Luoyang

Mornings and evenings in Luoyang are cool in autumn. Bring a light jacket if you plan to visit the mountains.

Luoyang combines historic sites spanning thousands of years with a strong sense of everyday local life, making it a good place to explore at a relaxed pace. Use the following itinerary as a guide:

• Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang: One of China's four great grotto complexes, with the imposing Vairocana Buddha as its centerpiece. Aim to arrive by 3 or 4 p.m. to explore the grottoes in daylight, then stay until the lights come on for the nighttime views.

• Mount Laojun, Luoyang: A renowned Taoist mountain where golden-roofed temples rise above seas of clouds and autumn foliage. Around 150 kilometers from central Luoyang, it is best given a full day. Take the cable car up the mountain.

• White Horse Temple, Luoyang: Known as China's first Buddhist temple, it features traditional Chinese architecture alongside Buddhist halls in Indian, Thai and Burmese styles.

• Luoyi Ancient City, Luoyang: Admission is free, and the evening lighting creates an atmospheric setting. Several shops offer hanfu rentals, makeup and hairstyling, so you can dress up before exploring the old lanes.

• Yingtian Gate, Luoyang: The main southern gate of the imperial palace in Luoyang during the Sui and Tang dynasties, known as the "Finest Gate Under Heaven." Watch the light show at night and climb the gate towers for views over the illuminated ancient capital.

• Luoyang Museum: A national first-tier museum with extensive collections of Tang sancai glazed pottery and bronze artifacts, offering an introduction to Luoyang's history as the capital of thirteen dynasties. Advance reservations are required, and the museum is closed on Mondays.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and an Evening in the Old Town

Arrive in Luoyang in the afternoon and check in. In the early evening, head to Luoyi Ancient City for hanfu dressing, makeup and hairstyling, then explore the nighttime scenery and Wenfeng Pagoda. Later, visit Lijing Gate and Shizi Street Night Market for snacks.

• Day 2: Grottoes and Tang Dynasty Splendor After Dark

Visit Longmen Grottoes in the morning. Enter through the Northwest Service Area and explore the West Hill Grottoes, Buddha Worship Platform and Xiangshan Temple in that order. Return to the city in the afternoon to rest or visit Luoyang Museum. In the evening, watch the light show at Yingtian Gate, then enjoy the illuminated Mingtang and Tiantang halls.

• Day 3: Ancient Temples and Mountain Options

Visit White Horse Temple in the morning to see Buddhist halls incorporating architectural styles from four countries. In the afternoon, if you have the energy, join a day tour to Mount Laojun to see its golden-roofed temples and sea of clouds. If you prefer to stay in the city, visit the Sui and Tang Grand Canal Museum or the Ancient Tomb Museum instead.

Must-Try Foods

Luoyang cuisine is known for soups and its traditional water banquet. Flavors generally lean sour and spicy, making it a good choice for those who enjoy bold tastes.

• Luoyang Water Banquet: A signature local banquet featuring many dishes served in broth or sauce. Try peony-style shredded radish soup, pork slices in broth and deep-fried meatballs.

• Luoyang Beef Soup: A common local breakfast made with slowly simmered beef bones for a rich broth, usually served with strips of flatbread.

• Luoyang Hot-Pot Beef Tripe: Beef tripe is briefly cooked in seasoned broth, then dipped in sesame paste and chili oil, giving it a tender yet pleasantly crunchy texture.

• Xiaojie Tianfu: A snack restaurant open throughout the day, serving Luoyang dan dan noodles, sweet-and-sour spicy potato slices and Meiling rice porridge.

• Jiang Noodles: Noodles cooked in a mildly sour broth made from fermented mung bean liquid, served with celery, chive blossoms and chili oil for a smooth, silky texture.

• Luoyang White Horse Temple Yogurt: A thick local yogurt available in flavors such as peony, with flower petals mixed in. A good choice after a meal.

Where to Stay

• Luoyang Old Town / Around Lijing Gate / Around Shizi Street: Yingtian Gate and Luoyi Ancient City are within walking distance, with plenty of nighttime sights and dining nearby. Many guesthouses feature contemporary Chinese design with traditional touches, making this area a good choice for visitors who enjoy night markets.

• Xigong District / Around Yingtian Gate, Luoyang: A central location served by Metro Line 2, with convenient access to attractions and plenty of shopping malls and restaurants nearby.

• Luolong District / Around Luoyang Longmen High-Speed Railway Station: A quieter area with newer hotels, suitable for visitors driving or planning an early visit to Longmen Grottoes. The old town's attractions are about a 30-minute drive away.

Practical Information

• Book ahead: Popular attractions such as Luoyang Museum, Longmen Grottoes and the Ancient Tomb Museum require reservations under your real name through their official WeChat accounts. Museums are closed on Mondays, and tickets can be scarce, so book at 7 a.m. three days in advance.
• Hanfu dressing and styling: Many shops around Luoyi Ancient City and Yingtian Gate offer hanfu rentals and styling, with prices ranging from a few dozen to over a hundred yuan. Compare shops and check whether wigs, jewelry and photography are included. Going in the early evening makes it easy to continue with nighttime sightseeing.
• Getting around: The metro and shared electric bikes are convenient for city travel; electric bikes are a good option for short trips. For Mount Laojun, choose a reputable day tour or charter a car. Avoid buying tickets from people soliciting customers at stations or attraction entrances.
• Footwear: Longmen Grottoes, Mount Laojun and similar attractions involve considerable walking, potentially reaching 20,000 steps a day. Wear comfortable flat shoes.
• Temperature changes: Autumn mornings and evenings in Luoyang are cool. Mountain areas such as Mount Laojun are windier and colder, so bring a light jacket or an outdoor shell.