The city of Luoyang enjoys a pre-eminent reputation as a cradle of Chinese civilization. For over 4,000 years, it served as the capital city of thirteen different Chinese kingdoms including the first, the Xia Dynasty (21st-16th century B.C.). Luoyang is endowed with countless historical sites and cultural treasures.

Longmen Grottoes is situated in the southern outskirts of the city. Having survived for about 1,400 years, the over 2,100 grottoes have tens of thousands of statues of Buddha and more than forty Buddhist pagodas as well as a large number of stone stables. These grottoes, together with the Yungang Grottoes in Datong and the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, are the three major cave clusters in China. White Horse Temple is a Buddhist temple in the eastern portion of the city. This temple, which is over 2,000 years old, is honored as the 'Founder's Home' and the 'Cradle of Buddhism'. Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum is located in a village in the northern part of the city. Here we find 23 restored ancient tombs of several dynasties ranging from the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-24 A.D.) to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). There are elaborate murals in the tombs reflecting the daily life of the nobility in ancient times. Shaolin Temple, on the slopes of Mt. Songshan between Luoyang and Zhengzhou, is renowned for its Shaolin martial arts that are so popular in China and the rest of the world. Built in the year 495, the temple preserves its original palaces, mural paintings and stone inscriptions.

Luoyang's natural beauties are as equally attractive as its historical sites. Mt. Baiyun (White Clouds Mountain) spans the Yangtze, Yellow River and Huai River and is praised as the 'Natural Museum' because of the many species of animals and plants in its primitive forests. Its seven peaks are wreathed by white clouds all year round giving the mountain an aura of mystery and charm. Longyuwan National Forest is called 'Luoyang's Backyard Garden.' The rolling hills, narrow valleys and grand waterfalls provide visitors ample contact with nature. Mt. Qingyao is famous for the emerald green trees on its mountainsides. It is said to be the 'Mysterious Capital' of Huangdi - the ancestor of Chinese civilization. Another 'must see' place is the Cockscomb Limestone Cave (Jiguan Cave) designated as the 'Top Cave in Northern China.' The limestone formations take on various appearances looking at different times like shields, flags, pillars or waterfalls.

Luoyang is particularly famous for its numerous types of peony, a traditional Chinese flower that symbolizes magnificence, abundance and thriving. Luoyang's peonies rank as the best in the country due to their long growing period and wide varieties. Wangchen Park, Xiyuan Park and Peony Park are the best places to see and appreciate these beautiful flowers.

Situated in the northern suburbs of Luoyang, the Yellow River Xiaolangdi Scenic Area is home to the Xiaolangdi Water Conservancy Project. The project plays an essential role in irrigation, flood prevention and electricity generation for people in the lower reaches of the Yellow River. The reservoir divides the river into thousands of sections making the area look like a 'Thousand Island Lake.'