Luoyang · Henan · China

Discover Luoyang

Luoyang, China's ancient capital: plan your trip with practical guides to the Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, itineraries, high-speed rail, food, history and tips for foreign visitors.

Panoramic view of the Longmen Grottoes along the Yi River at sunset

Why Visit Luoyang?

Thirteen dynasties placed their capital here. Today Luoyang blends world-class heritage with a relaxed, walkable city — and it is far easier to reach than most foreign visitors expect.

An ancient capital

Luoyang was a capital for more than a millennium and is one of China's recognized ancient capitals, with layers of history from the Han, Wei, Sui and Tang periods.

Birthplace of Chinese Buddhism

White Horse Temple, just outside the city, is traditionally regarded as the first Buddhist temple in China and remains an active place of worship.

Tang Dynasty heritage

As a Tang-era eastern capital, Luoyang is tied to one of China's most celebrated cultural golden ages — poetry, gardens and cosmopolitan court life.

Easy by high-speed rail

Frequent high-speed trains connect Luoyang with Xi'an, Beijing, Zhengzhou and beyond, making it a natural addition to a central-China route.

Panoramic view of the Longmen Grottoes and Vairocana Buddha across the Yi River
UNESCO World Heritage

Longmen Grottoes — Visitor Guide for Foreign Travellers

A practical foreign-visitor guide to the Longmen Grottoes near Luoyang: what to see, how to get there, tickets, and tips for an easy, worthwhile visit.

Carved over several centuries, the grottoes face each other across the Yi River and include the large Vairocana Buddha that has become Luoyang's most famous image.

Plan your visit
Stone-horse gate at White Horse Temple, Luoyang
China's first Buddhist temple

White Horse Temple — Visitor Guide for Foreign Travellers

A practical guide to White Horse Temple near Luoyang, traditionally regarded as the first Buddhist temple in China, with tips on getting there and what to see.

Set among pine trees on the city's eastern edge, the temple mixes Han Chinese, Tibetan, Burmese and Thai-style halls — a visible record of how Buddhism spread along the Silk Routes.

Plan your visit
Local help

English-Speaking Guides & Private Transport

Luoyang's sights are more rewarding with context. We help foreign visitors arrange English-speaking guides, private cars and custom itineraries — whether you want a focused half-day at the Grottoes or a multi-day central-China route.

Plan Your Luoyang Trip

Need an English-speaking guide or private transportation? Tell us your travel dates and interests and we'll help you build a trip.

Luoyang is one of China’s great ancient capitals — a city where more than a thousand years of imperial history sit alongside a relaxed, very liveable modern town. For foreign travellers it is also one of the most rewarding stopovers in central China, and far easier to reach than its reputation suggests.

This site is written for international visitors: clear, practical, and careful about facts. Where something changes seasonally (tickets, opening hours, train times), we say so and point you to where to verify it.

Most foreign visitors need a Chinese visa obtained before travel. Some nationalities may use transit or regional visa-free schemes depending on routing and policy at the time — always confirm current rules with a Chinese embassy or consulate before you book.

Two full days covers the essentials (Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, the old town and museum). Add a third day for a slower pace, nearby sites, or a day trip. Many travellers pair Luoyang with Xi'an as a 4–6 day route.

Spring (April, peony season) and autumn (September–October) have the most comfortable weather. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold but quiet. See our best-time guide for detail.

Yes. English-speaking guides and private transport can be arranged — use the inquiry form below and we will help you plan.

Plan Your Luoyang Trip

Need an English-speaking guide or private transportation?