The Beauty of Luoyang

Luoyang is named for its location on the north bank of the Luo River. It is one of the earliest cities in China, with a history of over 5,000 years. It is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, and the center of the Sui-Tang Grand Canal. When you come to Luoyang, the first place you should visit is the Luoyang Museum. The museum's giant elephant skeleton is shocking (this ancient land was once home to many elephants, which is why Henan is abbreviated as "豫" (yù), the character for elephant). The Sui-Tang Grand Canal Museum presents the history of the Grand Canal, and Luoyang's role as an important transportation hub during the Sui and Tang dynasties. Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple record the process of Buddhism being introduced to China and gradually becoming sinicized. In my opinion, Luoyang is not so much ancient as it is modern! The many women in Hanfu you see on the streets show the warmth of this city, and make you feel as if you have traveled back to the Han and Tang dynasties. Luoyang is a city of beauty!