Embark on a captivating journey through Luoyang, one of China’s oldest and most historically significant cities, with this meticulously crafted 3-day itinerary. Renowned as the birthplace of Chinese civilization, Luoyang offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and cultural richness, from its revered Buddhist temples and majestic grottoes to its scenic parks and enlightening museums. Whether you are an avid history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this itinerary will guide you through the essence of Luoyang, allowing you to immerse yourself in its timeless beauty and profound legacy.
Day 1: Historical and Cultural Exploration
Itinerary: White Horse Temple → Emperor’s Chariot Museum → Sui-Tang Dynasties Grand Canal National Heritage Park → Lijing Gate Scenic Area → Luoyang Old Street
First Stop: White Horse Temple Begin your journey in Luoyang with a visit to the White Horse Temple, renowned as the first Buddhist temple established by the government in China. This temple holds the title of the “Cradle of Chinese Buddhism.” Although public buses are available, taking a taxi might be more convenient for newcomers. The temple’s serene atmosphere and historical significance make it a must-visit destination.
Second Stop: Emperor’s Chariot Museum Next, head to the Emperor’s Chariot Museum, located in the city center. Although small in scale, this museum is unique as it is the only one in China that showcases original site displays. The museum is divided into two exhibition areas. The first area introduces the history of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty and features several bronze artifacts. A short walk westward leads you to the second exhibition area, the main highlight of the museum, showcasing the well-preserved chariots and relics.
Third Stop: Sui-Tang Dynasties Grand Canal National Heritage Park From the museum, walk to the nearby Sui-Tang Dynasties Grand Canal National Heritage Park. This park is famous for the Heaven Hall and the Mingtang Hall from Empress Wu Zetian’s era. The Heaven Hall served as the palace’s main hall, while the Mingtang Hall was where Empress Wu practiced Buddhism. You can take an elevator to the ninth floor for a panoramic view of Luoyang. The night view from here is particularly breathtaking.
Fourth Stop: Lijing Gate Scenic Area End your day at Lijing Gate, the west gate of the ancient city of Luoyang, known as the “First Gate of the Ancient Capital.” Entering through Lijing Gate, you’ll find yourself in Luoyang Old Street. The old street retains much of its original charm, with stone-paved roads and brick-built shops. Here, you can enjoy the most authentic Luoyang delicacies. The old street comes alive at night, showcasing the real-life essence of Luoyang’s residents.
Dining: When in Luoyang, you must try the local specialty banquet called “Water Banquet.” Delicacies such as hawthorn jelly, eight-treasure rice, and hutu noodles are highly recommended.
Day 2: Spiritual and Artistic Heritage
Itinerary: Guanlin Temple → Longmen Grottoes → West Hill Grottoes → East Hill Grottoes → Luoyang Old Street
First Stop: Guanlin Temple Start your day with a visit to Guanlin Temple, a small yet significant temple revered for its intense incense burning. This temple is believed to house the head of Guan Yu, the famous general from the Shu Han dynasty. Besides paying homage to the martial saint, visitors should also notice the 49 door nails on the Ming Dynasty gate and the 81 door nails on the Qing Dynasty gate, symbolizing historical grandeur.
Second Stop: Longmen Grottoes From Guanlin Temple, take bus routes 67 or 71 to reach the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction in Luoyang. The grottoes are divided into West Hill and East Hill sections. The West Hill Grottoes, carved during the Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties, represent the essence of Longmen’s artistry. Cross the river to the East Hill Grottoes, which mainly feature works from the Tang Dynasty. After exploring, head back to Luoyang Old Street for dinner.
Dining: Luoyang’s snack street offers a plethora of local treats. Must-try items include peony root salad, bufan soup, sugar oil cake, beef pie, and oil tea. Yanjia Mutton Soup is also famous in Luoyang, known for its fresh taste and rich flavor, passed down through four generations.
Day 3: Parks and Museums
Itinerary: Wangcheng Park → Luoyang Museum → Luoyang Ancient Tomb Museum
First Stop: Wangcheng Park Begin your final day at Wangcheng Park, which comprises an ancient cultural area, peony gardens, an animal enclosure, and amusement parks. During the annual Peony Festival, Wangcheng Park is the prime spot to admire the city’s emblematic flower. The peony gardens are particularly popular, featuring over 10,000 peony plants. The animal enclosure in the park’s northern section is home to various rare species, including giant pandas, Siberian tigers, South China tigers, and red-crowned cranes.
Second Stop: Luoyang Museum Next, visit the Luoyang Museum. Although it’s a city-level museum, its extensive and high-quality collections rival those of many provincial museums. The museum’s exhibits span from prehistoric times to the modern era, offering a comprehensive overview of Luoyang’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Third Stop: Luoyang Ancient Art Museum Conclude your tour with a visit to the Luoyang Ancient Art Museum, originally known as the Ancient Tomb Museum on Mangshan in the northern suburbs of Luoyang. This museum is the largest specialized museum of ancient tombs in China and the first of its kind in the world. It showcases various tombs and burial artifacts, providing an intriguing insight into ancient burial customs and practices.
Dining: End your journey with a meal at Xiaojie Guotie, a popular local eatery known for its fried dumplings. A pound costs 25 yuan, and typically, 4 ounces are enough to fill a grown man. The dumplings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The restaurant also serves wontons, rice noodles, noodles, and shaomai. Another notable option is the Old Luoyang Noodle House near Wangcheng Park, famous for its water banquet, quick service, and affordable prices.