Luoyang Travel Guide: Longmen Grottoes & Yingtian Gate

Luoyang: An Ancient Chinese Capital Few Arabs Visit

I'm Hesham, living in China since 2019. Luoyang was the capital of several Chinese dynasties, and it's home to one of China's most important UNESCO sites -- the Longmen Grottoes -- yet it stays off most Arab travelers' maps despite being relatively close to Beijing.

Quick Answer

Luoyang is 3-4.5 hours from Beijing by high-speed train. The Longmen Grottoes ticket is ¥90, and a taxi from Longmen high-speed train station to the site costs about ¥15.

🚄 3-4.5 hrs from Beijing🗿 Longmen Grottoes: ¥90🌸 Peony Festival in April

Longmen Grottoes -- The City's Star Attraction

The Longmen Grottoes (a UNESCO site) contain thousands of Buddhist statues carved directly into the rock along the Yi River, some over 1,500 years old. Tickets are ¥90, open 8am-6:30pm (Apr-Oct) or until 5:30pm (Nov-Jan). From Longmen high-speed rail station, a taxi costs about ¥15, or take bus v9/71/99.

Yingtian Gate

A massive reconstruction of the old Tang Dynasty palace gate, now one of the standout landmarks of modern central Luoyang -- a striking photo spot unlike anything in Beijing or Shanghai.

White Horse Temple

Considered the first officially built Buddhist temple in China, founded in the 1st century CE -- a real draw for anyone interested in how Buddhism first reached China.

💡 Tip: If you visit in April, Luoyang is famous for its Peony Festival (the peony is the city's symbol) -- the city fills up with Chinese visitors during this season, so book your hotel early.