Complete itinerary, attractions and accommodation guide
Explore the latest 5-day route for Luoyang + Luanchuan in 2026, with full itinerary, packing list, transportation, accommodation and attraction recommendations to make your trip enjoyable.
Day 1
White Horse Temple
Built in 68 AD, White Horse Temple is the first official Buddhist temple in China after Buddhism was introduced to the country.It has five main halls arranged along a central axis; the Great Buddha Hall (second hall) is the main hall for Buddhist ceremonies.
Next to the temple, there is a new International Buddhist Hall Zone displaying temples in the styles of India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Japan, South Korea and more.
- Address: No. 6 Luobai Road, Baimasi Town, Chanhe District, Luoyang, Henan
- Hours: 07:40–18:40 (last entry 18:00)
Ying Tianmen Ruins
Located in the Old Town, directly accessible by subway, just a few hundred meters from the station.The gate tower is grand and magnificent, with a well-designed tour route. You can take an elevator to the top and overlook Luoyang from the corner towers.
Lijing Gate Scenic Area
First built in the Sui Dynasty. According to historical records, the west wall of the Eastern Capital Imperial City had two gates: Lijing Gate in the south and Xuanhui Gate in the north.
After renovation, Lijing Gate is now a comprehensive scenic area combining ancient relics, folk culture, food, entertainment and accommodation. It is home to Tianhou Palace, Nine Emperors Palace, City God Temple and more, and is named one of Luoyang’s “Eight New Scenes”.
- Address: Intersection of Ximenkou Street and Jinye Road, Old Town, Luoyang
- Hours: 08:30–22:00 (last entry 21:00)
I visited Luoyang about ten years ago, but only went to Longmen Grottoes. Back then, tourism here wasn’t as developed as today, and there was no such thing as Hanfu photoshoots.After dinner, I walked around Lijing Gate and slowly soaked in the charm of this thousand-year-old capital. Neon lights glowed on street corners, and even local pastries were printed with “Luoyang” — truly the best name card for the city.
Day 2
Jiuzhouchi Relic Park of Sui-Tang Luoyang City
Covering about 288 mu, the park includes three major parts of the ancient imperial city: the sleeping palace area, part of Taoguang Garden, and the royal Jiuzhouchi Garden. A total of 12 ruins are protected and displayed with modern technology.
Jiuzhouchi was a real royal garden in the Sui and Tang dynasties. Records say the pond was winding with many islands, representing the nine continents of China, covering about 520,000 square meters in historical records, while the actual water area unearthed is about 139,250 square meters.
Chinese classical gardens pursue harmony between humans and nature, achieving the artistic ideal of “Made by humans, yet like heaven itself” — a spirit fully reflected in Jiuzhouchi.
- Address: North of Intersection of Tanggong Middle Road & Gongyu Road, Xigong District, Luoyang
- Hours: 09:00–22:30 (last entry 22:00)
Highly recommended! The live performances are vivid and impressive with great stage effects and audience interaction. Everyone left happy and satisfied.
Luoyang Museum
Located on the north bank of the Luo River, north of the Sui-Tang City Ruins Botanical Garden.Though only a municipal museum, its collection rivals many provincial-level museums, fully showing the long history of Luoyang as the capital of 13 dynasties.
Free admission with ID card. The main building has two floors:
- 1st floor: Permanent exhibition Heluo Civilization
- 2nd floor: Treasures and special imperial culture exhibitions
Highlights include:
- Bronze jue wine vessel from the Xia Dynasty
- Inlaid bronze tripod from the Warring States Period
- Clay Buddha head from the Northern Wei Dynasty
- Tang Dynasty tri-color glazed horses and lamps
- National treasures transferred from the Palace Museum, including gilded Guanyin and Tsongkhapa statues
You can rent audio guides or hire a tour guide on site.
- Address: Northwest of Intersection of Nietai Road & Wenbo Road, Luolong District, Luoyang
- Hours: 09:00–19:00 (last entry 18:30)
Day 3
Tracking the Goddess of the Luo River
“The Luo River flows on, carrying history and culture.”
Created by BLACKBOW (creative team for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony), directed by Wang Zhi’ou, this is China’s first fully immersive digital show about Luoyang’s culture.
It combines digital projection, mechanical stages and live performances to tell the story of ancient Luoyang in five chapters:
- Heluo Civilization
- Goddess of the Luo River
- Longmen Grottoes and artisans
- Literati and scholars of Luoyang
- Modern vibrant Luoyang
An amazing and worthwhile show!
- Address: Jinchengzhai Street, Luolong District, Luoyang
- Hours: 10:00–20:45 (last ticket 19:30, last entry 19:45)
Longmen Grottoes
One of China’s Four Great Grottoes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a thousand-year-old treasure of Buddhist art.
Divided by the Yi River into West Hill and East Hill:
- West Hill: Most important, carved during Northern Dynasties, Sui and Tang
- East Hill: Mostly Tang Dynasty works
The Buddha statues are gentle and magnificent, representing the peak of Buddhist carving.
- Address: No.13 Longmen Middle Street, Luolong District, Luoyang
- Hours: 08:00–21:00 (last ticket 19:30, last entry 20:00)
I visited at night during Qingming Festival — it was crowded! There’s a new Longmen Ancient Street with snacks and souvenir shops.
Day 4
Laojun Mountain Scenic Area
A sacred Taoist mountain where Laozi (founder of Taoism) is said to have practiced in seclusion. Temples were built here in the Northern Wei Dynasty, and it has been honored as a “Famous Mountain Under Heaven”.
Lush forests, clear springs, and stunning sea of clouds, sunrise and sunset at the summit. After rain, the mountain is wrapped in mist like a heavenly realm.
The scenic area has three parts:
- Main Laojun Mountain (most developed)
- West: Zhuimeng Valley
- East: Zhaigou Valley
One-day route:Lingguan Hall → Laojun Statue → Lin Vinegar Hall → Middle Heaven Gate → Plank Road → Woyun Pine → Bodhisattva Hall → Laojun Temple → Golden Summit → Jade Emperor Peak
You can hike or take the Zhongling Cable Car from the foot to Middle Heaven Gate, then hike to the top in about 1 hour.
Two-day trip:
- Day 1: Explore main area, stay overnight on the mountain
- Day 2: Descend via Zhuimeng Valley or Zhaigou Valley
Accommodation is available near Middle Heaven Gate (better conditions) and Laojun Temple (basic, good for sunrise).
- Address: Group 21, Qiliping Village, Luanchuan County, Luoyang
- Hours: Open 24/7
I was lucky to see peach blossom snow on Laojun Mountain in March. The scenery is breathtaking! Locals are very kind, homestays and ride-hailing drivers are nice. Henan’s tourism service is excellent.
Day 5
Jiguandong Cave
A massive natural limestone karst cave extending over 1,000 meters underground.It stays cool all year round — warm in winter and cool in summer.
Tours are in groups with a guide. Inside, you’ll see huge chambers, stone pillars, stone waterfalls, and an underground river, all beautifully lit up.Known as the “No.1 Karst Cave in North China”.
- Address: Group 7, Shuangtang Village, Luanchuan Township, Luanchuan County, Luoyang
- Hours: 08:00–18:00
An 800-million-year wonder hidden underground. Stalactites, starry sea-like lights, and fresh breeze make it unforgettable.