Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden) in the southern suburbs, a must-see World Heritage Site. Second, the old town, with Luoyi Ancient City, Lijing Gate, the Shizijie night market, Luze Guild Hall and Hanfu experiences, the main stage for night strolls. Third, the Sui-Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park, where Yingtian Gate, Mingtang and Tiantang, Jiuzhou Pool and Dingding Gate line up along the central axis, with Wangcheng Park and the Emperor's Six-Horse Carriage Museum to the west. Fourth, in Luolong District: the Luoyang Museum, Guanlin Temple and the China National Flower Garden. Fifth, in the eastern suburbs: White Horse Temple, the ancient city of Han-Wei Luoyang, the Erlitou Xia Capital Site Museum in Yanshi and Xuanzang's Hometown. In the northern suburbs is the Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum, and about 40 km farther north is the Xiaolangdi Dam on the Yellow River; to the northwest in Xin'an County is Daimei Mountain Geopark. Laojun Mountain, Jiguan Cave, Chongdugou and Baiyun Mountain are now covered in the "Laojun Mountain · Luanchuan" destination. Best season: the April Peony Cultural Festival (roughly April 1 to May 5) is the peak of the year, with Wangcheng Park, the National Flower Garden and others all open at once, but hotel prices double and crowds are heavy. September–November is crisp and clear; summer is hot, though the water-and-sediment release at Xiaolangdi in June–July is a spectacular sight. Getting there: Luoyang Longmen Station is a high-speed rail hub (about 40 minutes from Zhengzhou, about 1.5 hours from Xi'an); Metro Lines 1 and 2 connect the Longmen Grottoes, museums, Yingtian Gate, Lijing Gate and Wangcheng Park. We suggest 2–3 days in the city. Tips: In peak season, the Longmen Grottoes require online real-name reservations. Book Hanfu styling in advance. Luoyang Water Banquet, beef soup and bufan soup are must-eats. Book accommodation well ahead during the Peony Festival.

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