Ancient capital — the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple (China's first Buddhist temple), and peony flowers.
Luoyang served as capital for 13 Chinese dynasties over 4,000 years. It's famous for the Longmen Grottoes — 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs — and as the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism at the White Horse Temple.
Western Henan, on the Luo River. 150km west of Zhengzhou by high-speed train (45 min).
Longmen Grottoes — 100,000 Buddhist statues in 2,345 caves spanning 400 years of carving. UNESCO World Heritage.
White Horse Temple (68 AD) — China's first Buddhist temple, founded when Buddhism arrived via the Silk Road.
Luoyang is China's peony capital — the annual April Peony Festival transforms the city with millions of flowers.
UNESCO masterpiece — the Vairocana Buddha (Fengxian Temple) is China's finest stone sculpture.
China's first Buddhist temple (68 AD) — 2,000 years of continuous worship. Serene and atmospheric.
In April, the city explodes with peonies — China's 'King of Flowers.' Visit the National Peony Garden.
Excellent collection of Tang Dynasty tri-color pottery and ancient bronze vessels from imperial tombs.
BEST season — April Peony Festival is spectacular. Warm, colorful, and atmospheric.
Hot (35°C+). Visit grottoes early morning. Evenings are pleasant along the Yi River.
Cool and comfortable. Fewer crowds at the grottoes. Beautiful fall light for photography.
Cold (-5 to 5°C). Very few tourists. Grottoes are atmospheric in winter quiet.
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