Located in the western part of China's central Henan Province (hé nán shěng 河南省), Luoyang (luò yáng 洛阳) is one of China's eight ancient capitals. Comprised of six city districts and eight counties, Luoyang occupies an area of 15,492 square kilometers, with a total population of 6.16 million, 1.4 million urban. Luoyang city proper covers an area of 544 square kilometers.

Today it's hard to imagine that Luoyang was once the centre of the Chinese universe, the Eastern Capital of the great Tang dynasty and home to over 1300 Buddhist temples. The city endured a sacking in the 12th century by Juchen invaders from which it never quite recovered. For centuries the city languished with only memories of greatness, its population dwindling to a mere 20, 000 inhabitants by the 1920s. Now Luoyang resembles other fume-laden modern towns in China, with choking air pollution, roaring streets, ample concrete and scant evidence of a once-great citadel.


History 

The greater Luoyang area has been sacred ground since the late Neolithic period. This area at the intersection of the Luo (luò 洛) and Yi (yì 邑) rivers, called The Waste of Xia, was considered to be the geographical center of China. Because of this sacred aspect several cites, all of which are generally referred to as "Luoyang", have been built there. In 2070 BC, the Xia Dynasty king Tai Kang moved the Xia capital to the intersection of Luo river and Yi River and named the city Zhenxun (zhēn xún 斟鄩). In 1600 BC, King Tang of Shang defeated Jie, the final Xia Dynasty king, and built Western Bo (xī bó 西亳), a new capital on the Luo River. The ruins of Western Bo are located in Luoyang Prefecture.

In 1136 BC a settlement named Chengzhou (chéng zhōu 成周) was constructed by the Duke of Zhou for the remnants of the captured Shang nobility. The Duke also moved the Nine Tripod Cauldrons (jiǔ dǐng 九鼎) to Chengzhou from the Zhou Dynasty capital at Haojing. A second Western Zhou capital, Wangcheng (wáng chéng 王城) was built 15 km west of Chengzhou. It became the capital of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty in 771 BC. The Eastern Zhou Dynasty capital was moved to Chengzhou in 510 BC. Later, the Han dynasty capital of Luoyang would be built over Chengzhou. The ruins of Chengzhou are still visible today 2 kilometres east of the White Horse Temple area. Modern Luoyang is built over the ruins of Wangcheng, which are still visible today at Wangcheng Park. In AD 25, Luoyang became the capital of Eastern Han Dynasty. For several centuries, Luoyang was the focal point of China.

The late second century saw China decline into anarchy. The decline was accelerated by the rebellion by the Yellow Turbans (huáng jīn 黄巾). This was followed by a state of continual unrest and wars in China until a modicum of stability returned in the 220s, but with the establishment of three separate kingdoms, rather than a unified empire.

In AD 190, Chancellor Dong Zhuo (dǒng zhuó 董卓) ordered his soldiers to ransack, pillage and raze the city as he retreated from the coalition set up against him by regional lords from across China. The court was subsequently moved to the more defensible western city of Chang'an. Following a period of disorder, Luoyang was restored to prominence when Emperor Wen of the Wei Dynasty declared it his capital in AD 220. The Jin Dynasty, successor to Wei, was also established in Luoyang. When Jin was overrun by invaders and forced to move its capital to Jiankang (jiàn kāng 建康; modern day Nanjing), Luoyang was nearly totally destroyed. In AD 493 the Northern Wei Dynasty moved its capital from Datong to Luoyang and started the construction of the rock-cut Longmen Grottoes.

During the Tang Dynasty, Luoyang was the 'Eastern Capital' and at its height had a population of around one million, second only to Chang'an, the 'Western Capital', and the largest city in the world. During the short-lived Five Dynasties, Luoyang was the capital of the Later Tang. After that period, Luoyang no longer served as capital of any subsequent dynasties.


Climate

Luoyang lies in the west part of Henan. It belongs to the north temperate continental climate zone and has four distinct seasons. The average temperature is about 15 ℃ (59 ℉) and the yearly rainfall is 578 millimeters.

Spring, starting in March, is dry and windy, lack of rain. Every April, there are several sandstorms, but they are not severe. It is advisable to visit in April, because the weather of Luoyang is the most pleasant at that time and the most importantly the world famous Peony Festival, a time-honored tradition in the city, is held from April 15 to May 8. In that festival, you can appreciate all kinds of peony, each of which has its own legend. The scenery will be a valuable memory in your life.

