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Things to Do in Luoyang (2026)
No trip to Luoyang is complete without visiting the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffβ¦ ποΈ Start with the Longmen Grottoes
No trip to Luoyang is complete without visiting the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs. Arrive early (opens at 8:00 AM) to beat the crowds and see the giant Vairocana Buddha in the Fengxian Temple. Entry is 90 RMB, and you should budget at least three hours to explore both the west and east hills.
πΈ Explore the Peony Festival
If you visit in April or May, the Luoyang Peony Festival is a must-see, as the city is famous for its peonies. The best place to see them is the Luoyang National Peony Garden, where thousands of blooms create a sea of color. Tickets are around 40 RMB, and the garden is easily reached by bus routes 56 or 58 from the city center.
π― Visit the White Horse Temple
The White Horse Temple, located about 12 kilometers east of the city, is considered the first Buddhist temple in China, founded in 68 AD. Take bus 56 from the train station (1 RMB) to reach the temple, which costs 35 RMB to enter. Don't miss the international section with Thai, Indian, and Burmese-style temples on the grounds.
πΊ Discover the Luoyang Museum
The Luoyang Museum is a free attraction that offers a deep dive into the city's history, from the Xia dynasty to the Tang dynasty. It is located at 298 Nie Tai Road and opens at 9:00 AM (closed on Mondays). Highlights include the exquisite Tang tri-color glazed pottery and a collection of ancient bronze vessels.
π Taste Local Water Banquet
Luoyang's famous water banquet is a series of 24 dishes (mostly soups and stews) served in succession, representing the city's culinary heritage. Head to Zhen Bu Tong Restaurant at 55 Zhongzhou East Road for an authentic experience, with prices starting around 80 RMB per person. The meal is filling and unique, so come hungry.
ποΈ Hike at Laojun Mountain
About two hours southwest of Luoyang, Laojun Mountain offers stunning views of peaks and sea of clouds, especially in autumn. Take a bus from Luoyang Long-Distance Bus Station (50 RMB) to the scenic area, which charges 100 RMB entry plus 130 RMB for the cable car round trip. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the hike can be steep.
ποΈ Stroll Through the Old Town
Luoyang's Old Town area, centered around Lijing Gate, is a charming maze of narrow streets with traditional architecture and local shops. Walk along the ancient city wall and browse for souvenirs like peony-themed crafts or calligraphy scrolls. The area is free to enter, and you can sample street food such as spicy tofu or fried dumplings from vendors.
π Getting Around Luoyang
Luoyang has a modern metro system with two lines that connect the main attractions, including the Longmen Grottoes and the train station. Single rides cost 2-5 RMB, and you can buy tickets at the station or use a mobile payment app. Buses are also cheap (1 RMB) but can be crowded during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
fwiw the longmen grottoes tip about going early is legit but another trick is to go on a weekday if you can. i went on a tuesday around 3pm and it was half as packed as the weekend, the afternoon light hits the vairochana buddha perfectly for photos too
the water banquet thing is an acquired taste imo. if you arent into heavy soup based meals theres a place near the old town called laocheng shifu that does a smaller version with like 8 dishes for 30 rmb. easier to handle and you get the gist without the food coma
one spot the guide didnt mention is the tang palace ruins near the peony garden. its free and has these exposed foundation walls from the tang dynasty, you can literally walk where emperors walked. takes like 30 minutes to see but its a cool freebie if you are already in that area
solid guide overall, one thing i'd add is the luo yi mu ye museum if you're into weird niche stuff. it's this small private museum near the old town with a huge collection of ancient wooden artifacts like coffins, carvings, and even a full tang dynasty funeral procession. entry is like 20 rmb and it's rarely busy, the owner sometimes gives tours if he's around
for the peony festival, the international peony garden out by the airport is actually my favorite because it has way more variety than the national garden. there's this section with black peonies that bloom later in may and they look almost unreal. bus 83 goes there from the train station, about 40 minutes
one practical thing about the metro - the line 2 station at wenming street has this massive underground shopping arcade that connects to the old town exit. you can grab a cold noodle bowl from one of the stalls for like 8 rmb before heading up to lijing gate. saves you from overpaying at the tourist vendors
the guide nailed the big stuff but one thing they missed is the night scene at the luoyang museum area. after dark the whole square lights up with locals doing tai chi and kids flying those glowing kites, its free and way more chill than the daytime tourist rush
also if you are doing the water banquet at zhen bu tong, skip the full 24 dishes unless you have a big group. me and a friend ordered the half set for like 45 per person and still couldnt finish it. the lian tang (lotus root soup) is the sleeper hit
for laojun mountain honestly do the cable car both ways unless youre training for a marathon. the views from the top are worth it but the trail is just endless stone steps and your knees will hate you the next day
Where to Stay in Luoyang (2026)
The Old City (Laocheng) is the historic heart of Luoyang, packed with ancient temples and narrow lanes. It's ideal for first-time visitors who want to be near the Luoyang Museumβ¦ ποΈ Old City Charm
The Old City (Laocheng) is the historic heart of Luoyang, packed with ancient temples and narrow lanes. It's ideal for first-time visitors who want to be near the Luoyang Museum and the famous Lijing Gate. Budget guesthouses start around 120 CNY per night, while mid-range hotels like the Luoyang Old City Youth Hostel offer clean rooms from 200 CNY.
