Luoyang First-Timer Classics

Three days exploring the Longmen Grottoes, Guanlin, the Sui-Tang City and White Horse Temple, with evenings at Luoyi Ancient City and the Yingtian Gate night views.

Organized by area: day one covers Longmen and Guanlin in the south suburbs; day two the central axis of the Sui-Tang City and the old town; day three White Horse Temple in the east suburbs and the Luoyang Museum before departing. You stay in the old town throughout, which makes night tours and water banquets convenient. The pace is moderate, suited to first-time visitors with a weekend plus one extra day. Shaolin Temple and Laojun Mountain are not included.

During the peony festival in April, crowds are heavy and rooms tight, so book tickets and rooms ahead.

Day by day

Day 1 · Longmen Grottoes and Guanlin

Luoyang City（Longmen Grottoes、Guanlin Temple、Luoyi Ancient City）

About 15 minutes by taxi from Longmen Station to the Longmen Grottoes. After your visit, take a car north to Guanlin, then a taxi of about 20 minutes back to your old-town hotel in the evening.

Allow about 4 hours at the Longmen Grottoes; a guide is recommended. The northwest visitor center offers luggage storage.

Stay: Old Town, Luoyi Ancient City

Day 2 · Sui-Tang City's Central Axis and Old Town at Night

Luoyang City（Jiuzhou Pond、Mingtang and Tiantang、Tianzi Jialiu Museum、Lijing Gate & Old Town Streets、Yingtian Gate）

Walk or take a taxi to Jiuzhou Pool and Mingtang, then walk to Tianzi Jialiu. In the evening, return to the Lijing Gate crossroads in the old town and see Yingtian Gate lit up at night.

The outside of Yingtian Gate is free for photos; entry requires a ticket. Light show times follow the announcement posted that night.

Stay: Old Town, Luoyi Ancient City

Day 3 · White Horse Temple and Luoyang Museum

Luoyang City（White Horse Temple、Luoyang Museum）

Take a bus or taxi to White Horse Temple in the morning, about 40 minutes. At midday, take a taxi to Luoyang Museum, about 40 minutes. In the afternoon, travel from the museum to Longmen Station, about 20 minutes.

Luoyang Museum requires advance booking, is closed on Mondays, and stops admitting visitors at 4:30 p.m.

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