Summer in Luoyang is hot and rainy, with 30 days of temperature above 35 ℃ (95 ℉). Summer dress is appropriate until late September. The real autumn starts in October. It is very short; however, it is the perfect time for traveling for its humid and pleasant climate. Winter is cold and dry. Visitors in this season need warm clothes.


Attractions

The city of Luoyang enjoys a pre-eminent reputation as a cradle of Chinese civilization. For over 4,000 years, it served as the capital city of thirteen different Chinese kingdoms including the first, the Xia Dynasty (21st-16th century BC). Luoyang is endowed with countless historical sites and cultural treasures.
 

Longmen Grottoes (Dragon Gate Grottoes)

Longmen Grottoes (lóng mén shí kū 龙门石窟) is situated in the southern outskirts of the city. Having survived for about 1,400 years, the over 2,100 grottoes have tens of thousands of statues of Buddha and more than forty Buddhist pagodas as well as a large number of stone stables. These grottoes, together with the Yungang Grottoes (yún gāng shí kū 云冈石窟) in Datong (dà tóng 大同) and the Mogao Caves (mò gāo kū 莫高窟) in Dunhuang (dūn huáng 敦煌), are the three major cave clusters in China.

Admission Fee: CNY120


White Horse Temple

White Horse Temple (bái mǎ sì 白马寺) is a Buddhist temple in the eastern portion of the city. This temple, which is over 2,000 years old, is honored as the 'Founder's Home' and the 'Cradle of Buddhism'.

It is more than likely that earlier Buddhist temples were built along the Silk Road in what is today's Xinjiang (the path by which Buddhism entered China), but this is widely held to be the first officially sanctioned Buddhist temple built in China proper. Located 12 kilometres (7 miles) to the east of Luoyang, this temple was built by the Eastern Han Ming Di emperor (reigned AD 58-76) to honor and house two Indian monks who, the story goes, came from India bearing Buddhist scriptures on two white horses. Two stone horses (likely from the Song dynasty) stand guard outside the gate to today's temple, mostly a Ming construction. Just inside the main entrance in the southeastern and southwestern corners of the complex are the tombs of the two Indian monks. In the impressive Yuan dynasty Daxiong Dian (Great Hall), there are 18 arhats (disciples) of ramie cloth.

Location: 12 kilometers (7 miles) east of Luoyang City
Tel: 0379-3789053
Transportation: Bus No. 56, 58 directly go to the White House Temple (last stop).
Opening Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Admission Fee: CNY35 (CNY50 for each on specific days)


Guanlin Temple

Guanlin Temple (guān lín miào 关林庙), about 7 kilometers (about 4.5 miles) south of Luoyang City, was built in 1596, during the reign of Emperor Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644) and was expanded in the Qing Dynasty (AD 1644-1911). It is called General Guan's Tomb as well.

Guanlin Temple is the place where Guan Yu (guān yǔ 关羽)'s head was buried. He is a hero in Chinese history and is the only person respected by Confucians, Buddhists and Taoists. Guan Yu was a general of the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms Period.

The temple covers an area of 100 mu (about 16.5 acres). Inside the temple are halls, tablets, small stone lions andcypress. The layout of the temple highly embodies the traditional style of Chinese architecture. It is designed and built symmetrically. Moving north from the Opera tower, there is the Main Gate, the Courtesy Gate, the First Hall, the Second Hall, the Third Gate, and the Tomb of Guan Yu. The First Hall is most magnificent. On its main gate are a series of reliefs telling the well-known stories of Guang Yu. The views from other halls and places inside the temple are also beautiful.

Address: 75 East Guanlin Road, Guanlin Town, Luolong District, Luoyang City
Tel: 0379-65959407/65962018
Transportation: Bus No. 15, 39, 55, 58, 69 directly go to Guanlin Temple stop.
Opening Hours: 8:10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Admission Fee: CNY40


Luoyang Peony Festival

Peony (mǔ dān 牡丹) is the city flower of Luoyang city. The ostensible goal of the annual Luoyang Peony Festival is to celebrate the beauty and charm of the peony. The broader goal with the festival is to promote the widespread cultivation of this beautiful plant, and, indirectly, to promote cultural exchange among peoples the world over, through a shared interest.

