Many travelers visit Luoyang just for the Longmen Grottoes or a quick trip to the Shaolin Temple. Actually, this former capital has a lot to offer, from ancient temples and springtime peony blooms to hanfu dress-up and local dishes.
Below, we've picked the top 8 activities to help you make the most of your time in Luoyang.
1.Marvel at Longmen Grottoes–Must-See
Longmen Grottoes is the attraction in Luoyang you simply cannot miss. It is the favorite attraction for almost all tourists. When you see it, you will marvel at its magnificence.
Longmen GrottoesHere, you can witness over 1,400 years of Buddhist art carved into limestone cliffs, spanning from the Northern Wei to the Qing dynasty. As you walk along the Yi River, look closely, and you'll notice delicate chisel marks left by artisans over a thousand years ago.
The centerpiece is the 17.14-meter-tall Rocana Buddha, a towering masterpiece from the Tang dynasty. When lit up in the evening, it's simply breathtaking. You will climb 99 steps and meet Rocana Buddha's calm gaze closely.
Longmen Grottoes at nightMost of the highlights are on the West Hill (Xishan) side, including the grandest caves and the most intricate carvings. It takes about 2–3 hours to explore.
The site is quite large and includes a fair number of stone steps, so wear comfortable shoes and consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon (especially in summer) to avoid the heat and crowds.
Tip: The grottoes are especially photogenic at sunset when the golden light hits the cliffside. If time allows, stay until dusk.
2.Experience Chinese Kungfu at the Shaolin Temple
You must have heard of Chinese Kungfu from TV series or movies. Maybe you first heard about China through Kungfu! It is like a "name card" for China. Shaolin Temple is the best place to find out more about Kungfu.
Shaolin TempleFor a deeper insight to Shaolin temple and Kungfu, we could specially invite a monk living in the temple to share their daily life and the temple's 1,500-year history. By comminicating with the monk, you can gain a more authentic understanding of life within the Shaolin Temple.
If you or your kids like Kungfu, we can also arrange a short Kungfu lesson with a real Shaolin warrior monk. You could learn some martial arts moves, which is something that other ordinary tourists cannot experience. This might become the favorite memory of your trip.
Just 1.5 hours from Luoyang by car, the Shaolin Temple makes an easy half-day trip. Leave around 9 AM and you'll be back in Luoyang by 2 PM.
3.Explore White Horse Temple–Birthplace of Chinese Buddhism
White Horse Temple is known as the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism, which already makes it very special. But what's even more fascinating is that within this one temple, you can explore Buddhist architecture from four different countries: China, Thailand, India, and Myanmar.
Foreign Buddhist temples in the White Horse TempleIf you're curious about Chinese Buddhism, this is the perfect place to learn more. Our guide can explain the meaning behind each statue, carving, and temple layout.
You'll also see many locals lighting incense and praying quietly for health and happiness. The calm, spiritual atmosphere has a way of making you slow down and breathe a little deeper.
And here's a little surprise your kids will love. Near the quiet Qiyun Pagoda, ask them to stand about 20 meters away and clap. Like magic, a frog-like croak will echo back from the tower.
Qiyun PagodaWhite Horse Temple is about a 50-minute drive from Longmen Grottoes. You'll need around 2–3 hours to explore it, so we recommend combining it with either Longmen Grottoes or Shaolin Temple for a full-day trip.
4.Admire Peony Flowers in April
Luoyang is famous for its peonies. There's even an old Chinese saying that goes, "Luoyang's peonies are the best under heaven". Known as China's national flower, the peony symbolizes beauty, wealth, and honor. In Luoyang, you can see thousands of colorful varieties in full bloom.
Luoyang peonyApril is the best time to visit. The city hosts a month-long Peony Cultural Festival, when parks and gardens burst into color. The peak bloom falls between April 15-25. Strolling through the flower fields with your partner on a warm spring day is a peaceful and romantic experience.
The best places to see the flowers include the China National Flower Garden, Wangcheng Park, the Sui-Tang Ruins Botanical Garden, and the International Peony Garden.
But the Peony Festival isn't just about flower-viewing. Some venues host festive shows and cultural activities as well.
At Luoyi Ancient City, for example, you might see "peony fairies" in flowing hanfu, gracefully scattering petals from above, you will feel like stepping into a dream. Both the China National Flower Garden and the Sui-Tang Botanical Garden offer enchanting night performances too.
Around the gardens, you'll also find lively markets selling souvenirs like hand-painted bookmarks, elegant fans, and cute fridge magnets, each decorated with peony designs.
