Name: Luoyang

Chinese name: 洛阳

Province: Henan

Status: Prefecture-level city

Population: 6,383,900 inhabitants

Area: 15,492 km²

Luoyang, also known as Loyang, is a city in Henan province situated on the southern bank of the Yellow River. Luoyang is one of the four historic capitals of China alongside Beijing, Xi'an, and Nanjing.

This historic city has fallen under the influence of modernization, yet has managed to preserve some of its historic structures. A trip to Luoyang is an ideal opportunity to visit the Longmen Grottoes.

History

Luoyang served as the capital of ancient China on multiple occasions. It was indeed the capital under the Eastern Zhou dynasties (−771 to −256), the Eastern Han (25−220), the Wei Kingdom (220−265, period of the Three Kingdoms), the Western Jin (265−316), and the Northern Wei (494−534; the dynasty was founded in 386 but initially had its capital at Datong). Under the Sui (581−618) and Tang (618−907) dynasties as well.

For a long time it remained impregnable before falling to Jurchen invaders. The destroyed city took considerable time to rebuild and languished in the memory of its former grandeur.

Today

The city of Luoyang remains suspended between its past and this modern era. Amid crowded streets and modern buildings, remnants of the city's former glory still stand.

Despite the frenzy and development of the city, Luoyang has preserved its old town to the east of the Lijing Gate. Formed by narrow winding streets, the old town holds some rare treasures from the past. The old houses with square courtyards remain practically intact and blend with towers, pagodas, and ancient temples. The quieter old town will transport you directly into an authentic and traditional setting of ancient China.

About ten kilometers east of Luoyang stands the White Horse Temple, considered the first Buddhist temple built in China. The complex houses beautifully preserved ancient pavilions. This still-active temple offers the opportunity to observe monks at work.

A trip to Luoyang would be incomplete without spending a day at the Longmen Grottoes. Located just 12 km south of Luoyang, these grottoes are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Longmen Grottoes rank among the rare jewels of Buddhist sculpture preserved in China, alongside those of Dunhuang (Gansu) and Yungang (Shanxi). Currently, there are more than 2,000 caves and niches housing nearly 100,000 Buddha statues, one of which reaches 17.14 meters in height. The art of Buddhist sculpture in these grottoes deserves at least half a day of your time. Located on the banks of the Yishui River, they also offer a unique and breathtaking landscape that would be a shame to miss.

Nearby, the Guanlin Temple, the burial site of General Guan Yu, is also well worth a visit.

Although Luoyang has lost some of its ancient charm to modernity, the city still conceals numerous structures bearing witness to its former glory.

Climate

Luoyang is located in a temperate continental climate zone in the north that enjoys four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 15°C.

Spring is dry and windy, and April can occasionally bring minor sandstorms. In summer, Luoyang experiences very hot temperatures sometimes exceeding 35°C.

Autumn is the most pleasant season with its neither-too-hot-nor-too-cold temperatures and its gentle, slightly humid climate. Winter is cold and dry and requires warm clothing.

Air

Located about 10 kilometers north of the city center, Beijiao Airport (LIYA) is one of the region's most important air transport hubs. Built in 1986, it successfully operates flights on more than 350 days per year. The airport offers connections to and from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Urumqi.

Train

Luoyang is an important railway hub in China.

Situated at the junction of two national rail lines, the Longhai and Jiaozhi, Luoyang Railway Station operates regular trains to and from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Dunhuang, Kaifeng, and Zhengzhou.

Long-distance Bus

The long-distance bus station, located across from the railway station, offers regular buses from Zhengzhou, Gongyi, Kaifeng, Xinxiang, Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Anyang, and Taiyuan.

Luoyang has numerous public buses that run throughout the city daily starting from 5:30 a.m.

Tourist buses are also available for direct access to the city's main attractions.

Due to their very affordable fares, taxis are a popular mode of transportation in Luoyang.

What to Do in Luoyang?

• Immerse yourself in ancient times in the streets of the old town.
• Enter China's first Buddhist temple and watch monks at work at the White Horse Temple.
• Take an excursion to the Longmen Grottoes, jewels of Buddhist sculpture in China.
• Visit the Eastern Zhou Luoyang Museum and discover the tombs of the Zhou Dynasty.
• Add color to your day at the Peony Garden, the emblematic flower of the city.