**Luoyang: Experience "New Zealand" Without Leaving Henan**

**I. Must-Visit Attractions** **1. Historical and Cultural Sites** - **Longmen Grottoes** (5A Scenic Area) - **Highlights**: One of China's three major grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represented by the Lushena Buddha. - **Suggestions**: Visit the West Hill Grottoes (main area) in the morning, and the East Hill Grottoes and Xiangshan Temple in the afternoon. A night tour of Longmen (open in summer) is especially charming. - **Tickets**: CNY 90 (West Hill + East Hill + Xiangshan Temple), electric car CNY 10 one way. - **White Horse Temple** (4A Scenic Area) - **Highlights**: China's first ancient temple, the first temple officially built after Buddhism was introduced to China. The International Buddhist Temple Area (Indian, Thai, and Burmese styles) is perfect for taking photos. - **Suggestions**: Go in the morning when it's less crowded. The visit takes about 2 hours. - **Tickets**: CNY 35. - **Luoyang Museum** (Free) - **Highlights**: Rich collection, the "Cao Wei White Jade Cup" and "Tang Sancai Black Glaze Horse" in the Treasure Gallery are must-sees. - **Note**: Closed on Mondays, reservations required in advance. - **Sui and Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park** (including Mingtang Paradise and Yingtian Gate) - **Highlights**: Reconstructed palace from the Wu Zetian period, stunning night light show. Yingtian Gate has an immersive performance "Tang Palace Music Banquet" at night (ticket required). - **Tickets**: Mingtang Paradise CNY 120, Yingtian Gate CNY 30. **2. Natural Scenery** - **Laojun Mountain** (5A Scenic Area, 2-hour drive from Luoyang) - **Highlights**: Taoist holy site, the sea of clouds and the golden-topped Taoist temple complex are unique. - **Suggestions**: Day trip or stay on the mountain top to watch the sunrise. The cable car is divided into two sections (it is recommended to take the first-level cable car and hike the second level). - **Tickets**: CNY 100, first-level cable car CNY 130 round trip. - **Longtan Grand Canyon** (5A Scenic Area) - **Highlights**: Rare canyon landform in the north, suitable for family hiking. - **Tickets**: CNY 80. **3. Other Recommendations** - **Luoyi Ancient City** (Free) - **Highlights**: Antique street area, excellent for taking photos with Hanfu at night (Hanfu can be rented inside and outside the scenic area). - **Note**: ID card is required for entry. - **Guanlin Temple** (4A Scenic Area) - **Highlights**: The burial site of Guan Yu's head, ancient Ming and Qing architectural complex. - **Tickets**: CNY 40. **II. Luoyang Food Guide** **1. Must-Try Specialties** - **Luoyang Water Banquet** (24 soup-based dishes) - **Recommended Dishes**: Peony Swallow Vegetable, Fried Balls, Sliced Meat in Soup. - **Old Restaurants**: Zhentong Restaurant (old brand), Xinghuacun Water Banquet Building. - **Soups** - **Beef Soup**: Majieshan Beef Soup, the first beef soup restaurant on Longlin Road. - **Bufan Soup**: Near Lijing Gate in the Old Town. - **Snacks** - **Pot Stickers**: Xiaojie Pot Stickers (Xigong District). - **Jiang Noodles**: Sour and appetizing, commonly found in snack shops in the Old Town. **2. Food Streets** - **Old Town Cross Street**: A gathering place for night market snacks, recommended to visit at night. - **Xigong Xiaojie**: Locals often go there, Xiaojie Tianfu has many kinds of snacks. **III. Transportation Guide** - **Airport**: Luoyang Beijiao Airport, limited navigable cities, you can fly to Zhengzhou first and then take the high-speed train (1 hour to Luoyang). - **High-speed Rail/Train**: Luoyang Longmen Station (mainly high-speed rail), Luoyang Station (ordinary speed train). - **City Transportation**: - Subway: Lines 1 and 2 have been opened, covering major attractions (such as Yingtian Gate, Luoyang Station). - Bus: Fare is CNY 1-2, with dense routes. - Taxi: Starting price is CNY 8, taxi between scenic spots is about CNY 20-30. **IV. Accommodation Suggestions** - **Old Town/Xigong District**: Convenient for visiting Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, and Luoyi Ancient City. Hotels near Yingtian Gate are recommended. - **Jianxi District**: Commercial center, suitable for tourists who like nightlife. - **Laojun Mountain**: You can choose to stay in a homestay on the top of the mountain (for stargazing and watching the sunrise) or a farmhouse at the foot of the mountain. **V. Itinerary Reference** **3-Day Classic Route** - **Day 1**: Longmen Grottoes → Luoyang Museum → Luoyi Ancient City (night tour). - **Day 2**: White Horse Temple → Sui and Tang Luoyang City (Mingtang Paradise + Yingtian Gate night view). - **Day 3**: Laojun Mountain day trip (or Longtan Grand Canyon). **5-Day In-Depth Tour** - Add Guanlin Temple, Erlitou Xia Capital Site Museum, Song County Baiyun Mountain, etc. **VI. Precautions** 1. **Season**: April is the peony season (Wangcheng Park, China National Flower Garden are crowded), autumn is the best climate. 2. **Hanfu Experience**: Hanfu rental around Luoyi Ancient City is about CNY 50-100/day, including makeup. 3. **Avoid Scams**: Be cautious of soliciting customers around the scenic area, and it is recommended to use Didi for taxis. I hope this guide can help you enjoy Luoyang and feel the weight and fireworks of the ancient capital for thousands of years! If you have other needs, you can add questions at any time~