The venue of the annual Luoyang Peony Festival is Luoyang National Peony Garden, located in the town of Mongshan on the outskirts of Luoyang. Luoyang National Peony Garden covers an area of roughly 1/3 square kilometres, an area which is planted with over 400 peony varieties, many of which are native to countries beyond China's borders, a deliberate aim of the garden and the festival, given Luoyang International Peony Garden's broader objective. Each year from mid-April to mid-May, the peonies in the garden in Mongshan Town are in full bloom, generally reaching their peak during the period April 15th-25th, which is the date set for the annual festival. From mid-April to mid-May each year, the garden is awash with colorful flowers – mostly reds mixed with whites, yellows and purples – set against a background of thick, vibrant, dark green leaves, like a myriad of precious stones set in bright, shiny rings.

The Luoyang Peony Festival is very popular among Chinese tourists and among peony enthusiasts the world over, but do stay away from Luoyang during the festival unless the aim of your visit to the city is expressly to see the peonies, for with hotel rooms filling up fast, the prices rise accordingly.

Location: Ji Chang Road, Luoyang City
Tel: 0379-62261024
Transportation: Bus No.27, 51, 83 directly go to Luoyang National Peony Garden.
Opening Hours (Peony florescene): 5: 30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., April 5 - May 10
Admission Fee: CNY30 (CNY55 for each during the festival)
Tip: Although the peonies are beautiful, please be a civilized tourist and do not pick the flowers.


Food

Luoyang is famous for its 24-course Water Banquet and Carp Dishes. Other delicious local dishes and snacks include Tangmian Jiao (Steamed Dumplings), Zhangji Wonton, Zhangji Roast Chicken and Peony Soup.

Water-Banquet

The dish has a history of thousands of years. The dish was so named for two reasons. Firstly, unlike the usual custom in China, the dishes served during this banquet are brought one after another, like flowing water, hence the name "Water Banquet (shuǐ xí 水席)". The second reason is that around one third of the dishes served are soup or semi-soup dishes.

Although dishes in these banquets vary from one restaurant to another, you may be assured that carp is included nine times out of ten. The food is noted for its various soups with sour and spicy flavors. There are 24 courses in the banquet.
 

Carp

Carp (lǐ yú 鲤鱼) is arguably the most beloved dish in Luoyang. It is said that in the golden olden days of Luoyang, when the capital was swathed in mystery and paved with gold, the fish itself could cost as much as a whole live ox! The dish itself is considered as a great delicacy in these parts, beloved for its tender flesh, nutritional benefits and the stylish design of each dish.

The ideal carp dish is designed with subtle skill. The carp, with its head held high above the plate, is masterfully placed, seeming to be leaping over the cabbage "gorge" at the side of the plate, a symbol of competitive spirit. The dish also is known in these parts as "Carp Leaping over the Gorge (yú yuè lóng mén 鱼跃龙门)".
 

Zhangji Roast Chicken

Although Zhangji Roast Chicken (zhāng jì kǎo jī 张记烤鸡) is not as famous as its rival Water-Banquet, is still worth a try. The dish was said to be created by a man surnamed Zhang in ancient times. It is popular dishes among the locals and tourists.
 

Tangmian Jiao (Steamed dumplings)

The dumpling are made in the shape of crescent moon. This dish originated in this area and is now customary all over China. Tangmian Jiao (tāng miàn jiǎo 汤面饺) are famous for their thin wrappings and jade-like color.
 

Changshou Yu (Long-live Fish)

This is a traditional dish originated almost 2,000 years ago. Legend has it that the East Han Dynasty (AD 25-220) Emperor Guang Wu (Liu Xiu) once visited the Yellow River. On seeing a red carp jumping out of the river, he ordered it to be caught and cooked for him. After he eaten the carp, he felt vigorous and became healthier and healthier. Therefore, the dish was named Long-live Fish (cháng shòu yú 长寿鱼) when the cooking method was duly adopted by the local populace. Boiled with medlar and many other seasonings, the carp has a glaring red color with a sweet and sour flavor.

