Luoyang Travel Guide 2023

Luoyang, in the western part of Henan province, is known to all as the "capital for 13 dynasties" and "city of peonies". Located along the northern side of Luo River, Luoyang is a cradle of Chinese civilization and one of the four imperial capitals of China, together with Beijing, Xian and Nanjing.

Through the ups and downs of ancient dynasties, Luoyang has some famous historical sites like Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple for tourists to know its past. Dotted with old-style buildings, the Luoyang old city will take you to enjoy the local life.

Why visit this city:

• 13 ancient capitals of China - The profound history and culture of different dynasties such as Northern Wei dynasty and Tang dynasty all left marks in Luoyang.
• The unparalleled historical sites - The world heritage site-Longmen Grottoes, the first Chinese temple-White Horse Temple and the biggest tomb complex - Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum.
• Luoyang Peony Festival - Symbolizing the peace, fortune and prosperity, peony as the city flower of Luoyang, attracts thousands of tourists in April and May each year.
• Gateway to Other Destinations of Henan - Owning an airport, a high speed train station and a normal train station, Luoyang is a great gateway to other attractions in Henan such as Shaolin Temple and Mount Yuntai.

Luoyang Top Attractions

Traveling to Luoyang is like opening a history scroll. The more sights you go, the more unique history and ancient culture about this ancient city you may find. Check the top attractions below to discover its remarkable sites back to old days. More attractions in Luoyang >>

Longmen Grottoes

Take half day to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes and marvel at the masterpiece of stone Buddha carving art and inscriptions.

White Horse Temple

Visit the first Buddhist temple in China and explore the history behind it. Take the chance to enjoy different types of Buddha buildings.

Luoyang Museum

Unveil the splendid past of ancient capital Luoyang in the over 11000 cillections and meet the five treasures of the museum.

Tianzi Jialiu Museum

A museum built on the original site to give you a vivid experience when you see the horses and chariots buried over 2000 years ago.

Wangcheng Park

As the largest park in Luoyang and located in the city center, Wangcheng Park is a favorable destination to take a leisure walk and blend into the local life.

Guanlin Temple

Guanlin Temple is a series of memorial temples built in honor of Guan Yu, the famous general of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdom Period.

Xiaolangdi Scenic Area

Xiaolangdi dam becomes most attractive when it starts to discharge flood in rainy seasons. You will be amazed at the magnificent momentum.

Erlitou Site Museum

Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital is one of the most remarkable sites in China and will bring you back to a world 3500 years ago on this ancient land.

Luoyang Featured Activities

Apart from visiting the top attractions such as Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple, there are many other things to do in Luoyang. You can attend Luoyang Peony Festival in spring, wander around Luoyang Old City at night, try distinctive Luoyang Water Banquet, etc. See all featured activities in Luoyang >>

Luoyang Peony Festival

Luoyang Peony Festival is held from April to early May. It is a joyful gala for both local people and tourists with so many graceful peonies.

Luoyang Nightlife

Luoyang Old City (Lijing Gate) is very beautiful and busy at night. You can appreciate the night scene and do some shopping at the numerous stores.

Luoyang Food

Luoyang Water Banquet (Luoyang Shuixi) can date back to the Tang Dynasty with a history of over 1000 years and is a real treat to the guests.

Luoyang Weather & When to Go

With a sub humid continental monsoon climate, Luoyang has four distinct seasons: the dry spring, rainy summer, mild autumn and cold winter. The average temperature is about 15℃ and the coldest month is January and July is the hottest month.

The best time to visit Luoyang is from April to October for the warm weather. If you travel here between April and May, you should never miss the annual Luoyang Peony Festival to enjoy the sea of peonies. Check more about Luoyang Weather & Seasonal activities.

Luoyang Transportation

Transfer to Luoyang

It is available to get to Luoyang by air or train/high speed train.

Luoyang Beijiao Airport is located 12 km north of Luoyang downtown. At present, it has 17 airlines connecting 24 cities in China such as Beijing (2h), Shanghai (2-2.5h), Guangzhou (2.5h), Chengdu (2h), Hangzhou (2h), Chongqing (1.5h), and Kunming (2.5h).

Luoyang Railway Station, as the normal train station, offers Z/K/T trains between most inland cities like Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Chongqing.

Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, located 11 km south of Luoyang city, serves as the high speed train station. It’s a better option for tourists coming from Beijing (4h), Xian (2.5h), Wuhan (3h) and Zhengzhou (40min).

Luoyang Local Transfer

Traveling Luoyang with the most highlights, taxi and bus are most chosen by independent travellers (subway is under construction), or you can contact us for private car service. Read more about Luoyang Transportation >>

Luoyang Accommodation

In Luoyang, there are many types of hotels varying from 5-star to 3-star. With convenient transport, you can easily find luxury, comfortable or budget hotels in Luoyang downtown near Xigong District and Luoyang old city. If you want to visit Longmen Grottoes, there are also some choices near the scenic area. Read more about Where to Stay in Luoyang >>

Luoyang Maps

For a better understanding of this ancient city before you go, here we provide some Luoyang Maps for you, including Luoyang City Map, Luoyang Attraction Map and Longmen Grottoes Tourist Map. View more Luoyang Maps >>

Luoyang Location Map

Luoyang Attractions Map

Longmen Grottoes Tourist Map

Other Destinations Near Luoyang

Around Luoyang, Dengfeng Shaolin Temple is worth a visit to view the solemn temple buildings, hear the Buddha history and watch the great Shaolin Kung Fu Show. If you are interested in Chinese history, Henan Museum in Zhengzhou city can be worthwhile to go. You can also travel a little farther to Xian by high speed train to explore another ancient city and enjoy more or spend a leisure day in the well-preserved Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi Province.

Dengfeng

Zhengzhou

Xian

Pingyao