3-Day 2-Night Luoyang Travel Guide

1. Itinerary

Day 1: A Journey Through a Thousand Years

Morning: Arrive in Luoyang and check into your hotel. It is recommended to choose hotels near Yingtianmen or Lijingmen in the old city for convenient night tours. Then head to the Longmen Grottoes, tickets cost 90 RMB, with about 3 hours for the visit, focusing on the Vairocana Buddha.

Afternoon: Rest at the Wushang Longmen Experience Hall near the Longmen Grottoes and enjoy the digital displays. Then return to the hotel to rest.

Evening: Go to Yingtianmen to watch the night view and light show, with special light shows on Fridays and Saturdays. Afterwards, visit Luoyi Ancient City to experience Hanfu culture; Hanfu experience costs 49 RMB including makeup, great for night photography.

Day 2: Museums and Ancient City Exploration

Morning: Visit White Horse Temple, tickets cost 35 RMB. It is China’s first government-run temple, featuring Buddhist halls in Indian, Thai, and Burmese styles.

Afternoon: Visit Luoyang Museum, free but requires advance reservation. Then go to the Ancient Tomb Museum to learn about ancient burial culture. It is recommended to rent an audio guide for 20 RMB per day.

Evening: Climb Lijingmen to overlook the old city panorama, then head to Shizi Street Night Market to taste snacks like Osmanthus Lotus Seed Soup and Bufan Soup.

Day 3: Slow Life in the Old City

Morning: Experience Hanfu in Luoyi Ancient City, stroll and take photos. Then visit Jiuzhou Pond or the Mingtang Tiantang Scenic Area to feel the grandeur of the royal garden.

Afternoon: Taste authentic Luoyang Water Banquet, recommended at Guanji Water Banquet Old Shop. Must-try dishes include Liansoup Meat Slices for 28 RMB and Fried Meatballs for 15 RMB. Afterwards, buy local specialties.

Evening: Depending on your departure time, have a bowl of authentic beef soup at Longlin Road Beef Soup for 6 RMB plus 1 RMB for crispy dough strips to end your trip.

2. Accommodation Recommendations

Old City Homestays: Near Yingtianmen or Lijingmen, prices range from 150 to 300 RMB, within walking distance to night markets, convenient for night tours. Recommended: Ruilai Yue Hotel.

Luolong District Chain Hotels: Such as Hanting, Home Inn, etc., under 200 RMB, clean and hygienic, with subway access to attractions.

Youth Hostels: Such as Backpack Ten Years Youth Hostel, 40 RMB per bed, suitable for budget travelers.

3. Food Guide

Must-Try Soup Shops: Longlin Road Beef Soup, locals’ favorite, 7 RMB soup plus 1 RMB crispy dough strips; Halal Majieshan Beef Soup, a century-old brand; Kuang’s Donkey Meat Soup; Longmen Li’s Three-Yolk Mutton Soup.

Main Meals Recommendations: Guanji Water Banquet Old Shop, a time-honored water banquet; Kaixuanmen Luoyang Banquet New Water Banquet, combining tradition and innovation; Old Luoyang Noodle Shop, try Jiang noodles and Hutumen noodles.

Snacks and Night Markets: Shizi Street Night Market, Osmanthus Lotus Seed Soup 5 RMB, Bufan Soup; Xiaojie Tianfu, Dandan noodles 7 RMB with Haibi soda; Xinjie Laopo Rice Noodles, with delicious broth.

4. Specialty Recommendations

Peony Eight Views Cake and Fresh Flower Cake: New cultural and creative pastries combining Luoyang’s Eight Views and peony elements, beautifully packaged, great for gifts, around 98 RMB.

Luoyang Water Banquet Pastry Gift Box: About 85 RMB, featuring a royal style, including crystal cake and other traditional pastries.

White Horse Temple Peony Pastry Set: About 78 RMB, with a strong peony fragrance.

Old City Shizi Street Traditional Pastry Assortment: About 60 RMB, cost-effective.

5. Notes

Transportation: Luoyang subway has opened 2 lines covering major attractions. During holidays, there is a Shendu Tour bus line. Shared electric bikes are popular, convenient for riding in the ancient city.

Tickets and Opening Hours: Students, teachers, and journalists can enjoy half-price discounts at most attractions. Museums are usually open on Mondays except holidays. Peony season in April sees room prices rise; booking one month in advance is recommended.

Tips to Avoid Scams: There are many incense-selling traps at White Horse Temple entrance; it is recommended to buy incense inside the scenic area. Laojun Mountain is outside the city; it is recommended to join a pure-play one-day tour. Beware of scalpers charging high prices during attraction capacity limits.

Special Experiences: Hanfu experience in Luoyi Ancient City is cost-effective at 49 RMB including makeup. Yingtianmen Que Tower offers great photo opportunities and Hanfu makeup experiences. Some attractions extend opening hours during holidays; check official announcements.