Shopping

Luoyang has many local specialties ranging from fruits to handicrafts to replicas. Apples from Luoning County and pears from Mengjin County are sold throughout the country. The Palace Lantern is a special handicraft in Luoyang. It was once used to celebrate the founding of the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-220) in the imperial palace, hence its name. Craftsmen make the lanterns in various shapes including dragon head, butterfly and running horse. The lanterns are beautiful and easy to store, making excellent gifts.
Bronze-vessel making has a long history originating in the Xia Dynasty (21st-16th Centuries BC) in Luoyang. Locals now make thousands of reproductions of the ancient bronze vessels. Various bronze copies of wine cups, swords, chariots and horses are symbolic tourist souvenirs.

Tang Tri-colored glazed pottery (táng sān cǎi 唐三彩) is a Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) gem. The pottery used primarily three colors, red, green and yellow, hence its name. Most of these potteries were discovered in Luoyang. Locals have been making replicas of the Tang Tri-colors for hundreds of years in different shapes such as horses, camels and people. These vivid replicas make elegant presents for friends and relatives.

There are many shopping venues in the city. Shanghai Market Pedestrian Street in Jian Xi District is the place where fashionable clothes are sold. Wangcheng Park located on the middle Zhong Zhou Road is the best place to buy tourist souvenirs such as Tang Tri-colors, peony paintings and bronze wares. Nan Chang Road in Jian Xi District is the most beautiful avenue in Luoyang, offering a variety of things you may need.

Tourist Souvenir Stores
Long Men Tourist Shopping Center: 2-km from Guanlin Temple, west of Luo Long Street
Luoyang Local Specialties Tourist Shopping Center: 36 Yin Ma Street, Jiu Du Road
Yin Yi Xuan Crafts Center: entrance of Shi Zi Street, Lao Chen District

Department Stores
Luoyang Department Store: 287 middle Zhong Zhou Road
Luoyang Wangfujing Department Store: 429 middle Zhong Zhou Road
Overseas Chinese Friendship Store: Qi Li He Area, west Zhong Zhou Road
Shanghai Market Department Store: Shanghai Market Commercial Center, Jian Xi District

Supermarkets
Dennis: 80 Nan Chang Road, Jian Xi District
Carrefour: 56 Jie Fang Road, Xi Gong District


Transportation

As a tourist city, Luoyang offers various means of transportation. Public buses offer service at a very low price. Convenient tourist buses pass many famous sites in the city. Near the railway station regularly scheduled buses to tourist spots outside the city. In addition, taxis are readily available. You can bargain with drivers when you want to go to interesting sites in suburban areas.

Air

Located about 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) north of Luoyang City, Luoyang Beijiao Airport (LYA) is one of the most important transportation facilities of the province. It was built in 1986 and now has China's most favorable clearance rating, which enables flights to be operated successfully on more than 350 days per year. It also offers special services for the disabled, seniors and children.

Because of its advanced facilities and excellent services, the airport attracts many airline agencies to operate more than 20 flights to other large cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing and Urumqi. Charter flights to Hong Kong and Okayama connect the city with more international cities. Our China Flights offers more information about specific flights including departure and arrival cities, schedules and ticket prices.

On arrival at the airport, you can take a taxi to the city for about CNY100. Alternatively, you can take an airport shuttle bus that leaves from the airport every 45 minutes to one hour. Price is approximately CNY15 for an ordinary bus and CNY20 for an air-conditioned one. No.83 city bus stops at the airport and returns to the city for only CNY1.

Railway

Two main national railways, the Longhai and the Jiaozhi, meet in Luoyang, providing easy access to the city. Longhai Railway winds across the whole nation from east to west, and Jiaozhi Railway connects most cities of Henan Province and Hubei Province. Meanwhile, Luoyang is an important stop station of the Eurasia Land Bridge from Lianyungang, China to Rotterdam, Holland, making goods transit more convenient from Middle Asia and from Eastern and Middle Europe to China.

Luoyang has two main railway stations. Luoyang Railway Station is located on Dao Nan Road in the northern part of the city. Luoyang East Railway Station is situated on the Da Tong Road in Chanhe District. Trains operating along the Longhai and Jiaozhi Railways pass these two stations, extending to many other cities in China including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Zhengzhou, Yinchuan, Lanzhou and Urumqi.

