Luoyang

Luoyang is an ancient capital of thirteen dynasties with deep historical heritage and a rich food scene. It is perfect for a 3-day, 2-night itinerary, where you can experience thousand-year-old relics, lively Hanfu night views, and authentic local atmosphere. Here is a detailed, beginner-friendly Luoyang travel guide:

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: First Encounter with the Divine Capital, Traveling Back to the Tang Dynasty
  • Morning: Arrive in Luoyang and head to your hotel to store your luggage. The Old Town or Xigong District is recommended as the first choice, as getting around is more convenient.
  • Afternoon: Visit Luoyang Museum (advance reservation required; closed on Mondays). Focus on the Heluo Civilization Exhibition and the Tang Sancai Gallery for a systematic understanding of the ancient capital’s history.

• Dusk: Head to Yingtian Gate to admire the stunning night view of the main gate of Sui-Tang Luoyang City. If interested, you can also experience “Tang Palace Music Banquet.”

• Evening: Explore Luoyi Ancient City, which is free to enter. Once the lights come on at night, it has a strong Tang-style atmosphere, making it perfect for taking photos in Hanfu. You can also watch the Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers performance.

• Day 2: Awe-Inspiring Grottoes and Peaceful Ancient Temples
  • Morning: Get up early and head to Longmen Grottoes (arriving before 8:00 is recommended) to avoid crowds and harsh sun. Focus on the West Hill Grottoes and check in at the Vairocana Buddha. Plan to spend 3-4 hours in total.

• Afternoon: Visit White Horse Temple, China’s first ancient Buddhist temple. In addition to traditional Chinese architecture, it also has an international Buddhist temple area in Thai, Burmese, and Indian styles, which is very photogenic.

• Evening: Return to the city and go to Xigong Xiaojie or Old Town Cross Street for the night market. Try authentic snacks such as dandan noodles, potstickers, and hotpot-style beef tripe.

• Day 3: Underground Wonders and Natural Scenery
  • Morning: Visit Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum (advance reservation required), the only museum in the world themed around ancient tombs. It offers an immersive “underground world” experience and is a must for lovers of traditional Chinese aesthetics.

• Afternoon: If you have enough energy, you can go to nearby Laojun Mountain to see the sea of clouds around the Golden Summit (it is far from the city, so joining a day tour or driving yourself after an early start is recommended). If you prefer an easy city visit, head to Sui-Tang Grand Canal Cultural Museum, whose architecture itself is great for photos.

Must-Visit Attractions

Must-Try Food List

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to Stay:
  • Old Town: Close to Lijing Gate and Luoyi Ancient City, it is extremely convenient for night tours and Hanfu outings, making it the top area to stay in.

• Xigong District: A transportation hub with metro access across the city. It saves time and effort when commuting to various attractions, and there are many food options nearby.

• Jianxi District: Prices are relatively low, with many Soviet-style buildings and universities. The food is cheap and authentic, making it suitable for students and budget-conscious travelers.

• Transportation Guide:
  • Arrival: Luoyang Longmen Railway Station is the top choice for high-speed rail, as it is relatively close to city attractions; flights arrive at Luoyang Beijiao Airport.
  • Getting Around: Combining the metro with taxis is the most convenient option, and most popular attractions are reachable. There are many shared electric scooters in the city, making short rides quite pleasant.

Pitfall Avoidance and Practical Tips

• Book in Advance: Popular attractions such as Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang Museum, and the Ancient Tombs Museum should be reserved 1-3 days in advance through their official WeChat accounts. Many museums are closed on Mondays.
• What to Wear: Longmen Grottoes and Laojun Mountain involve a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable sneakers. In summer, UV rays are strong, so pay attention to sun protection.
• Hanfu Experience: There are many Hanfu shops near Luoyi Ancient City and Yingtian Gate. Compare prices and makeup-and-styling packages in advance to avoid overpriced tourist traps.
• Soup Culture: Luoyang locals are used to drinking meat soup in the morning, eating hele noodles at noon, and having tofu soup or meatball soup in the evening. There is no need to queue at internet-famous soup shops all day; old street-side shops with proper signs are usually quite good.
• Taxi Tips: Take a screenshot of the estimated fare before getting in a taxi. A few drivers may take detours, so file a complaint promptly if you notice anything unusual.