Luoyang is one of the oldest cities on Earth, serving as China's capital across 13 dynasties over more than 1,500 years. The Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are among the greatest works of Buddhist art in Asia, while the White Horse Temple — founded in AD 68 — is considered the first Buddhist temple officially built on Chinese soil. And every April, the whole city turns fragrant with countless varieties of peony that nowhere else in the world does quite as beautifully.
#1 Longmen Grottoes (World Heritage) · Longmen Grottoes
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest achievements of Buddhist sculpture in Chinese history, carved during the Wei and Tang dynasties between AD 493 and 907 into the limestone cliffs on both banks of the Yi River. It holds more than 2,300 caves and over 110,000 carved figures. The 17-metre Vairocana Buddha in the Fengxian cave has a face said to have been modeled on Empress Wu Zetian — a highlight you absolutely should not miss.
- Buy tickets in advance through the official app or website. They cost 100 yuan, and during Golden Week and in April they sell out very fast.
- Walk the western route (the main caves) first, then cross the bridge to the eastern side for a panoramic view of all the caves from a distance.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — the route runs more than 3 km and is steep in parts. Sun protection is essential, especially in summer.
#2 White Horse Temple (Baima Si) · White Horse Temple
The oldest Buddhist temple in Chinese history, founded in AD 68 under Emperor Ming of Han, according to the legend of Buddhism's first arrival on Chinese soil. The temple takes its name from the white horses that carried the sutras and Buddha images from India. Inside stand the Qiyun Pagoda, more than 1,900 years old, the Taiguan Buddhist hall, and the tombs of the two Indian monks who brought Buddhism to China. The atmosphere is calm and lovely, and it remains a working temple where monks still live.
- The temple is open 7:30-18:30 and costs 50 yuan. Weekday mornings are the quietest and most peaceful, and you can watch the monks at morning prayers.
- The Qiyun Pagoda is the oldest structure in the temple — view it from outside, as it isn't open to climb.
- The temple has a lovely garden zone at the back that most visitors never reach. It's worth walking in to feel the real calm.
#3 Luoyang Peony Garden · Luoyang Peony Garden
Luoyang has been called the peony capital of the world since the Tang dynasty, with more than 1,000 peony varieties planted in public gardens across the city. The main peony garden in Zhoucheng District covers more than 56 hectares and blooms all at once during the Peony Festival in April, in colours from white, yellow, pink, red and purple all the way to a near-true black. A soft fragrance drifts throughout the garden — an experience you won't find anywhere else.
- Peak bloom is 10-20 April, though it shifts each year with the temperature. Follow Luoyang tourism news 1-2 weeks ahead.
- Outside peony season the garden still opens for its classical Chinese garden architecture and other flowers, at a cheaper rate.
- Come early in the morning to photograph the flowers while they're still wet with dew — the light is best and there are far fewer visitors than midday.
#4 Luoyang Museum · Luoyang Museum
The largest and most complete history museum in Henan, gathering more than 400,000 artifacts from prehistory to the Qing dynasty. The highlights are the Shang-Zhou bronze artifacts, Longmen Grottoes sculptures that were smuggled abroad and only recently returned, and the Tang-dynasty horse figurines that are the finest in China. It's a great way to understand the historical context before seeing the real sites.
- Entry is free, but you must book a ticket online 1-2 days ahead through the official app — daily visitor numbers are capped.
- Open 9:00-17:00, closed Mondays. Allow at least 2-3 hours to see it all.
- The Longmen Grottoes zone on the second floor is the highlight people skip most often — don't miss that room.
#5 Luoyang Old Town (Ancient Quarter) · Luoyang Old Town
A historic quarter restored to Tang-dynasty architecture, with a pedestrian route paved in old stone running past restaurants, tea houses, souvenir shops and small museums scattered throughout. At night the golden lights give the place a beautiful glow. Many travelers say the atmosphere feels like the old quarter of Xi'an, but with far fewer people and a more natural feel. Affordable local food is easy to find all over the quarter.
- This quarter is liveliest in the evening and at night. If you come during the day, some shops aren't open yet.
- Avoid the souvenir shops right along the main walkway — they're at least 30-50% pricier than the ones tucked into the side alleys.
- Try wandering off the main route to find the shops locals actually use — the atmosphere is far more genuine.
#6 Guanlin Temple (Tomb of Guan Yu) · Guanlin Temple
A temple and tomb built to hold the head of Guan Yu, the loyal hero of the Three Kingdoms era whom the Chinese revere most highly as the god of war and loyalty. Built in the Ming dynasty, it has beautiful classical Chinese architecture, with ancient pines more than 700 years old lined up through the garden. The atmosphere is sacred and calm, and anyone who knows the Three Kingdoms will feel especially moved standing here.
- Entry is 40 yuan, open 8:00-18:00. You can combine it with the Longmen Grottoes in a single day since they're very close.
- Inside are several large statues of Guan Yu and murals telling the story of the Three Kingdoms — perfect for Three Kingdoms fans.
- Many Chinese visitors come to pray for success in business and for loyalty. Respect the religious space by dressing modestly.
Where to stay in Luoyang for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Luoyang — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Crowne Plaza Luoyang
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Christian's Hotel Luoyang
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Atour Hotel Luoyang
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Holiday Inn Express Luoyang City Center
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Tours, tickets & activities in Luoyang
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Luoyang — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Luoyang is at its most beautiful in April during the Peony Festival (around 1-25 April), when the whole city fills with millions of flowers. But anyone coming for the Longmen Grottoes and the history should avoid that window, as the city overflows with visitors. Plan for at least 2-3 days to take in both the World Heritage sites and the local culture.