One of China's great ancient capitals, Luoyang in Henan is the home of the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, the country's first Buddhist temple, and a spring peony festival that paints the city in colour.
History & culture
Capital of thirteen dynasties over more than a thousand years, Luoyang was a cradle of Chinese civilisation and Buddhism's entry point — the White Horse Temple (1st century) is considered China's earliest.
What to see & do
- ◆Longmen Grottoes' cliff carved with 100,000 Buddhas
- ◆White Horse Temple, China's first Buddhist monastery
- ◆Luoyang Museum and the ancient capital ruins
- ◆The peony festival (April–May)
- ◆Day trip to the Shaolin Temple and Mount Song
What to eat
- ●Luoyang 'water banquet' (a series of soupy dishes)
- ●Beef soup breakfast (niu rou tang)
- ●Steamed seasonal vegetables
Getting there
Luoyang has an airport and high-speed rail (Longmen station, ~1.5–2h from Xi'an or Zhengzhou). Buses run to Longmen and Shaolin.
Avoid the pitfalls
- Longmen is most pleasant early; afternoon light is better for cliff photos but busier.
- Shaolin is a long day trip — confirm transport and avoid pushy 'kung fu show' touts.
- Peony season packs hotels; book well ahead if visiting in spring.
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