3 Days in Luoyang: What to Do and See in Luoyang

Day 1 | Morning

Longmen Grottoes

Opening Hours: Open from 2/1-3/31,8:00am-6:00pm,6:30pm-10:30pm;Open from 4/1-10/7,8:00am-6:30pm,7:00pm-10:30pm;Open from 10/8-11/14,8:00am-6:00pm,6:30pm-10:30pm;Open from 11/15-1/31,8:00am-5:00pm,5:30pm-10:30pm;Open from 7:30am-7:00pm during Ching Ming Festival,Labour Day,Dragon Boat Festival,China's national day

Ticket Price: 90 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-5 Hours

Location: 13 Long Men Zhong Jie, Luolong Qu, Luoyang Shi, Henan Sheng, China

One of the four major grottoes of China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Longmen Grottoes are a trove of 1000 years of Buddhist art treasures. Bounded by the Yi River, the caverns are divided into two sections at East Hill and West Hill. The caverns at East Hill contain mostly Tang dynasty (618-907) works, while the caverns at West Hill were cut out during the Northern, Sui, and Tang dynasties and contain the carvings that are most representative of the site. The Buddha and bodhisattva sculptures that inhabit the caverns are carved into an endless variety of poses and expressions of mercy and kindness, while the caves themselves lend a stately and dignified atmosphere. The artistry of these sculptures is truly a priceless inheritance of Buddhist art.

Reviews from Real Guests:

HF: It’s truly mesmerising sight!  A UNESCO World Heritage site, Longmen Grottoes houses a large collection of stone carving of Buddhas during the northern Wei and Tang dynasties.  There are more than 2,000 grottoes, 100,000 Buddhist statues and 2,800 inscriptions are carved on the Mount Longmen.   Located on both sides of the Yi River, the Longmen Grottoes truly signify the ancient architecture of stone art.   The statues ranging from several centimetres to over 17 metres in height.  The area is divided into 5 sections – Wanfo cave, Guyang cave, Lianhua cave, Binyang cave and Fengxian temple.  The largest stone sculpture, Vairocana Buddha is housed in the Fengxian temple.  On the other side of the Yi river, is Xiang Shan located in the eastern hill of Longmen.   A remarkable time to capture the best shot is during sunset with the lights are lit up.  

Trip.com User: Stunning! If you are in Zhengzhou, then a visit to the grottoes is a must. Note, there are plenty of slippery stone stairs when it’s wet, so wear appropriate shoes. Tip: purchasing an entry ticket does not include a ride on the electronic carts that ferry people back and forth. A ticket for this costs RMB10 at the time of writing, or you can walk the 1.7km - not recommended in Summer. Also, the RMB10 is one-way. If you want to return on the cart you’ll need to pay another ¥10.

Day 1 | Afternoon

White Horse Temple nearby is the top choice before you leave Longmen Grottoes and hit the road.

White Horse Temple

Opening Hours: Open from 4/1-10/7,7:40am-6:40pm;Open from 10/8-3/31,8:00am-5:30pm

Ticket Price: 35 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: No. 6, Luobai Road, Luolong District, Luoyang City

The White Horse Temple was built in AD 68 and is the first temple built by the government after Buddhism was introduced to China. There are five major halls in the temple, located on a central axis. The Great Hall of Buddha is the main hall and also the main place of buddha rite. Today, a new "World Hall of Exposition" is built next to the White Horse Temple to showcase the Buddhist temples of India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Japan, and South Korea.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Ramdan993: Established in AD 68 of the Eastern Han Dynasty, White Horse Temple is the first Buddhist temple in China with over 1900 years history. Since then, it spread the Buddhism throughout China and became the cradle of Chinese Buddhism. Till today, it is still a popular place to explore Chinese Buddhism. Type: Historic Religious Site, Buddhist Site Best Seasons: April ~ October Recommended Visiting Time: 2~3 hours Opening Hours: 07:30-18:00 (a little Fluctuation with low/peak time) Tickets: 50 yuan/person Address: Baimasi Town, Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province (河南省洛阳市洛龙区白马寺镇)

K-TravelMuse: This Buddhist temple is a very special place. I enjoyed the Chinese Buddhist exhibits, structures and the silent tea house. I will skip the new Indian and Thai section completely when I return. That section takes away from the charm and air of the temple-- a complete waste of space and resources. It consists of some foreign styled temples that are completely devoid of a sense of history, culture and overall meaning. The Chinese temples and pagoda are very special. I will return.

Day 1 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Xiangke Landuo Hotel is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Xiangke Landuo Hotel

The Xiangke Landuo Hotel provides a great place for travelers to relax after a busy day. The Xiangke Landuo Hotel offers a pleasant stay in Luoyang for those traveling for business or leisure.

The hotel is located approximately 16km from Luoyang Railway Station and 21km from Luoyang Beijiao Airport. Guests will find Great Buddha Hall, Qingliangtai Scenic Area and Pilu Pavilion just a short distance from the hotel.

