Introduction of Luoyang

Luoyang, located approximately 25 kilometers south of the Yellow River in Henan Province, is one of China’s oldest and most historically significant cities. Revered as the “Capital of Nine Dynasties,” Luoyang served as the capital of successive Chinese dynasties from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770 BC) through later imperial periods, leaving behind an extraordinary cultural and historical legacy.

Although the modern city has evolved considerably over the centuries, Luoyang’s greatest treasures are the remarkable historical sites that have survived from its glorious past. Compared with many of China’s more heavily visited destinations, Luoyang offers a quieter and more relaxed travel experience, allowing visitors to explore its ancient heritage at a comfortable pace. Rich in history, culture, and archaeological wonders, Luoyang remains one of the best places to discover the origins of Chinese civilization and experience the timeless charm of ancient China.

Main Attractions in Luoyang

Longmen Grottoes

The Longmen Grottoes are located along the banks of the Yishui River 13 kilometers south of Luoyang proper. Carved in ancient China and stretching some 1 km, it is one of the three most famous grottoes in China, together with the Dunhuang Grottoes in Gansu Province, and the Yungang Grottoes in Shanxi province, and a major national scenic spot. The work began during the reign of emperor Taihe of the Northern Wei period( 535-556) and lasted for 400 years. There are 1,952 grottoes, 750 niches, 40 pagodas, and more than 100,000 Buddhist statues, big or small . The most well-known caves are Guyang, Binyang, yaofang, and Wanfo ( Ten-Thousand- Buddha ) The largest Buddhist statue, 17 meters high, is found in Fengxian Temple.

Forest of Guan Yu

The Forest of Guanyu, seven kms south of Luoyang, is where Guan Yu, a famous general of Three Kingdom period ( 220-280 ) , was buried. It was first built in the Tang Dynasty and was renovated during the Ming and Qing Dynasties ( 1368-1911) , with 150 halls, 70 stones carvings, 110 stone caved lions, and 800 ancient cypresses. The tomb of Guan Yu is 10 meters high, surrounded by octagonal red wall.

White Horse Temple

The White Horse Temple, 12 kms east of downtown Luoyang, was the first temple build in 68 A.D., the 11th year during the reign of Emperor Yongping of the Eastern Han Dynasty  ( 25-220 ) after the introduction of Buddhism to China. As legend has it, the Buddhist scriptures were carried by a white horse, hence the name. Covering an area of 40, 000 square meters , the temple has Qiyun Pagoda erected in the Jin Dynasty ( 1115-1234) , a pair of sculptured white horses, the tombs of eminent monks from India, pagodas to enshrine Buddhist sutras, stone tablets carved in the Yun and Ming dynasties ( 1271-1644 ) , and bell tower, On New Year’s eve, the bell in the temple chimes to welcome the New Year.

Shaolin Temple

Lying at the northern foot of Shaoshi, Shaolin temple was built in 495, the 19th year during the reign of emperor Taihe of the North Wei period. It is the birthplace of the Zen Buddhism in China. The temple is famous worldwide for Shaolin Kongfu, or Chinese martial arts. In the Thousand-Buddha Hall, the famous mural painting of 500 arhats can be found in a 300-square-meter area.

Climate in Luoyang

Luoyang has very typical weather for central China, characterized by distinct seasons. Autumn is the most comfortable time here, with sunny days and modest temperatures and spring is particularly pleasant when the famous Peonies begin to blossom in April and May.

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