Mingtang and Tiantang
隋唐洛阳城明堂天堂
The Mingtang, a Wu Zetian-era imperial ritual building known as the “Palace of Myriad Images,” and the Tiantang, a Buddhist tower housing a giant Buddha statue, have been reconstructed on the original site. The night views are dazzling in gold.
The Mingtang, known as the “Palace of Myriad Images,” was completed in 688 by Empress Wu Zetian. It stands about 86 m tall and was the highest-ranking ritual building of the ancient era. The Tiantang is a five-story Buddhist tower on its north side that houses a giant Buddha statue. Both buildings have been reconstructed on the original site and are displayed inside protective enclosures. On the ground floor of the Mingtang, the central pillar pit from the Tang dynasty is preserved. The upper floors display artifacts from Wu Zetian’s era and Tang court performances. Inside the Tiantang are a giant Buddha statue and VR experiences, and from the top you can look back at Yingtian Gate.
Admission is about 120 yuan, which covers both the Mingtang and the Tiantang. Combo tickets are available with Yingtian Gate and Jiuzhou Pond. Night sessions feature light shows and performances every evening. The site is on Zhongzhou Middle Road, and you can reach it on foot from Yingtian Gate Station on the Metro.
Opening hours
Approx. 8:30 am–10:00 pm (check the official site for night sessions)
Nearby sights
- Duke of Zhou Temple, Luoyang
- Yingtian Gate
- Jiuzhou Pond
- Lijing Gate & Old Town Streets
- Zhenbutong Restaurant (Luoyang Water Banquet)
- Xigong Snack Street
- Tianzi Jialiu Museum
- Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall of Luoyang