Luoyang Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information
Located in the western part of Henan Province, Luoyang is one of China's seven ancient capitals. Comprised of six city districts and eight counties, Luoyang occupies an area of 15,492 square kilometers, with a total population of 6.16 million (1.4 million urban). The city of Luoyang itself covers an area of 544 square kilometers.
Where to go
Longmen Grottoes
The Longmen Grottoes are located in the south of Luoyang City. They are between Mount Xiang and Mount Longmen and face Yi River. Longmen Grottoes, Yungang Caves and Mogao Caves are regarded as the three most famous treasure houses of stone inscriptions in China.
The grottoes were started around the year 493 when Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) moved the capital to Luoyang and were continuously built during the 400 years until the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The scenery measures 1,000 metres (about 1,094 yards) from north to south where there are over 2,300 holes and niches, 2,800 steles, 40 dagobas, 1,300 caves and 100,000 statues. Most of them are the works of the Northern Wei Dynasty and the flourishing age of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Lots of historical materials concerning art, music, religion, calligraphy, medicine, costume and architecture are kept in Longmen Grottoes.
White Horse Temple
In the year 64 of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), Emperor Ming sent a delegation of his men to study Buddhism in the western world. After three years, two eminent Indian monks, She Moteng and Zhu Falan, came back with the delegation. They brought with them a white horse carrying Buddhist sutras and Buddhist figures on its back. This was the first time that Buddhism appeared in China.
To express his thanks to the two monks and their white horse, the emperor ordered the building of a monastery which he named the White Horse Temple during the following year. During this time, the two monks were busy translating sutras in the temple until they completed the Chinese sutra 'Forty-two Chapter Sutra', which attracted many monks and meant that the temple became a centre for Buddhist activity in China. It is for this reason that the temple is honored as the 'Founder's Home' and the 'Cradle of Buddhism in China'.
The temple, which is located about seven miles away from the city of Louyang, is covered with green ancient trees and appears solemn and tranquil. Outside the gate, there is a pool with fences around and lovely fish in the water. It is for the believers to set free the captive animals. After crossing the pool via a stone bridge, you will enter the temple. To the east and west of the gate are the tombs of She Moteng and Zhu Falan, which are one of the six most famous sights in the temple. In the east corner stands a tablet pavilion. The Chinese characters written on the tablet are the work of a Chinese calligrapher abbot Shamen Wencai, designed during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-368). They are written in his familiarly free and easy style and describe the history of the temple.
The temple boasts great antique architecture which has remained intact for over 1,900 years. The Hall of Heavenly Kings, Hall of the Great Buddha, Hall of Mahavira, Hall of Guidance and the Cool and Clear Terrace appear in proper order in the temple, as they were when it was first built.
Luoyang Museum
Luoyang, a major Chinese cultural center, was the capital of more than a dozen ancient dynasties, such as the Xia (2,100 -1,600 B.C.), the East Chou (770 - 256 B.C.). It experienced prosperous growth, making it one of the most affluent cities of the Tang Dynasty. Its rich history is reflected in the Luoyang Museum, located in the Luoyang downtown area. Among its excellent selection of thousands of culture relics, with the following being the best exhibits in the museum.
Firstly you will see a Gold Seal crafted during the West Jin Dynasty (265 - 316 A.D.) Its base is square and engraved with five Chinese characters in the style of seal cutting. You will find the layout and the design of this seal simple but orderly. A Ceramic Glazed Teapot comes second. It has a flat bottom, a dragon-like handle and its body is primarily a brown ceramic glaze with grey-white spots, which gives the teapot an elegant appearance. Speaking of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), you may know of the world-renowned Tang tri-colored glazed pottery, a type of pottery produced with three colorful ceramic glazes, namely yellow, green and blue and the museum exhibits such pottery, including this classic example of a plump and life-like woman; mirroring the female aesthetic of the Tang Dynasty. Careful inspection will reveal complicate craftwork of the Tang tri-color glazed pottery, and that she is in a long brown gown, coils her hair in a bun and has but light makeup. Next up is a small figurine crafted in jade. The figure is crouching on the floor with two hands crossing in front of his abdomen. He is a high cheek boned man with thick eyebrows and a wide mouth and his mysterious status is complemented by a mask over his face. His heart-shaped and short-sleeved garment is very valuable for researching the fashion of dress during the Warring States Dynasty (475 - 221 B.C.). The last piece is a replica of 'Golden Throne' sent by the Beijing Forbidden Palace Museum. In China's ancient history the golden throne was used exclusively by successive Emperors in the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian) within the Forbidden City in Beijing. The replica, made at a ratio of 1:7, is carved with dragons and embedded with jade and ruby.
