5 Days in Luoyang: A Complete Itinerary for History Lovers

I've spent years guiding travelers through China, and Luoyang remains one of my favorite cities. It’s not as polished as Xi’an or as famous as Beijing, but holy moly – the history here is jaw-dropping. You get world-class grottoes, China’s oldest Buddhist temple, and a laid-back vibe that feels like stepping back in time. Below is my go-to 5-day plan, built from real trips with real people. I’ll include the little things most guides skip: which restroom to avoid, the best time to photograph the Buddha without selfie sticks, and where to grab a 3 AM bowl of noodles after a long journey.

Disclosure: Prices and hours below were verified. Always double-check on official WeChat mini-programs before heading out – things change.

Day 1: Arriving and Settling In

Most travelers fly into Luoyang Beijiao Airport (LYA) or take a high-speed train from Zhengzhou (about 40 minutes). I usually pick up clients at the train station – note that Luoyang Longmen Railway Station is the main hub for high-speed trains. From there, taxi to the city center (about 20 minutes, 30-40 RMB). Avoid the guys shouting “taxi” outside the exit – just open Didi (China’s Uber) and it’s half the price.

Where to stay near Old Town: I love the area around Lijingmen Old Street. It’s touristy but convenient. You can walk to the night market and the city wall ruins. Budget hotels like Hanting Hotel (about 200 RMB/night) or mid-range Jinjiang Inn (300-400 RMB) have English-speaking staff at the front desk – not always perfect, but enough to check in.

Day 2: Longmen Grottoes and More

Start early – like 8 AM early. The Longmen Grottoes open at 8:00 and the crowds arrive around 10:30. You want to be at the main Binyang Cave before the tour groups start queuing.

Practical Info

My route: Enter through the south gate (less crowded!). Walk the west bank first – that’s where the giant Vairocana Buddha is. After you pass Fengxian Temple, cross the bridge to the east bank. Most tourists turn back, but the east side has the beautiful Bai Garden and you get the iconic shot of the grottoes from across the river. I always tell my groups: “Don’t skip the east bank unless you want a crowded selfie.”

Lunch Break

Right outside the south gate, there’s a food street with tourist traps. Avoid the first few shops. Walk to the end and look for Yang Family Noodles. Their knife-cut noodles in beef broth (12 RMB) are legit. No English menu, but the picture board helps. Payment: Alipay or WeChat – bring some cash as backup; not all stalls accept foreign cards.

After lunch, head to Guanlin Temple if you still have energy. It’s a 10-minute taxi ride from Longmen. This is where Guan Yu’s head is buried – yes, the famous general from Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Entry is 40 RMB. It’s quiet and gives you a nice contrast to the busy grottoes.

Day 3: White Horse Temple and Museum

White Horse Temple (Baima Si) is considered the cradle of Chinese Buddhism. The current buildings are mostly Ming and Qing dynasty, but the site dates back to 68 AD. It’s about 45 minutes by bus from the city center (Bus 56 from Luoyang Railway Station).

The temple has a lovely international stupa area with temples from Thailand, India, and Myanmar. It’s free with your entrance ticket and surprisingly well-kept. I usually take my groups to the Thai-style temple for photos – it offers a weird but fun cultural layer.

Don't miss: The ancient pagoda forest behind the main halls. Most tourists skip it, but it’s the most authentic part. Also, the peacock garden inside – yes, real peacocks. They roam freely.

Afternoon: Luoyang Museum

Head back to the city and visit Luoyang Museum (free, but you need to reserve via their WeChat mini-program). Search “洛阳博物馆” on WeChat, tap the second result with the official blue badge – it took me three tries to figure it out. Book at least two days in advance, especially on weekends. The museum is closed on Mondays (except public holidays).

The highlight is the Sancai (three-color glazed pottery) collection from the Tang Dynasty. They have these camel figurines and horse riders that just pop with color. Spend 2 hours here.

Day 4: Shaolin Temple Day Trip

Shaolin Temple is about 1.5 hours by bus from Luoyang. You can take a direct bus from Luoyang Longmen Bus Station (departs 7:30 AM, returns around 4:30 PM, 40 RMB one-way). Or join a small group tour – I recommend Klook’s Shaolin Day Trip (around 500 RMB includes transport, guide, and lunch). Private arrangements are costly but flexible.

Lunch tip: Inside the scenic area, restaurants are overpriced and mediocre. I pack instant noodles and use the free hot water stations near the restrooms (bring your own cup). Or eat at a small shop on the road leading to the temple – look for the one with the red plastic stools. Their braised eggplant with rice (15 RMB) is better than the fancy restaurants.

Day 5: Luoyang Food and Departure

Your last day is for eating and souvenir hunting. Start at the Luoyang Old Town Night Market – wait, you’re leaving? No issue, the daytime version is also vibrant. Head to Xinghua Street for breakfast. Try Luoyang Water Banquet – it’s a famous local tradition of 24 cold and hot dishes served with soup. Many restaurants serve a mini version for one person. I like Zhen Butong restaurant near Lijingmen. Ask for the “water banquet set for one” (95 RMB). It’s a crazy amount of food – don’t finish everything, just taste.

Departing: If your flight/train is in the afternoon, store your luggage at the hotel (most will hold it for free) and grab a final bowl of beef flat noodles at Baoji Noodle House near the train station. Spicy, chewy, and costs just 10 RMB. The noodle puller guy there has been working the same spot for 20 years – he’ll show you if you ask politely.

Where to Stay in Luoyang

I personally recommend the City Center area if you want a balance. The metro line 1 runs right through it, connecting to Longmen Station and the old town. Plus, there’s a 24-hour convenience store (Lawson) a two-minute walk from most hotels – crucial for grabbing water and snacks.

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. Prices and schedules as of time of writing. Always confirm via official channels before visiting.