Back from Luoyang with my kid, here are some honest thoughts! Visiting a city because of a song
Hey guys 👋, is there a song that feels like an invitation from across time and space, making you yearn for an ancient city? When I heard Hetu's ancient-style song "Luoyang Jialan Ji", "The sound of a shepherd's flute in the suburbs, falls on that wild village, fate takes root and grows, it's us, listening to the rain at Jialan Temple, hoping for eternity", the poetic lyrics outline the ancient charm of Luoyang, with its heavy and romantic history, which led me to this ancient capital of China in February. Check out my travel guide!
🌆Impressions of Luoyang
Luoyang is like a heavy history book, with the heritage of the ancient capital of 13 dynasties shining brightly. In February, the spring chill in Luoyang has not yet dissipated, but the streets and alleys are already quietly bustling with life. The Buddha statues in Longmen Grottoes are solemn and majestic, and the Luo River flows slowly through the city; the ancient city walls show their vicissitudes after the baptism of time, and the streets are filled with the rich aroma of beef soup and bufan soup, a blend of tradition and the hustle and bustle of life. Every corner exudes a unique charm that is intoxicating.
🚗Transportation Guide
✈️Plane: After arriving at Luoyang Beijiao Airport, there are airport buses to the city center, or you can transfer to a bus or take a taxi, and in about 30-40 minutes, you can be in the city center and start your exciting journey.
🚌City transportation: You can use Alipay or WeChat ride codes to pay for Luoyang buses, and some subway lines have been opened. Download the "Luoyixing" app to scan the code to enter the station, making travel convenient. If you want to visit attractions, the bus line can take you directly there, making it easy to start your journey through the ancient capital.
🗺Travel Route
Day 1: Longmen Grottoes - Luoyang Museum - Sui and Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park (Yingtian Gate, Heaven Hall and Ming Hall) - Shizi Street
Day 2: White Horse Temple - Luoyi Ancient City - Lijing Gate - Old City Food Street
Day 3: Laojun Mountain (snow viewing, sea of clouds) - Return to Wangfujing Shopping Center to buy specialties
🌟Must-visit Attractions
1. Longmen Grottoes: A World Cultural Heritage site, the stone Buddha statues on both sides of the Yi River are exquisitely carved, with either kind smiles or deep contemplation. In February, the sunlight shines down, and the interplay of light and shadow on the Buddha statues seems to tell a thousand-year-old story. Stroll through and experience the perfect fusion of Buddhist culture and carving art, just like the historical charm contained in "Luoyang Jialan Ji".
2. Luoyang Museum: A hall of cultural relics with a rich collection, from Xia and Shang bronzes to Tang tri-colored glazed pottery, everything is available. The free exhibition halls immerse people in the vast ocean of Chinese civilization, exploring the traces of time and appreciating the profound heritage of the ancient capital.
3. Laojun Mountain: In winter, Laojun Mountain is like a fairyland, covered in silver and white snow. Climb to the top, and the sea of clouds rolls, with mountains looming in and out of the clouds, marveling at the wonders of nature and appreciating the majestic mountains and rivers of Luoyang.
4. White Horse Temple: China's first ancient temple, with red walls and green tiles, and ancient cypress trees towering into the sky. The architectural style in the temple is unique, with both Chinese simplicity and exotic charm, experiencing the inheritance and development of Buddhism in China and feeling the tranquility and harmony of the thousand-year-old temple.
5. Luoyi Ancient City: With its ancient charm, the Wenfeng Tower stands tall, and at night, when the lights first come on, tourists in Hanfu shuttle back and forth, as if dreaming back to ancient times, experiencing the prosperity and romance of the ancient capital.
Practical Guide
🎫Tickets are required for attractions such as Longmen Grottoes and Laojun Mountain, which can be booked in advance on the official WeChat account or major travel platforms, often with discounts, and can save you the trouble of queuing on-site. Luoyang Museum is free, but reservations are required in advance, so plan your time reasonably to avoid delays.
🕙Opening hours: Different for each attraction, generally open around 9 am, and stop entry around 4-5 pm. Be sure to check the official website before traveling and plan your time reasonably to avoid wasted trips.
🍱Food Recommendations
1. Beef Soup: The first choice for breakfast for Luoyang people, with beef stewed until tender, and the soup is fresh and rich, sprinkled with green onions and cilantro, served with shredded pancakes. A bowl warms you up and satisfies you, starting a day full of energy.
2. Bufan Soup: Sour and spicy, with mung bean pancakes rolling in the soup without flipping, paired with ingredients such as golden needles, wood ear mushrooms, and shrimp skin, steaming hot. One bite and you'll fall in love, a popular street snack.
3. Spicy Soup: Thick and spicy, with gluten, meat slices, and daylily flowers blending in the soup, with a rich taste, served with fried dough sticks, awakening your taste buds and experiencing the unique flavor of Luoyang.
4. Luoyang Water Banquet: A full banquet with 24 dishes, with soups and water, hot and cold, meat and vegetables, with peony swallow dishes beautifully presented, tasting authentic Luoyang traditional cuisine.
🏨Hotel Accommodation
1. Luolong District Hotels: Recommended Luoyang Luolong District's Mudu Lihau International Hotel, with a superior location, close to attractions such as Longmen Grottoes and Luoyang Museum, with complete surrounding facilities, spacious and comfortable rooms, first-class service, convenient travel, and quick access to city attractions.
2. Old City Hotels: The All Seasons Hotel in the Old City has a high cost-performance ratio, close to attractions such as White Horse Temple and Lijing Gate, allowing you to quickly return to your room to rest after a day of play. The hotel has complete facilities and rich dining options, and you can also enjoy the cityscape of the Old City.
3. Luanchuan County Hotels: If you choose to stay overnight when visiting Laojun Mountain, the Zhongdugou Water View Hotel in Luanchuan County has a beautiful environment, close to the scenic area, with some rooms offering views of the mountains and water. The hotel has complete facilities, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely vacation.
💡Tips
1. In February, the temperature difference between morning and evening in Luoyang is large, so remember to bring a warm coat to wear in the morning and evening to prevent catching a cold.
2. When tasting Luoyang cuisine, the flavors are heavy. If you are not used to it, you can communicate with the waiter in advance to adjust, ensuring a happy dining experience.
3. When visiting museums, historical sites, and other attractions, follow the rules, do not touch cultural relics, protect the environment, and travel civilly.
Guys, Luoyang, which I visited because of "Luoyang Jialan Ji", is full of charm. Hurry up and plan your trip to this ancient capital 💖!