All in all, the exhibits from different dynasties displayed in the museum number far, far more than the above-mentioned items. If you are an archaeological or historical enthusiast, the Luoyang Museum should definitely be incorporated in your travel plan.
Wangcheng Park
Covering an area of about 40 hectares (99 acres), Wangcheng Park is located on the northern side of Zhongzhou Road in the heart of Luoyang city. The park gained its name because of its location on Wangcheng, the site of the Capital City of Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC-221BC). Built in 1955, Wangcheng Park is the biggest comprehensive park in Luoyang city as well as in Henan Province. It is one of the best places to enjoy the beauty of the peony, especially during the Luoyang Peony Festival (held annually). The park is renowned for its cultural spots, such as the Ding, a bronze vessel from the Zhou Dynasty, Peony Garden and Hetu and Luoshu Tablet.
Standing in front of the gate, visitors will be awed by the structure's simplicity and dignity. With red walls and glazed tiles, the gate depicts the ancient architectural style of the city. Entering the park, guests will see a huge Ding symbolizing the power of the emperor in front of a stone screen. The vessel is a duplicate of the Zhou Dynasty Ding unearthed in Jin Village in Luoyang. The park consists of five scenic areas: the History and Culture area, the Peony Admiring Area, the Peony Culture Area, the Wangcheng Zoo and the Amusement Area.
The History and Culture Area is in the west of the park. In this area, tourists will enjoy a journey to the Zhou Dynasty and Chinese Civilization. Here attractions such as the Jishengzhu Tablets, Shenyuantai Hall, Jicheng Hall, Zhou Memorial Pavilion and Mingdemen Gate will educate visitors in the architecture and culture of the ancient city. Each site reflects the glamour of Zhou Dynasty, Han Dynasty (206BC-220) and Tang Dynasty (618-907). Another attraction worth seeing is the Hetu and Luoshu Tablet. Hetu and luoshu refer to the two special diagrams depicted on the tablet. Legend has it that long ago a man named Fu Xi saw a dragon appear out of the Yellow River with Hetu on its back, and an immortal turtle spring up from the Luo River with Luoshu on its back. After careful study, Fu Xi drew out the Eight Diagrams according to what he had seen on the dragon and turtle.
The Peony Admiring Area is the most famous section of the park. It is comprised of three gardens - the Luoyang Peony Garden, the Rockii Peony (Purple Speckle Peony) Garden and the Herbaceous Peony Garden. Each April, during the Luoyang Peony Festival, hundreds and thousands of peonies bloom together in a majestic display of natural beauty.
The Peony Culture Area presents poems from many of China's literary giants and artwork from famous calligraphers and painters. Here the three art forms are united on a long, columned walk way, each praising the beauty of the peony.
The last two attractions are the Wangcheng Zoo and the Amusement Area. Wangcheng Zoo lies in the northern area of the park. Here guests will be educated and entertained by many rare species, some of which include: pandas, south China tigers, black bears, leopards, and red-crowned cranes. The Amusement Area featuring a number of recreational facilities will add additional entertainment to your trip.
Luoyang's climate
It is monsoon climate in warm-temperate zone. The average temperature is 14.6 degree Celsius, and the average precipitation is 600mm. The black frost period can last 217 days. 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.
Dining in Luoyang
Local cuisine
Luoyang Shui Xi (Luoyang Water Feast)
As the dish most peculiar to Luoyang, the Water Feast is famed as 'Top Banquet under the Heaven' and parallels the well renowned Dumpling Banquet in Xian. It originates from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and has a long history of over one thousand years. There are in total 24 dishes accompanied by different soups, hence the name of the feast. The dishes combine meat and vegetables together and are served according to a very strict order. You can delight your taste buds with the abundance of flavors that include sour, sweet, salty and hot.
