Luoyang

Luoyang is a city where history is layered into every street. As the capital of thirteen dynasties, it was the political, economic and cultural heart of China for over 1,500 years. The city's golden age came during the Tang Dynasty, when it was known as Dongdu (Eastern Capital) and later Shendu (Divine Capital), and its population exceeded one million. Today, Luoyang blends its ancient heritage with a modern industrial base, particularly in the Jianxi District, home to major machinery and aerospace enterprises.

The city's layout is defined by its rivers and mountains. The Luo River flows through the center, separating the historic old town on the north bank from the newer districts to the south. The Yi River, a tributary, cuts through the southern suburbs, where the Longmen Grottoes are carved into the cliffs. To the north, the Yellow River marks the city's boundary, while the Funiu Mountains rise to the south. This geography has shaped Luoyang's development, with the high-speed rail station and new civic buildings clustered in Luolong District.

Luoyang is well connected by high-speed rail. Luoyang Longmen Station, located in the south of the city, is on the Zhengzhou-Xi'an high-speed line, with frequent trains to Xi'an (about 1.5 hours), Zhengzhou (40 minutes), Beijing (4 hours) and Shanghai (6 hours). The older Luoyang Railway Station, north of the city center, serves conventional trains. Luoyang Beijiao Airport has limited domestic flights, but most travelers arrive via Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, about 2 hours away by high-speed rail or 3 hours by road.

Within the city, the metro system has two lines (Line 1 and Line 2) that connect the main railway stations, the old town, and the Luolong District. Buses are extensive and cheap, but can be crowded. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are readily available and affordable. For the Longmen Grottoes, take metro Line 2 to Longmen Avenue Station and transfer to a bus, or take a taxi directly. The White Horse Temple is about 12 km east of the city center and is best reached by taxi or bus. Cycling is also a pleasant way to explore the flat central districts.

Luoyang cuisine is hearty, rustic and deeply rooted in the Central Plains. The city is famous for its water banquet (shuixi), a traditional feast of eight cold and sixteen hot dishes served in a flowing sequence, often at weddings and festivals. Another signature is Luoyang soup, a breakfast staple of spicy beef or mutton broth with noodles or pancakes. Don't miss the peony-shaped pastries, a sweet tribute to the city's famous flower, and the local specialty of donkey meat soup. For a quick bite, try the street stalls in the Old City, where you can sample fried dough sticks, steamed buns and savory pancakes.

• Luoyang Water Banquet
• Luoyang Beef Soup
• Peony Pastry
• Donkey Meat Soup
• Old City Snack Street

Luoyang offers a mix of modern shopping malls and traditional markets. The main commercial areas are around Wangcheng Park and the Old City, where you can find everything from high-end brands to local handicrafts. For souvenirs, look for peony-themed items, such as peony tea, peony essential oils, and peony porcelain. Tang Sancai (tri-colored glazed pottery) is another classic Luoyang craft, with its distinctive green, yellow and white glazes. The city is also known for its bronze ware and calligraphy supplies. For a modern shopping experience, visit the Wangfujing Department Store or the Wanda Plaza in Luolong District.

• Wangcheng Park Area
• Old City Market
• Wanda Plaza
• Wangfujing Department Store
• Peony Products & Tang Sancai

Luoyang's nightlife is more relaxed than that of megacities like Beijing or Shanghai, but it has its own charm. The reconstructed Luoyi Ancient City comes alive after dark with lantern-lit streets, traditional performances and snack stalls. For a more modern scene, head to the bars and clubs around Nanchang Road or the Luolong District, where you'll find live music venues and cocktail lounges. The night market at Laocheng is perfect for sampling local street food and picking up souvenirs. For a cultural evening, consider the large-scale song and dance show 'The Peony' or a night cruise on the Luo River.

• Luoyi Ancient City
• Nanchang Road Bars
• Laocheng Night Market

The best time to visit Luoyang is in spring (April to May) when the peonies bloom, and in autumn (September to October) when the weather is cool and dry. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is cold and dry. The annual Peony Festival in April draws large crowds, so book accommodation early. Avoid the first week of October (National Day holiday) and the Spring Festival period if you prefer fewer crowds.