Luoyang is an ancient capital at the heart of the Central Plains and a key place to explore Buddhism's development in China. Prioritize the Longmen Grottoes, especially Fengxian Temple's monumental carvings. White Horse Temple introduces early Buddhist history, while Luoyang Museum traces the city's changing dynasties. Spring peonies, old-town streets and the local water banquet offer further reasons to linger.
The best of Luoyang
Luolong DistrictAbout 4 hoursCNY 90
Longmen Grottoes
After the Northern Wei moved its capital to Luoyang, Longmen became a major centre of Buddhist carving supported by imperial and private patrons. Tang sculptors later created monumental ensembles such as the Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple, surrounded by disciples, bodhisattvas and guardians. Changing faces and drapery trace artistic developments, while inscriptions preserve patrons' names and the wishes behind their donations.
BookingBook a timed ticket under the visitor's real identity and bring valid identification.
Location
Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area, along the Yi River between Longmen and Xiangshan hills, southern Luoyang, Henan
Opening hours
Day visits: March–October open from 08:00; sales end 17:30, last entry 18:00, clearance 19:00. November–February: 08:00 opening, sales end 16:30, last entry 17:00, clearance 18:00.
Admission
Standard adult daytime admission to the west/east grottoes, Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden. Night visits have a different scope; carts and boat services should not be treated as included.
Baimasi Town, eastern LuoyangAbout 2 hours
White Horse Temple
White Horse Temple's founding tradition centres on Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han, envoys seeking Buddhist teachings and scriptures carried by a white horse. Its surviving halls and objects belong to later periods, including the nearby Qiyun Pagoda. More recent buildings in different national styles place several Asian Buddhist architectural traditions beside a site strongly associated with Buddhism's early transmission to China.
BookingAn April 2026 temple notice allows bookings up to seven days including the visit day through the official 洛阳白马寺 WeChat account; use ID or the official QR code in the booked slot.
Location
Eastern outskirts of Luoyang, Henan
Admission
A current standard adult price was not verified; third-party reservation packages are not admission prices.
Luolong DistrictAbout 3 hoursFree entry
Luoyang Museum
Luoyang Museum's collections include a bronze jue with raised bosses, a Cao Wei white-jade cup and Tang sancai ceramics. Bronze ritual vessels document early ceremonial systems, polished jade reveals elite craftsmanship, and ceramic camels and figures preserve images of Tang transport and life. Recovered from different sites and tombs, the objects trace the city's changing roles across successive historical periods.
BookingReserve under your real identity through the official WeChat account and enter in the booked slot with original ID; passports are accepted.
Location
Nietai Road, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan
Opening hours
Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–19:00, last entry 18:30. Normally closed Mondays; Peony Festival and public-holiday arrangements follow notices.
Admission
Permanent displays and collection-based thematic exhibitions. Commercial or separately ticketed temporary exhibitions are outside this free-admission scope.
What to eat
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Luoyang water banquet
A local banquet built around a succession of dishes served with broth, best experienced with companions.
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Luoyang beef soup
A familiar local soup for a simple meal.
Arrive, explore, settle in
Arriving
Arrive by air through Luoyang Beijiao Airport and distinguish Luoyang Railway Station from Luoyang Longmen. For the grottoes, bus 71 runs from Longmen station and bus 81 from Luoyang station. With luggage, consider settling into your hotel first.
Getting around
Allow riverside walking and return transport at Longmen, and plan a separate eastern-outskirts transfer for White Horse Temple. Pair the museum with city dining on a lighter day.
Where to stay
The old town suits historic lanes and local food; Luolong suits a focus on the museum and southern outings. Compare transfers to your main sights before choosing accommodation.
Enter in your reserved slot and follow the Yi River past caves and carvings, leaving time for the principal sculptures.
Route 2
White Horse Temple
Visit White Horse Temple in the eastern outskirts to explore Buddhist history through its courtyards, then return for a local meal.
Route 3
Museum and city life
Explore collections from successive dynasties at Luoyang Museum, then try a water banquet or beef soup. The museum normally closes on Mondays.
More planning advice
At Longmen, check the areas covered by your chosen daytime or evening visit, then confirm the booked slot and last-entry time. Review electric-cart and boat services separately.
White Horse Temple is east of Luoyang; allow a dedicated visit for its historic temple and halls in different national architectural styles. Confirm booking and opening information through the temple's official channel before setting out.
Use Luoyang Museum to place the city's history and craftsmanship in context, focusing on ritual bronzes, the white jade cup and Tang sancai ceramics. Confirm your booking date, closure days and temporary exhibitions.
Good to know
How many days do I need in Luoyang?
Allow 3–4 days, excluding intercity travel. Leave room for journeys, queues and meals.
When should I visit Luoyang?
Suggested months: Apr · May · Sep · Oct. Check weather, holidays and opening arrangements for your actual dates.
Which sights need advance booking?
Read each sight’s booking note and check official information before fixing your dates. Foreign passport booking channels may differ. Booking with a foreign passport →
Make Luoyang your own
Put your favourite places on the map, then decide how to spend each day.