Luoyang Yan Cai (Steamed Radish in Nourishing Soup)
Served first in the Water Feast, this is an imperial dish. It is said that when Empress Wu Zetian (the first Chinese empress) governed the nation in the Tang Dynasty, a farmer discovered a huge radish in Luoyang and he presented it to the empress. The royal cooks steamed it with delicacies of all kinds, making it taste like succulent bird's nest soup (Yan Wo in Pinyin). The empress was greatly satisfied and praised it as the 'succulent mock bird's nest soup'. The dish is made by steaming radish threads and then mixing them with chicken threads, pork threads, sea cucumber threads and seaweed threads in a nourishing pork soup. It not only tastes fresh and delicious, but also appears like a beautiful peony blossom.
Liyu Yue Long Men (Carp Jumping over Dragon Gate)
Carps living in the Yellow River are always famous for their tender flesh, rich nourishment and fresh flavor. This dish uses those carps as an ingredient and looks quite vivid. The steamed carp is presented as holding its head towards a 'dragon gate' made from vegetables on the serving dish. This beautiful creation symbolizes happiness and good luck.
Changshou Yu (Long-live Fish)
This is a traditional dish originated almost 2,000 years ago. Legend has it that the East Han Dynasty (25-220) Emperor Guang Wu (Liu Xiu) once visited the Yellow River. On seeing a red carp jumping out of the river, he ordered it to be caught and cooked for him. After he eaten the carp, he felt vigorous and became healthier and healthier. Therefore, the dish was named Long-live Fish when the cooking method was duly adopted by the local populace. Boiled with medlar and many other seasonings, the carp has a glaring red color with a sweet and sour flavor.
Famous appetizers
Jiang Miantiao (Noodle Paste)
This is a popular local snack in Luoyang. The noodles are boiled in thick bean milk until they take on paste shape. The seasonings are various including salt, shallots, pepper, celery and leeks. It is very easy to make and is good for the digestion.
Tangmian Jiao (Steamed Dumplings)
This traditional appetizer has a history of about 80 years. Luoyang has many restaurants specifically serving this famous appetizer. The wrapper is made from hot water dough. The stuffing is pork and other condiments such as scallion, ginger, sugar, rice wine and cabbage. The wrapped dumplings are finally steamed in a steaming basket. The crescent-like dumplings are glittering and translucent and give off wafts of enticing aromas.
Pan Jinhe Roast Chicken
This appetizer is very famous among Luoyang locals. The creator of this style of roast chicken was Pan Gensheng and his son Pan Jinhe who began to sell it in 1941, hence its name. The chicken is roasted with many seasonings including clove, aniseed, cumin, allspice and wild pepper, etc. Its golden color, tender meat and pure flavor attract locals and tourists alike.
Zhang Family Wonton
This is also a traditional local snack created by the Zhang family some 150 years ago. The wonton is famous for its fresh flavor, sour and hot taste as well as delicate making methods. The various stuffings including chicken, egg cake, shrimp meat and preserved pickle, together with fresh chicken soup or pork soup, make the wonton exceptionally delicious.
Soup
Luoyang locals are fond of various kinds of soup and this is one of the most popular features of their meals. Delicious Pellet Soup is simmered with fried pellets of mutton, beef, fish, bean-curd as well as other ingredients. Bu Fan Soup with a history of more than 120 years, is famous for its hot, sharp flavor. Hu La Soup is made of a large variety of ingredients including flour, pork, peanuts, potatoes, fungi and scallions. It ranks among the most popular local snacks on account of its fresh taste and economical price.
Get around in Luoyang
By Public Bus
Luoyang has many public buses running across the city everyday. The buses usually start as early as 5:30 in the morning and stop at 21:00. Remember to check out the specific time of the bus you will take before you begin your travel in Luoyang. Tickets for most buses range from 1RMB to 1.5RMB. Below is information about several bus routes.
By Tourist Bus
In Luoyang Long-distance Bus Station opposite the Luoyang Railway Station, there are regular buses carrying tourists to spots in the suburban areas. First go to the railway station by public city bus then take a bus listed below to your destination.
City Buses to Luoyang Railway Station: No.2, 5, 6, 10, 11, 48, 50, 51, 66, 81, 83, 102, 103.
