Luoyang Travel Guide: Your Complete Guide to China's Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties

Luoyang: Where Ancient Glory Meets Modern Spirit

Luoyang is a fascinating city. Before I visited, I didn’t think much of it—but once I arrived, I finally realized just how extraordinary it is.

I’ve only been to Luoyang once, but the memory remains vivid because the trip was so recent—in October 2025.

When I first graduated from university, I had a dream: to spend a week traveling through Luoyang, Zhengzhou, and Kaifeng. For many reasons, that plan never came true—until this year. In October 2025, I finally set foot on this ancient land.

Day 1: The Spirit of Shaolin

I first spent two days in Zhengzhou, then one day in Kaifeng, before heading to Luoyang for about two days—three if you count my visit to the Shaolin Temple.

Technically, the Shaolin Temple belongs to Zhengzhou, but I included it in my Luoyang itinerary for a reason. The two cities are quite close—only about 60 to 70 kilometers apart—and the high-speed train between them takes just half an hour. Although located in Dengfeng, between Zhengzhou and Luoyang, many travelers visit it as part of a Luoyang trip. I did the same, starting my journey with Shaolin to make the most of my time and energy.

We entered Mount Shaoshi from the Sanhuangzhai route, hiking up to the peak on foot. After a short descent, we took a cable car down and continued to the temple itself.

Shaolin Temple is world-famous—and the moment we arrived, I understood why. Tall trees lined the entrance, and the crowd included many foreign visitors. I’ve been traveling for over sixteen years, yet few places I’ve been to attract that many international tourists. It shows just how deeply Shaolin and Chinese martial arts have influenced the world.

Day 2: Art and Faith at Longmen

After touring the temple, we drove to Luoyang and spent the night there. The next morning, our first destination was the Longmen Grottoes.

The sheer scale and beauty of the grottoes exceeded my expectations. Thousands of Buddha statues are carved into the cliffs on both sides of the Yi River. The craftsmanship is breathtaking—so intricate, so vast.

The statue of Vairocana Buddha, in particular, radiates serenity and compassion, glowing majestically under the evening sun. Walking along the wooden walkways, we paused at every carving, feeling as though we had stepped back a thousand years into the spiritual grandeur of the Tang dynasty.

The Longmen Grottoes are the largest among China’s four great cave complexes, although many sculptures have been damaged over time. I couldn’t help but wish I could travel back in time to witness their creation in full glory. Even with centuries of erosion, every chisel mark still carries the devotion and genius of the ancient artisans.

After visiting the grottoes, we drove toward the White Horse Temple, planning to see it after lunch. However, when we reached the area, we discovered there weren’t many places to eat nearby. So we returned to our hotel in the city, had lunch, rested for a while, and then headed back to the temple.

On the way, our taxi driver told us that today, Luoyang’s main historic sites are primarily the Longmen Grottoes and the White Horse Temple. When we arrived, I saw that much of the original complex no longer survives, yet it remains absolutely worth visiting.

Another well-known attraction near Luoyang is Mount Laojun, though it’s quite far from the city center. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to go. From photos shared by other travelers, the sea of clouds there looks breathtaking. I decided to skip it this time, as I’ve already experienced similar mountain scenery elsewhere.

Reflections on Modern Luoyang

Now, a few thoughts on Luoyang’s economy and geography.

To my surprise, the city has 15 listed companies. My hometown, a prefecture-level city, has only four or five. These Luoyang companies span industries such as equipment manufacturing, new materials, and nonferrous metals—showcasing the transformation of this historic industrial base.

Luoyang was once the capital of the Tang Dynasty, but today it is also quietly emerging as a hub of modern industry. It currently ranks second in GDP among cities in Henan Province.

Geographically, Luoyang sits in the heart of central China, along the Yellow River, a key transportation corridor since ancient times. On a recent train ride from Hangzhou to Zhengzhou, I noticed the entire route ran across open plains—no tunnels at all, meaning the terrain offered little natural defense.

By contrast, Luoyang is encircled by mountains on three sides—Xiao, Xiong’er, Mang, and Funiu—forming a natural fortress. The Yi and Luo Rivers flow through it, giving the city both rich agricultural resources and strategic advantages. This unique geography explains why it could serve as the capital of thirteen ancient dynasties.

Looking Ahead

I used to think Luoyang was just an ordinary city in Henan. Now I deeply understand its rare blend of historical grandeur and modern vitality.

Luoyang is a city that invites deeper exploration. I’ll definitely return—there’s still Mount Laojun to visit, and many museums in the city center I haven’t yet seen.

There’s so much more waiting for me in Luoyang.