Don't miss the chance to try some peony-themed snacks too! Sip fragrant peony tea and try a bite of the crispy, peony-shaped pastry. The sweet, floral flavor will fill your mouth like spring in bloom.
Peony pastry5.Enjoy Luoyang at Night– Ancient Streets and Lively Markets
Luoyang feels like a city born for the night. As evening sets in, the glow of lanterns below the ancient rooftops fills the city with a gentle beauty.
For a romantic night walk steeped in historical buildings, wander through Luoyi Ancient City, where golden lights shine on traditional pavilions and calm river. Girls in flowing hanfu pass by under lantern-lit eaves, and you might feel as if time has reversed.
Luoyi Ancient CityFor food hunters, we recommend Cross Street Night Market, which is a few steps away, fills with delicious smells and red lanterns. Try a warm bowl of beef soup, or nibble on soft mudan xianggao, a kind of sticky rice cake with gentle floral flavour.
If you want a good spot for viewing the city's night views and local life, we recommend climbing up to the top of Lijing Gate, a grand old city gate. You can see thousands of lights flickering across the ancient city, as if you're watching Luoyang breathe under the night sky.
Lijing GateTip: If you're interested in trying on Hanfu, there are many rental shops inside Luoyi Ancient City. Just be aware that the experience is quite commercialized, and most photo spots tend to have lines of photographers and tourists waiting.
6.Discover Luoyang's History in Museums
Luoyang has been the capital of thirteen dynasties, and its deep history is waiting for you to explore. Visiting the city's museums is a great way to understand its rich past and see why Luoyang has been so important for thousands of years.
At the Luoyang Museum, you'll find fascinating artifacts like the famous "Sisters Holding Hands" pottery figures, and beautiful peony-themed Chinese paintings.
Luoyang MuseumThe Luoyang Ancient Tomb Museum, known as the "Eastern Pyramid", offers a unique look into China's burial culture. Take your kids on an eye-opening educational trip, and help them to broaden their horizon while appreciating the value of life.
Luoyang Ancient Tomb MuseumTo go even further back in time, visit the Erlitou Site Museum. This immersive museum takes you 4,500 years into the past, to the roots of Chinese civilization. With fewer crowds and a strong focus on early Chinese history, this site is perfect for history lovers who want a deeper experience.
Erlitou Site Museum7.Pay Tribute to Guan Yu at Guanlin Temple
Guanlin Temple might not be as popular as the Longmen Grottoes or White Horse Temple, but if you're a fan of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this is a must-see in Luoyang.
The temple is believed to be the burial place of Guan Yu's head, the legendary general from the Shu Kingdom. Today, many locals still worship him as a god of justice and wealth. You can join the locals in offering incense and making a quiet wish in front of Guan Yu's statue.
Guanlin TempleWalking through the peaceful temple grounds, you'll find yourself surrounded by tall trees, curling incense smoke, and statues of Guan Yu in different poses.
One of the most touching sights here is a unique statue of Guan Yu lying down under a blanket. Locals say they built it because they felt he had worked so hard, he deserved a proper rest.
8.Try the Unique Luoyang Water Banquet
The Luoyang Water Banquet is a local tradition with over a thousand years of history. In 2007, it was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. A full banquet has 24 dishes—8 cold and 16 hot—served one after another like flowing water.
Water BanquetYou will taste bold, tangy, and savory flavors. The most iconic dish is the Peony Swallow Dish (牡丹燕菜). It looks like a blooming peony. Try the soft radish, pork, and chicken soaked in a sour and slightly spicy broth.
The Meat Slices in Hot Broth (连汤肉片) is a rich and comforting dish. You will bite into tender pork that almost melts in your mouth. Crisp mushrooms and vegetables add a nice contrast.
Deep-Fried Balls (焦炸丸子) are always a hit with kids. They will love the crunchy coating and thick, sweet-sour sauce.
If you travel with a big family, you can enjoy the whole banquet, tasting the different flavors. If you're just two or three people, choose 3 to 5 dishes to share. Many restaurants offer flexible options.
Recommended Restaurants:
Zhenbutong (真不同) is about 800 meters east of Lijing Gate, roughly a 10-minute walk. It's very popular with locals and tourists, so booking ahead is advised.
Other great options include well-know restaurant Guanji Water Banquet (管记水席) and the halal restaurant Shunfeng Water Banquet (顺峰水席). For a special experience, try Luoyang Shuixi Garden's Empress Wu Feast (洛阳水席园武皇盛宴), where you can enjoy the banquet alongside Tang Dynasty dance performances.
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