At the end of a busy day, travelers can unwind and relax in the hotel or go out and enjoy the city. This Luoyang hotel features parking on site.

According to our guests, this hotel provides a very high level of service.

Day 2 | Morning

Luoyang Ruins of Sui and Tang Dynasty, Mingtang and Tiantang Scenic Area

Opening Hours: Open from 04/01-10/31,8:30am-9:00pm;Open from 11/01-03/31,8:30am-8:30pm

Ticket Price: 120 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Intersection of Zhongzhou Road and Dingding Road, Xigong District, Luoyang City

The Sui Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park is the core palace area of the Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties and Song dynasties. The more famous attractions here include the Heavenly Hall and the Hall of Enlightenment that dates from the Wu Zetian period of the Tang Dynasty. The Mingtang scenic spot is located on the central axis of the Luoyang city in the Sui and Tang dynasties. It was the palace's main hall, where Tang Gaozong and Wu Zetian dominated the state administration. The original version of the heavenly floater in Tsui Hark's 2013 film "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame" can be found here.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: very nicely built place to memorise China's only Female Empress. Her throne, Heaven Temple, 10 minute movie about history of luoyang and lights at night make the place majestic

Trip.com User: It's a wonderful place, full of luxury and beauty!!!

Day 2 | Afternoon

China National Flower Garden nearby is the top choice before you leave Luoyang Ruins of Sui and Tang Dynasty, Mingtang and Tiantang Scenic Area and hit the road.

China National Flower Garden

Opening Hours: 6:00-19:30

Ticket Price: RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: No. 1 Longmen Avenue, Luolong District, Luoyang City (Luoyang Bridge South)

China National Flower Garden is based on the historical culture of the Sui and Tang dynasties, with peony culture as its main content, integrating historical culture, peony culture and landscape architecture. China National Flower Garden is a multi-functional comprehensive park integrating peony culture and garden landscapes. While viewing peony, you can also appreciate the beauty of the gardens.

Day 2 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at China National Flower Garden? National Treasure Pury Hotel is one of your top choices.

National Treasure Pury Hotel

The National Treasure Pury Hotel was recently opened in 2019, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Luoyang.

The hotel is conveniently located just 5km from Luoyang Longmen Railway Station and 17km from Luoyang Beijiao Airport. Being just minutes away from Sports Center Metro Station allows guests to explore the city with ease. There's plenty to do nearby, with 神兽·羊驼主题馆 (泉舜购物中心店) , 洛陽市體育中心體育場 and Luoyang Posthouse Museum all within a short distance.

When guests have some time on their hands they can make use of the onsite facilities. For those driving themselves, parking is provided on site.

Our guests consider this hotel to have excellent service. This hotel is a popular accommodation for guests traveling with families.

Day 3 | Morning

Guanlin Temple

Opening Hours: 8:00-18:30

Ticket Price: 40 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Guanlin Town, Luolong District, Luoyang 471023, ChinaNo. 2, Guanlin South Road, Luolong District, Luoyang City

Guanlin Temple was constructed during Ming Emperor Wanli's reign (in 1596) on the site of the original Han Dynasty Guan Temple. During the Qing Emperor Qianlong's reign, its structures were expanded to their current size. Guanlin Temple was constructed in the traditional palace style. Travelers who pass through the main Guanlin gate can then walk along the central corridor and see the dance hall, main gate, first gate, stone-paved path leading to the main hall, platform, hall for sacrificial ceremonies, main temple, second temple, third temple, etc. General Guanyu's gravestone is located behind the temple. Above the ceremonial hall and second temple lie two plaques to commemorate the Empress Dowager and Emperor Guangxu, respectively.

Reviews from Real Guests:

吴青峰: The atmosphere is different from the surroundings here, and when you step in a step, it is very quiet and the heart is quiet. Please be careful when you go because there is a place for prohibition of shooting. There is a bus from the vicinity of Luoyang Station. There is also a bus from here to Longmen Grottoes, so I think it is good to go together.

Trip.com User: It's a lucky thing for those who read the Three Kingdoms, just to see the tomb of Guanyu, and it takes about an hour, and you can feel the tremor when you see the stone called Hansui-Jung.

Day 3 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Guanlin Temple, you can head to Sui and Tang Dynasty Town Botanic Gardens, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Sui and Tang Dynasty Town Botanic Gardens

Opening Hours: Open from 6:30am-10:00pm

Ticket Price: 0

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Inside the Botanical Garden of the Southern Sui and Tang Dynasty Sites of Wangcheng Bridge in Luolong District, LuoyangWangcheng Avenue, Luolong District, Luoyang City

Sui and Tang Dynasty Town Botanic Gardens, located in the Luoyang City Site of Sui and Tang Dynasties. There are various special parks such as Qianzi Peony Garden, Wild Fun Water Garden and Gui Garden. The Sui and Tang Dynasties Relics Botanical Garden is based on the zonal plants in the western Henan area and the culture of the Sui and Tang dynasties. It is an important place for tourists and citizens to enjoy sightseeing and sightseeing.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.