By taxi
Luoyang has a large number of taxis which are more convenient and comfortable than buses. Taxis charge 5RMB for the first two kilometers (about one mile), then 1RMB to 1.5RMB per kilometer afterwards. Waiting for five minutes costs an extra fee equal to the distance surcharge of one kilometer (about 0.6 mile). If you want to take a taxi to suburban areas of the city, you can bargain with the driver before you get in the taxi.
Sleep
4-star hotel
Luoyang Peony Hotel: City Center ;15 Zhongzhou Xi Lu , 471003
3-star hotel
Luoyang Guohao Business Hotel: City Center ;Tianze Mansion NanChang Road , 471003
Entertainment
Shopping
Luoyang has many local specialties ranging from fruits to handicrafts to replicas. Apples from Luoning County and pears from Mengjin County are sold throughout the country. The Palace Lantern is a special handicraft in Luoyang. It was once used to celebrate the founding of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) in the imperial palace, hence its name. Craftsmen make the lanterns in various shapes including dragon head, butterfly and running horse. The lanterns are beautiful and easy to store, making excellent gifts.
Bronze-vessel making has a long history originating in the Xia Dynasty (21st-16th Centuries BC) in Luoyang. Locals now make thousands of reproductions of the ancient bronze vessels. Various bronze copies of wine cups, swords, chariots and horses are symbolic tourist souvenirs.
Tang Tri-colored glazed pottery is a Tang Dynasty (618-907) gem. The pottery used primarily three colors, red, green and yellow, hence its name. Most of these potteries were discovered in Luoyang. Locals have been making replicas of the Tang Tri-colors for hundreds of years in different shapes such as horses, camels and people. These vivid replicas make elegant presents for friends and relatives.
There are many shopping venues in the city. Shanghai Market Pedestrian Street in Jian Xi District is the place where fashionable clothes are sold. Wangcheng Park located on the middle Zhong Zhou Road is the best place to buy tourist souvenirs such as Tang Tri-colors, peony paintings and bronze wares. Nan Chang Road in Jian Xi District is the most beautiful avenue in Luoyang, offering a variety of things you may need.
Nightlife
Although Luoyang is an ancient city, the locals enjoy a colorful and fashionable nightlife particularly in recent years. When the night comes, thousands of colorful lamps are lit along the streets, on the squares in the city center and on the bridges over the Luohe River traversing the city. Going out to appreciate the beautiful lights has become one of the most popular ways to spend evenings among the locals. Some even dance in the open air on the squares. Street lamps are quite unique in Luoyang. They look like beautiful blossoming peonies that are the symbols of the city.
Of course, the locals especially the young generations are fond of relaxing in various bars and other entertainment centers including KTV (Karaoke Pubs), bathing houses and beauty salons. Dining out to enjoy the local snacks is also an important part of the locals' nightlife. South Zhu Jiang Road is the busiest center of the city, where you can find the most popular bars, night markets, cafs and other recreation venues. The Peony Square located in the east end of Xi Yuan Road is also a good place to discover the truth of the city's nightlife.
Luoyang was once the capital city of nine dynasties in Chinese history. The local actors make a grand dancing and musical performance known as 'He Luo Feng' that particularly shows the profound culture of the city. It is really unique and worth seeing. The performance is full of beautiful dancing, dulcet music and glittering lights. Performers wearing traditional clothes and playing ancient musical instruments will take you back thousands of years. There are six acts which tell the ancient legends and long history of Luoyang's thriving past, recession, as well as stories about Luoyang's peonies.
The highlight of the performance is the imperial dance of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), which presents the highly thriving time zenith of Luoyang's great past, accompanied by the sound of bells and chime stones. Changeable stage lights and music, together with fabulous dancing and poems, form quite a poetic and dreamy atmosphere showing you the cultural development of this ancient city. The performance is usually put on stage at the time of important events or special festivals like the Peony Festival held in April of each year.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Mt. Emeishan
Leshan Giant Buddha
Mt. Lushan
Mt. Putuoshan
Mt. Wutaishan
Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave
Dazu Rock Carvings
Dai Temple
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Bailin Temple, Great Zen Buddhist Center
Mogao Grottoes
Longmen Grottoes
Binglingsi Grottoes
Weather
Food
Shopping
Travel
