Trips and Tours to LuoyangExplore the famous Longmen Caves, a marvel of ancient Chinese art.

The ancient city of Luoyang was the capital of thirteen Chinese dynasties, starting from the Xia dynasty, which lasted from the 21st - 16th centuries BC, all the way to the Northern Song dynasty in the 10th century. It was once the centre of the Chinese universe and home to over 1,300 Buddhist temples. The city has a rich history with cultural relics throughout the area and nearly 400,000 artefacts kept in museums. Today Luoyang resembles many other modern towns in China, but the Old Town still consists of a maze of narrow, winding streets with old courtyard houses lined with traditional rooftops. The rare ruins of the capitals from the Xia, Shang, Zhou, Han, Wei, Sui and Tang dynasties are named "Assembly of Five Capitals" but perhaps one of the most popular sites is the White Horse Temple, or Baima Temple, the first officially sanctioned Buddhist temple in China and one of the oldest in the world. For an insight into ancient Luoyang, head to the absorbing Luoyang Museum and observe its collection of Tang dynasty relics.

Tourists primarily visit Luoyang for the nearby Longmen Caves, one of China's few surviving masterpieces of Buddhist rock carving. This intriguing UNESCO listed site was originally used in 494 AD and more than 100,000 images and statues of Buddha appeared over the next 200 years. April is a particularly great time to visit when the peony comes into full bloom and the annual Luoyang Peony Festival takes place. Celebrating the long history of peonies in Luoyang, the city is full of colour and fragrance during this time.

Luoyang is one of China's most ancient and historically significant cities. Known as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals, Luoyang has over 4,000 years of history, visiting Luoyang offers a deep dive into Chinese culture and heritage. The city is best known for its proximity to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of intricately carved Buddhist statues and reliefs in limestone cliffs. These grottoes, which date back to the 5th century, are a breath-taking example of ancient art and religion. The city is also home to beautiful temples including the White Horse Temple, thought to be the first Buddhist temple in China, and the Shaolin Temple, regarded as the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu.

In spring, the city comes alive with the Luoyang Peony Festival, where the city’s parks and gardens are filled with blooming peonies, considered the national flower of China. Wangcheng Park is one of the best places to experience this floral spectacle, offering a peaceful retreat within the urban area. The city has a relaxed atmosphere, and you’ll find a blend of ancient and modern architecture, with bustling markets and traditional street food stalls coexisting with modern developments. Dishes like Luoyang water banquet, a multi-course meal, are famous in the region and offer a unique culinary experience rooted in imperial tradition. Overall, Luoyang offers a unique opportunity to connect with China’s deep historical roots, spiritual heritage, and cultural richness.

The best time to visit Luoyang is during the spring and autumn months. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city and its surrounding attractions. Spring is particularly special if you visit during the Luoyang Peony Festival, which usually takes place in April. The city's gardens and parks burst into colour with thousands of blooming peonies, offering a spectacular and fragrant experience. Autumn is another great time to visit as the temperatures are comfortable, and the humidity is lower, making it more enjoyable for sightseeing. This is also a good time to explore the historical sites and nearby attractions like the Longmen Grottoes and the Shaolin Temple.

A guided tour of Luoyang is an enriching experience into China’s deep past, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the city’s profound historical and cultural significance. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you can delve deeper into the stories behind iconic sites like the Longmen Caves and the White Horse Temple, gaining insights that might otherwise be missed. The expertise of a guide ensures a well-structured itinerary, efficient navigation of key attractions, and the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path gems with ease. Additionally, a guided tour provides a seamless travel experience, with local expertise enhancing your understanding of Luoyang's rich heritage and vibrant traditions. Whether you're marvelling at ancient Buddhist art, enjoying a cultural festival, or discovering local culinary delights, a guided tour in Luoyang ensures a memorable and immersive journey through one of China’s most historically significant cities.