About
Luoyang is a city in Henan Province in central China, and one of the country's oldest capitals. It is often described as the cradle of Chinese civilization, and a visit here gives a sense of how far back the country's history runs. The city is also known by its Chinese name, 洛阳.
Two sites draw most visitors. The Longmen Grottoes, carved into cliffs above the Yi River, hold thousands of Buddhist niches, statues and inscriptions, and they are among the most important examples of Chinese Buddhist art. White Horse Temple, to the east of the city, is significant in the history of Chinese Buddhism and is regarded as one of the earliest Buddhist temples in the country. Together they make Luoyang a natural stop for anyone interested in religion, sculpture or the early spread of Buddhism in China.
What a visit offers
- Stone carvings and cave shrines at the Longmen Grottoes, best seen slowly, with time for the cliffs and the river setting
- The historic grounds of White Horse Temple and its role in Chinese Buddhist history
- The city's long connection with peonies, which has made it a centre of flower culture in China
- An ancient-capital atmosphere that suits travellers curious about Chinese history beyond the larger modern cities
Planning the trip
Luoyang works well as a day or two-day visit, with the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple as the main points of interest and the city centre as a base. Because the two main sites lie in different directions from the centre, it is worth allowing time for travel between them. Visitors interested in Buddhism will find the most to engage with, while those who simply enjoy old sites and a quieter pace of city life will also find the visit rewarding.