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.'