8 Best Things to Do in China’s ‘City of Peony’ — Luoyang
Luoyang(洛阳) is a city located in the Henan(河南) province of China. It’s an ancient city with a rich history dating back thousands of years. Situated along the Luo River(洛河), it’s known for its cultural significance and historical landmarks.
Luoyang was once the capital of several dynasties in ancient China, making it a hub of political, economic, and cultural activity. Today, it’s a bustling modern city that still retains much of its traditional charm, attracting visitors with its historical sites, beautiful scenery, and vibrant culture.
Here are 8 must places to visit or things to do in Luoyang:
1. Longmen Grottoes 龙门石窟
The Longmen Grottoes are some of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art. Housing tens of thousands of statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and his disciples, they are located 12 kilometers south of Luoyang city.
In 2000 the site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as “an outstanding manifestation of human artistic creativity,” for its perfection of an art form, and for its encapsulation of the cultural sophistication of Tang China.
2. White House Temple 白马寺
White Horse Temple is a Buddhist temple in Luoyang, that according to tradition, is the first Buddhist temple in China, having been first established in 68 AD under the patronage of Emperor Ming in the Eastern Han dynasty.
The main temple buildings, a large complex, were reconstructed during the Ming (1368 to 1644) and Qing (1644 to 1912) dynasties. They were refurbished in the 1950s, and again in March 1973 after the Cultural Revolution. It has numerous halls divided by courtyards and manicured gardens, covering an area of about 13 hectares.
3. Luoyang Interntaional Peony Garden 洛阳牡丹园
The Luoyang Peony Garden is celebrated as one of the world’s most spectacular displays of peonies, a flower revered for its beauty and symbolism in Chinese culture.
With a history spanning over a thousand years, the garden showcases an impressive array of peony varieties in vibrant colors, captivating visitors with its enchanting beauty and fragrant blooms.
4. Mingtang and scenic paradise 明堂天堂景区
This is the center of political power of Empress Wu Zetian(武则天) in Luoyang. The scenic spot mainly includes two buildings, Mingtang and Tiantang.
Mingtang is the main hall of Ziwei City(紫薇城) in Luoyang during the Tang Dynasty, known as the “Palace of All Things”(万象神宫), and Tiantang(also name as Heaven) is Wu Zetian’s imperial Buddhist hall.
5. Emperor Carriage Museum 天子驾六博物馆
This museum pays homage to the historical figure of Emperor Zhou, who is renowned for his legendary Six Steeds that were said to pull his chariot. King Zhou City(纣王城) itself is steeped in ancient lore, as it was once the capital of the Shang Dynasty. The museum offers visitors a captivating journey through time, showcasing artifacts, relics, and exhibits that illuminate the rich heritage of the region.
6. Sui and Tang Luoyang City 隋唐洛阳城
The ruins of Luoyang City in the Sui and Tang Dynasties are located in the suburbs of Luoyang City. It was first built during the period of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty. The layout was modeled after the Daxing City(大兴城) in the Sui Dynasty.
It was called the Eastern Capital at the time. It has gone through the Sui Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, Five Dynasties and Northern Song Dynasty, and has been in use for more than 500 years. It was the eastern capital of the Sui and Tang Dynasties and the western capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. In 2010, it was listed as one of the first national archaeological sites parks in China.
7. Luoyang Water Banquet 洛阳水席
Luoyang water banquet is a famous traditional banquet in Luoyang, belonging to the Henan cuisine. It began in the Tang Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,000 years. It is one of the oldest famous banquets preserved in China.
It has two meanings: first, all hot dishes are served with soup; second, after one hot dish is eaten at Luoyang Water Banquet, another dish is served, which is constantly renewed like running water. The characteristics of Luoyang water banquet are meat and vegetable dishes, a wide range of ingredients, simple or complex, and various flavors, including sour, spicy, sweet and salty, which are comfortable and delicious.
8. The Tale of the Luo River Goddess(Luo Shen Fu) 洛神赋
“Luo Shen Fu” is a poem written by Cao Zhi, a writer during the Three Kingdoms period. This poem fictionalizes the author’s encounter with Luo Shen(Luo Goddess) and their longing and love for each other. The image of Luo Shen is extremely beautiful, and the love between man and god is vague and confusing. However, due to the different ways of human and god, they cannot be together. In the end, it expresses infinite sadness and melancholy.
The dancers transform into “Luo Shen” and make a beautiful appearance. Some dance with their sleeves, some turn their skirts, some are vigorous and powerful, or some are graceful and graceful, with the water dancing and their clothes flowing.
