
Peony
Festival
Luoyang has a long history of planting peony, which is the symbol
of abundance and elegance. Now, the city has the most beautiful
and varied peonies in all China. When the spring comes, and more
particularly in April, peonies flourish in the city and draw many
tourists there. The locals hold the Peony Festival to add more interest
to the appreciation of the flowers for the tourists. They show precious
cultural relics; hold folk culture temple fairs, interesting dancing
competitions and exhilarating parties. They even stage the magnificent
dancing and musical performance 'He
Luo Feng' to present the profound culture of the city.
Guanlin
International Pilgrimage Ceremony
Guanyu was a brave and honest hero in the Three
Kingdoms Period (220-280). Chinese people regard him as the
god of safety and they build many temples to make offerings to
him. Among these temples, Luoyang's Guanlin
Temple, where Guanyu's head is buried, is the principal one.
Every year in October, the locals hold the pilgrimage ceremony
for Guanyu. This attracts many tourists especially compatriots
residing aboard, to pay their homage to this historic hero.
Mt.
Funiu Skiing Festival
Mt. Funiu has the highest average altitude and largest coverage
among all the mountains of Henan
Province. The skiing area is located on the 2,100 meters (about
6,890 feet) high northern part of the mountain in Luanchuan County.
The advantageous geographic features are very suitable for holding
various skiing activities. Tourists can enjoy the extremely beautiful
mountain scenery and breathe the fresh air while they ski on
the mountain. Every year in winter from December to March,
the locals hold a Skiing Festival on the mountain. There are
bonfire parties, skiing performances, skiing competitions and
prize drawing games that will surely make your travel more interesting.
Bell
Ringing in White
Horse Temple
Every year from December 31st to January 1st,
thousands of tourists and Luoyang locals throng to the White
Horse Temple to listen to the exciting and melodious bell ringing
from the temple. This is an ancient bell made in the year 1555
and it is said that the sound of the bell ringing can bring happiness
and luck to the listeners in the coming new year. Listening to
the bell ringing is central to the festival held annually to
celebrate the new year.