Bus

Luoyang is a junction point of many national and provincial highways. Two long-distance transit corporations operate luxury and standard buses to nearby cities in Henan Province as well as to cities in other inland provinces. Both corporations have affiliated bus stations. Luoyang Long-distance Bus Station is situated opposite the Luoyang Railway Station on Jin Gu Yuan Road. It is operated by the First Bus Transit Corporation and plays an important role in the city's long distance transportation.

Also, Luoyang has many public buses running across the city everyday. The buses usually start as early as 5:30 a.m. and stop at 9:00 p.m.. Remember to check out the specific time of the bus you will take before you begin your travel in Luoyang. Tickets for most buses range from CNY1 to CNY1.5.

In Luoyang Long-distance Bus Station opposite the Luoyang Railway Station, there are regular buses carrying tourists to spots in the suburban areas. First go to the railway station by public city bus then take a bus listed below to your destination.

* To White Clouds Mountain (Mount Baiyun): Leave every 30 minutes from 6:00-9:00 a.m. and the ticket price costs CNY26.5.
* To Zhongyue Temple: Leave every 20 minutes from 5 a.m.-4 p.m. and the ticket costs CNY11.
* To Heavenly Pond Mountain (Mt. Tianchu): Leave every an hour from 6:00-9:00 a.m. and the ticket costs CNY17.
* To Xiaolangsi Scenic Area: Leave every 20 minutes from 6:00 a.m-6:00 p.m. and the ticket costs CNY8.
* To Longyunwan National Forest: Leave every one hour from 6:00-9:00 a.m. and the ticket costs CNY27.
* To Shaoling Temple: Leave every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and the ticket costs CNY8.
* To Flower and Fruit Mountain (Mount Huaguo): Leave at 7:00 a.m. and the ticket cost CNY15.
* To Cockscomb Limestone Cave (Juguan Cave): Leave every one hour from 6:00-9:00 a.m. and the ticket costs CNY26.5.
* To Mount Qingyao: Leave every an hour from 6:00-9:00 a.m. and the ticket costs CNY15.

Taxi

Luoyang has a large number of taxis which are more convenient and comfortable than buses. Taxis charge CNY5 for the first 2 kilometers (about 1 mile), then CNY1 to CNY1.5 per kilometer afterwards. Waiting for five minutes costs an extra fee equal to the distance surcharge of 1 kilometer (about 0.6 mile). If you want to take a taxi to suburban areas of the city, you can bargain with the driver before you get in the taxi.
  

Tips:

1. Luoyang Culture Tourism Festival is celebrated between Sep.27 and Oct.27. It is a Tourism Festival held with other local festivals.

2. The annual Luoyang Peony in full bloom in April for the season. If you are at this time to Luoyang, must go take a look. Recommendations to the western suburbs of Luoyang Peony Garden State Color (National Peony gene pool), the garden peony long flowering period, varieties (CNY15).

3. Most of the tour sites in Luoyang can be finished within an hour. Pay attention to the time, because the time schedule of bus is variable.

Luoyang in brief
Location: west of Henan Province
Area: 15,208 sq km (3,757,979 acreage)
City flower: peony
Population: about 6,417,000
Dialing Code: 0379
Postal code: 471000

Post Offices
Luoyang Post Office: 216 Middle Zhong Zhou Road, Xi Gong District

Banks
Bank of China (Luoyang Branch): 439 Middle Zhong Zhou Road, Xi Gong District
ATM of Bank of China:  450 East Zhong Zhou Road
                                  39 Xi Yuan Road
                                  116 Jing Hua Road
                                  32 Middle Tang Gong Road

Hospitals
The First People's Hospital of Luoyang: 88 East Zhong Zhou Road
Luoyang Central Hospital: 288 Middle Zhong Zhou Road
Luoyang Dental Hospital: 518 East Zhong Zhou Road

Other Useful Numbers:
Fire: 119
Police: 110
Ambulance: 120
Time Inquiring: 117
Weather Inquiring: 121
Telephone Number Inquiring: 114
Express Mail Inquiring: 185
Civil Aviation Information Inquiring: 2580
Railway Information Inquiring: 2585
Consumer Complaint: 12315
Tourist Complaint: 0379-64310882
Tourism Information Inquiring: 0379-64313824