π Nightlife Hub
For night owls, the area around Wangfujing and the Jianxi District buzzes with bars, karaoke lounges, and late-night food stalls. The trendy Luoyang Wanda Realm Hotel (5-star) sits right in the action, with rooms from 500 CNY. Expect lively crowds until 2 AM, especially on weekends.
π Family-Friendly Zones
The Luolong District near the Sui-Tang City Ruins and the Peony Garden is perfect for families. Hotels like the Holiday Inn Express Luoyang City Center (from 350 CNY) offer spacious rooms and easy access to the Longmen Grottoes. Quiet parks and kid-friendly restaurants line the streets.
π» Digital Nomad Spots
The Jianxi District, home to the Luoyang University area, has reliable Wi-Fi and co-working cafes like Coffee & Code. Serviced apartments near the Chang'an Road metro station cost around 300 CNY per night. Many cafes offer power outlets and strong coffee for remote work.
π° Budget Stays
Backpackers and budget travelers should head to the Old City's hostels, such as Luoyang Mingtang Youth Hostel, with dorm beds from 60 CNY. Private rooms in guesthouses near the Luoyang Railway Station start at 100 CNY. Street food nearby keeps meal costs under 20 CNY.
π¨ Luxury Options
For a splurge, the 5-star Luoyang Marriott Hotel in the New District offers panoramic views of the Luo River, with rooms from 800 CNY. The hotel's spa and fine dining restaurant, Yi, are highlights. Book early for peak peony season in April.
π Getting Around
Luoyang's metro Line 1 and Line 2 connect major districts, with stations near most hotels. A single ride costs 2-5 CNY. Taxis are affordable, with flagfall at 8 CNY. Staying near a metro stop like Zhouwangcheng Square saves time and money.
πΊ Seasonal Tips
During the Peony Festival (April-May), book accommodations at least a month in advance as prices double. The Luolong District hotels fill up fastest. For quieter stays, visit in autumn when room rates drop by 30% and the weather is mild.
ngl the guide skipped over the area around the peony park in the laocheng district, which is a solid middle ground between old city chaos and newer district quiet. i stayed at a place called luoyang huayu hotel there last fall, 180 a night for a double room, and it was right next to a massive peony garden that's free to walk through when the flowers aren't blooming. the longmen grottoes bus stop is a 10 minute walk away too, which beat dealing with the metro transfers from the jianxi area. just a heads up the hotel doesnt have an english sign so look for the red lanterns out front near the intersection of jiefang road and zhongzhou road
the old city is solid but honestly the area around laoji (θι) metro stop is slept on. there's a cluster of cheap minzu guesthouses tucked in the alleys behind the main street that are quieter than the ones facing lijing gate. i paid 90 a night for a private room with a little courtyard in april last year, no booking site just walked in and asked. also the noodle shop two blocks east of the mingtang hostel does the best lamian in the district for 12 yuan, not the tourist trap ones by the gate
I stayed in the Jianxi District last fall and it's worth a mention for anyone who wants to avoid the tourist crowds. The area around the university has a bunch of local hot pot places that are half the price of anything near the Old City, and the metro gets you to Longmen Grottoes in about 25 minutes. I found a decent serviced apartment on a side street off Chang'an Road for 280 a night through a local booking app, not the international ones.