Be sure to see the peony blossoms in Luoyang in May

Luoyang is the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, with a profound cultural heritage and rich tourism resources. The following is a detailed guide covering attractions, food, transportation, accommodation, and other aspects to help you deeply experience the charm of this ancient capital: I. Must-Visit Attractions Longmen Grottoes Highlights: A World Cultural Heritage site and one of the four major grottoes in China. The smile of the Vairocana Buddha is breathtaking. Suggestions: Visit in the early morning or evening for soft light and to avoid peak crowds. You can also visit Bai Garden (Bai Juyi's Cemetery) and Xiangshan Temple together. White Horse Temple Highlights: The first ancient temple in China and the starting point of Buddhism's introduction to the Central Plains. It has Buddhist halls in Indian, Thai, and Burmese styles. Suggestions: Friends who like exotic cultures can focus on visiting the International Buddhist Temple area, where taking photos is highly rewarding. Laojun Mountain Highlights: A famous Taoist mountain with beautiful cloud seas, golden peaks, and a ten-mile painting screen, known as the "Unparalleled Holy Land." Suggestions: You need to book tickets one day in advance. The cable car is divided into sections. It is recommended to choose two sections to save energy. If you climb at night, be prepared with warm clothing. Luoyang Museum Highlights: Free admission, rich collection of cultural relics, Tang Sancai (Tri-colored glazed pottery), Northern Wei clay Buddha face statues, and other treasures that should not be missed. Suggestions: Rent a tour guide or participate in a free tour, and make an appointment in advance on the official account to enter. Sui and Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park Highlights: The restoration of the Yingtian Gate, Mingtang Paradise, Jiuzhou Pond, and other sites reproduces the atmosphere of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, with brilliant night scene lighting. Suggestions: A night tour is better, and you can watch immersive performances such as the "Tang Palace Music Banquet." II. Authentic Food Recommendations Luoyang Water Banquet Recommended restaurants: Zhentong Restaurant (a time-honored brand), Guanji Water Banquet Restaurant. Must-order dishes: Peony Swallow Vegetable, Sliced Meat in Soup, Fried Balls, Honey Sweet Potato. Beef Soup/Mutton Soup/Donkey Soup Recommended restaurants: The first beef soup restaurant on Longlin Road, Nanguan Small Bowl Beef Soup, Baisha Mutton Soup. How to eat: Served with shredded pancakes or sesame cakes, and the soup can be refilled for free. Bufan Soup Recommended restaurant: Gaoji Qingxiangyuan Bufan Soup. Features: Mung bean pancakes are not flipped, served with broth, vermicelli, fungus, etc., which is sour and appetizing. Xiaojie Tianfu Recommended dishes: Dandan noodles, pot stickers, sweet-scented osmanthus rice wine dumplings, shrimp dumplings. Tips: High cost performance, but there are many people in line, so it is recommended to eat during off-peak hours. Other snacks Xinan Hot Noodles: Thin skin and large filling, fresh and not greasy. Hot Beef Tripe: Rich sesame sauce seasoning, soft and tender beef tripe. Hui Cai (Braised Dish): A common home-cooked dish for Luoyang people, with a variety of ingredients. III. Transportation Guide External Transportation Airplane: Luoyang Beijiao Airport has few routes. You can fly to Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport first and then transfer to the high-speed train (about 40 minutes). High-speed train/train: Luoyang Longmen Station (high-speed train station), Luoyang Station (train station). It is recommended to give priority to Luoyang Longmen Station for convenient transportation. City Transportation Subway: There are currently 2 lines covering the main attractions (such as Yingtianmen, Wangcheng Park). Bus: Most attractions can be reached directly, but some lines close early. Taxi/Shared Bicycle: The distance between attractions in the city is relatively short, making it easy to take a taxi. Shared bicycles are suitable for short trips. IV. Accommodation Recommendations Old Town Recommended reason: Close to Lijin Gate, Shizi Street, and Luoyi Ancient City, convenient for night tours, and concentrated food. Hotels: Huazhu·Luoyang Huayue Chunqiu Hotel, Luoyang Jiujianfang Hotel (Yingtianmen Branch). Xigong District Recommended reason: Close to Wangfujing and Xinduhui business districts, convenient transportation, suitable for shopping and food. Hotels: Luoyang Friendship Hotel, Luoyang Molybdenum Capital Lihao International Hotel. Luolong District Recommended reason: Close to Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang Museum, and Sui and Tang Dynasty Botanical Garden, quiet environment. Hotels: Luoyang Huayang Plaza International Hotel, Luoyang Molybdenum Capital Lihao International Hotel. V. Itinerary Planning Recommendations Two-Day Tour Day 1: Longmen Grottoes → Luoyang Museum → Lijin Gate → Shizi Street Night Market → Luoyi Ancient City. Day 2: White Horse Temple → Sui and Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park (Yingtianmen, Mingtang Paradise) → Xiaojie Tianfu for dinner → Return trip. Three-Day Tour Day 1: Longmen Grottoes → Bai Garden → Xiangshan Temple → Guanlin Temple. Day 2: White Horse Temple → Luoyang Ancient Tomb Museum → Sui and Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park → Yingtianmen 3D Light Show. Day 3: Laojun Mountain Day Tour (or choose Chongdugou, Jiguan Cave and other natural scenic spots). VI. Precautions Ticket reservation: Attractions such as Longmen Grottoes and Luoyang Museum need to be reserved in advance to avoid delaying the itinerary. Wearing suggestions: Comfortable sports shoes are required for scenic spots such as Laojun Mountain. Pay attention to sun protection in summer and keep warm in winter. Cultural respect: Keep quiet when visiting temples and grottoes, and do not touch cultural relics. Avoid holidays: There are many tourists during holidays, so it is recommended to travel during off-peak hours to improve the experience.