Luoyang: The Divine Capital
Capital of 13 ancient dynasties, home to the Longmen Grottoes and the cradle of Chinese Buddhism.
Welcome to Luoyang! Known as the "Divine Capital" (Shendu). As the capital of 13 ancient dynasties, this city holds the secrets of China's golden age. This 3-day plan covers the world-class grottoes, the first Buddhist temple in China, spectacular night views of the Tang Dynasty, and the trending Hanfu cosplay experience.
Attractions & Itinerary
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of attraction name and paste in map app to see the location.
Note: Some major attractions require reservations even with tickets. Be sure to use Trip.com to purchase and reserve simultaneously
Day 1: Imperial Treasures & Hanfu Night
Luoyang Museum (洛阳博物馆)
A world-class treasure house holding the soul of Heluo civilization. Highlights include the vividly preserved "Eastern Han Stone Sisters" and vibrant Tang Sancai pottery. A stunning visual introduction to the city's history.
Sui-Tang Grand Canal Culture Museum (隋唐大运河文化博物馆)
An architectural marvel designed like ancient grain silos. It tells the story of the majestic Grand Canal that fueled ancient empires. The building itself is a fantastic photo op.
LuoYi Ancient City (洛邑古城)
A massive immersive movie set and capital of Hanfu cosplay. At night, ancient towers and red lanterns create a dreamlike atmosphere. Don't miss the magical "Flower Shower" performance.
Cost:Free (Passport required)
Hours:9:00 – 22:30
Day 2: Zen Roots & The Grand Tang
White Horse Temple (白马寺)
China's first government-run temple (est. 68 AD) and "Cradle of Chinese Buddhism." Features a stunning International Buddhist Zone with authentic shrines from Thailand, Myanmar, and India.
Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟)
A UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece. The highlight is the massive Lushena Buddha, said to likely resemble Empress Wu Zetian. Thousands of cliffside statues create a breathtaking visual shock.
Yingtian Gate & Lijing Gate (应天门 & 丽景门)
Site of Empress Wu Zetian's coronation and pinnacle of Tang architecture. Catch the nightly lighting ceremony, then explore the Cross Street night market at Lijing Gate.
Day 3: Taoist Fairyland OR Local Flavors
Laojun Mountain (老君山)
A "Palace in the Sky" with golden temples perched on peaks. When clouds roll in, it looks like a fairyland. The cliffside plank road offers breathtaking views.
Xigong Small Street (西工小街)
The heart of local street food culture. A perfect spot to taste the authentic flavors of everyday Luoyang life.
Cost:Free entry
Hours:All day
Food Recommendations
Note: Food items may contain allergens. Please confirm with restaurant staff directly
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of food name and paste in Dianping app to find restaurants.
Luoyang Water Banquet
洛阳水席
A tradition dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It consists of 24 courses, mostly soups (to combat the dry climate). Try the Peony Swallow Dish (牡丹燕菜) or Fried Meatballs in Soup (焦炸丸子).
Beef Soup
牛肉汤
The local religion. Locals drink this for breakfast. Go to Nanguan Small Bowl Beef Soup (南关小碗牛肉汤) for a milky, rich broth. You can refill the soup for free!
Potstickers
小街锅贴
The most famous snack at Xigong Small Street. Crispy bottom, juicy meat filling.
Dandan Noodles
担担面
At Xiaojie Tianfu (小街天府). Spicy, numbing, and savory. Pair it with their famous Sweet and Sour Potato Slices.
Transportation Guide
1. Arrival
Flights:
- Luoyang Beijiao Airport (LYA): Very convenient, just 20 mins Taxi to downtown.Check flights via
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport (CGO): Avoid if possible. Requires transfer to intercity train to reach Luoyang.
Trains:
- Luoyang Longmen Station (洛阳龙门站): ⭐ Top Choice. High-speed rail hub. Located south of city, only 3km from Longmen Grottoes.Check trains via
- Luoyang Station (洛阳站): Regular trains. Closer to Old Town but slower connections.
2. City Transport
- Metro: Lines 1 & 2 cover most sites (Yingtian Gate, LuoYi Ancient City). Use Alipay to scan.
- Taxi: Very affordable. A great option for lazy travelers.
Where to Stay
Old Town (Lao Cheng)
Bustling, historic, full of Hanfu shops and night markets. Walkable to LuoYi Ancient City and Lijing Gate. Can be noisy and traffic is heavy.
Jianxi District (Near Peony Square)
Local life, budget-friendly. Best Value. Convenient metro access (Line 1). Quiet at night.
Luolong District (New District)
Modern, spacious, high-end. Close to Longmen Grottoes and High-Speed Station. Newer hotels with better amenities.
Essential Tips
Travel Tips
- Book Early: For Longmen Grottoes and Luoyang Museum, tickets often sell out days in advance during peak seasons. Book via their official WeChat accounts or ask your hotel for help.
- Avoid Scams at Grottoes: Always enter from the Northwest Service Area (Northwest Gate). Do not listen to drivers offering "shortcuts" or "temple tours"—they are tourist traps.
- Student/Senior Discounts: Bring your ID/Passport. Many attractions offer half-price or free entry for children and seniors.
- Hanfu Prices: Competition is fierce at LuoYi Ancient City. A standard Hanfu rental + makeup package usually costs 60–100 CNY. Ask around before deciding!