Luoyang Travel Guide (2026): Longmen Grottoes & More
Luoyang, ancient capital and home of the Longmen Grottoes — a UNESCO world heritage site, China's first temple at White Horse, and peony season in April.
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Luoyang is the Chinese city that feels like a museum you can walk through — ancient capitals, a river of Buddhist grottoes and one of China’s great food cultures. This guide covers the essentials for a 2026 visit.
The essentials
- Days needed: 2–3 days.
- Getting there: high-speed rail from Xi’an North to Luoyang Longmen in about 1h15 (around ¥175), or from Zhengzhou. Luoyang has no major international airport, so fly into Xi’an or Zhengzhou and take the train.
- Best season: April for the peony festival (the city’s signature event), September–November for clear skies and fewer crowds.
Day 1 — The Longmen Grottoes
A morning (or full day) at the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO site of 100,000+ Buddhist statues carved along the Yi River. The centerpiece is the Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple — one of the great images of Chinese Buddhist art. Admission ~¥90; real-name, timed-entry booking online ahead is essential, especially in April and on holidays. Allow 3–4 hours and wear good shoes.
Day 2 — White Horse Temple & the old town
- Morning: the White Horse Temple — China’s first officially founded temple, with the photogenic international temple districts (Thai, Indian, Myanmar). About ¥35, no reservation needed.
- Afternoon: the old town — Luoyi Ancient City (free but reserve ahead), Lijing Gate and the old lanes.
- Evening: the night food street near the old town — try the local soup culture.
If you have a third day
- Luoyang Museum (free, reserve ahead): one of the best regional museums in China.
- Laojunshan (Taoist mountain): spectacular peaks and a sea of clouds — but see the foreign-visitor note in the FAQ, and give it a full day.
What to eat
- Luoyang water banquet (shuixi) — the famous multi-course soup banquet.
- Beef soup, bufan soup and the morning soup culture.
- Peony flower cakes (in season) and the street snacks at Cross Street.
Practical tips
- Book the grottoes and hotels ahead in April and on holidays — peony season fills everything.
- Metro: Luoyang’s metro lines 1 and 2 cover the main sights — see our China metro guide.
- Payment and data: set up Alipay and an eSIM before you arrive.
- Getting around: the grottoes are about 15 minutes from the center by taxi; the White Horse Temple about 10km out (metro to Yangwan, then a short taxi).
Where this fits
Luoyang pairs naturally with Xi’an (1h15 by rail) and Zhengzhou on a Henan/Shaanxi ancient-capitals loop, and is an easy add-on to the two-week route.
Prices and times as of August 2026 — confirm current tickets, reservations and the Laojunshan policy before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why visit Luoyang?
Luoyang was one of China's great ancient capitals and is home to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of more than 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into cliff faces — including the huge Vairocana Buddha that's the icon of Chinese Buddhist art. It's an easy high-speed rail hop from Xi'an or Zhengzhou.
How many days do I need in Luoyang?
Two to three days: a morning (or full day) at the Longmen Grottoes, a half day at the White Horse Temple, and time for the old town, the Luoyang Museum and the food streets. Add a full extra day if you plan to visit Laojunshan (see the foreign-visitor note below).
What are the Longmen Grottoes?
A UNESCO World Heritage Site — more than 2,300 caves and niches along the Yi River, with the colossal Vairocana Buddha at the Fengxian Temple as the centerpiece. Admission is about ¥90, and it's a real-name, timed-entry site: book online ahead, especially in April (peony season) and on holidays.
Is the White Horse Temple worth visiting?
Yes — it's China's first officially founded Buddhist temple, nearly 2,000 years old, and the complex includes international temple districts built by Thailand, India and Myanmar, which are beautifully photogenic. Admission about ¥35, no reservation needed.
Can foreign visitors go to Laojunshan?
Check before you book. Laojunshan (the Taoist mountain about 2 hours from Luoyang) has officially declined to admit holders of some non-Chinese passports. Confirm with your hotel or a local agency before planning the trip — and consider it a half-day-plus excursion, not something to squeeze into the city itinerary.