As one of China's oldest capitals, Luoyang offers a rich blend of history, grottoes, and temples. It is located on the way between Beijing and Xi'an. For many history and cultural travelers, Luoyang is a worthwhile stay for learning about China's history.
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How to Get to Luoyang
If you're on a tight schedule, Luoyang makes a perfect day trip or overnight stop on your way between Xi'an and Beijing.
From Beijing
The most convenient way to reach Luoyang from Beijing is by high-speed train. The journey takes 3.5-4 hours and departs from Beijing West Railway Station (北京西站), arriving at Luoyang Longmen Station (洛阳龙门站), which is closer to most tourist sites.
While there are no direct flights between Beijing and Luoyang, you may find connecting flights from Beijing Daxing or Capital Airport with layovers in other cities. However, these usually take 6 to 20+ hours, making them much slower and less reliable than the train.
From Xi'an
High-speed trains from Xi'an North Railway Station (西安北站) reach Luoyang Longmen Station (洛阳龙门站) in just 1.5 to 2 hours, with trains run frequently throughout the day.
There are no direct flights from Xi'an to Luoyang. Connecting flights are available, but they often require long layovers and can take significantly more time than the train. For speed and convenience, the train is by far the better option.
What to Do in Luoyang
Longmen Grottoes is definitely a must-visit for every traveler. Most people choose to include Luoyang as a stopover between Beijing and Xi'an precisely because of this. When you climb 99 steps to meet the 17-meter-tall figure of Buddha closely, you would definitely be amazed by the exquisite carving techniques.
Our clients at Longmen GrottoesAnother highlight is a visit to Shaolin Temple, especially if you are a Chinese Kungfu's fan or interested in Chinese culture. It is also a good choice if you travel with kids. Watch the Kungfu show, see the life inside the temple, and even learn some movements from the monks. If you want to do that, we could arrange that for you.
Shaolin TempleYou could also visit the White Horse Temple to learn about Chinese Buddhist culture, go to the Luoyi Ancient City for lantern-lit night views, and watch the splendid peony flowers if you visit in April. For more ideas, check out our Top 8 Things to Do in Luoyang.
Travel tips:
- Laojun Mountain is not open to foreign visitors, so you can remove it from your list of destinations. If you want to see mountain views or learn about the Taoist culture, you could choose to visit Mount Hua.
- Most attractions have limited English signage. To better understand the stories and meaning behind what you're seeing, we recommend booking a private tour with our expert local guide.
- A guided visit ensures a smooth experience, especially if you're traveling with family or want to make the most of a short stay.
How Many Days to Spend in Luoyang?
For most travelers, 1–2 days in Luoyang is just right. It gives you enough time to see the city's major highlights without rushing, especially if you're stopping here between Beijing and Xi'an.
A Suggested 2-Day Luoyang Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive from Beijing in the morning or noon. Spend the afternoon exploring the breathtaking Longmen Grottoes. Stay overnight in Luoyang, near Longmen Station.
Day 2: Take a half-day trip to Shaolin Temple, and visit White Horse Temple on your way back. Continue your journey to next destination.
We suggest booking the train departing from Beijing around 8:00-8:30am, so that you would arrive Luoyang at around 12:30pm. In this way, you would have enough time for a visit to Longmen Grottoes without a rush (the visit to Longmen Grottoes needs about 3-4 hours).
On the second day, recommend leaving hotel at 9:00am and you will arrive at Shaolin Temple at around 10:30am. A visit there needs about 2-3 hours.
When you back to Luoyang, to make the most of your time, you could choose to visit the White Horse Temple in the afternoon. In such way, you might need book a late train or plane after 6:00pm for departure.
For a relaxing pace, we recommend staying one more night in Luoyang and departure on the next day. If you come in April, you could also visit a peony garden in the morning and depart in the afternoon.
If You Want to Combine Xi'an and Luoyang
You would need at least 5 to 6 days for trip to Xi'an and Luoyang (3 days in Xi'an and 2 or 3 days in Luoyang). If you want to only focus on Luoyang city's highlights, then 2 days are enough. If you want to add Luoyang Museum or peony gardens to your itinerary, 3 days are suggested.
- Day 1: Xi'an arrival
- Day 2: Visit Terracotta Warriors Museum with a special visit to Conservation Laboratory to see the first restored Warriors and handle Qin Dynasty relics, and visit Huaqing Palace
- Day 3: Xi'an city exploration with Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an Museum, Ancient City Wall, and Muslim Quarter
- Day 4: Take a bullet train to Luoyang and visit the Longmen Grottoes
- Day 5: Visit Shaolin Temple (with a Kungfu show) and White Horse Temple
- Day 6: Back to Xi'an or continue from Luoyang to your next destination
You could check our 6-Day Xi'an, Luoyang & Shaolin Highlights Tour.
If you want to add Beijing in your itinerary, we suggest the travel route as: Beijing (4 days)-Luoyang(2-3 days)-Xi'an (3 days). Luoyang is on the middle of Beijing and Xi'an. This route could be more practical.
Our tours can be adjusted or tailor made based on your requirements and interests. Feel free to contact us.
When to Visit Luoyang
The best time to visit Luoyang is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October).
- Spring is a great time to enjoy mild weather and lively peony festival (April). However, this is also the busiest season, so expect crowds and book your hotel early.
- Autumn is another great choice, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
Spring in LuoyangSummer (June to August) can be hot and tiring for sightseeing, better to avoid this time. Winter (November to January) is cold but quiet, ideal if you prefer fewer crowds.
For a detailed month-by-month guide, check our Best Times to Visit Luoyang.
Allergy Tip: If you have pollen allergies or allergic rhinitis, it's best to avoid visiting from March to May, when flowers bloom across the city. If you plan to come during this time, bring a mask and allergy medication to stay comfortable.
Where to Stay in Luoyang
For most travelers, Luolong District (around Longmen Station) is the best area for short stays and sightseeing, as it is closer to Longmen Grottoes. It's a newer, modern part of the city with metro access and major shopping malls. Hotels here are generally newer and more comfortable.
While it will be a little far from the city center, there are also some night markets nearby, but the nightlife there would not be as bustling as the city center.
Other areas to consider:
- Xigong District: Central and convenient, with shopping malls and good transport. However, this area is farther from White Horse Temple and Longmen Grottoes, and the hotels are usually more expensive, with less historical charm.
- Old Town (Laocheng District): A more traditional area with lively vibe, narrow streets and historical sites like Luoyi Ancient City, Lijing Gate, and Cross Street. Hotels here tend to be older, and prices are higher due to the location.
- Jianxi District: A quieter residential district with more greenery and parks. It's budget-friendly, but less ideal for sightseeing due to the distance from major attractions.
Enjoy Your Luoyang Travel with US
Make the most of your trip with us, our expert local guides will bring Luoyang's history to life for you. Contact us to start your stress-free and personalized travel, or look at our popular itineraries: