April in Luoyang: A Feast for the Eyes with Blooming Peonies

Unique Features of Luoyang (1) Rich History and Culture As an ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, Luoyang boasts numerous historical sites. The Longmen Grottoes are a treasure trove of Chinese stone carving art, featuring exquisitely carved Buddha statues in various forms, exuding a unique artistic charm even after thousands of years. The White Horse Temple, the first ancient temple in China, was the first government-run Buddhist temple built after Buddhism was introduced to China. Its architectural style blends elements from China, India, Myanmar, and Thailand, offering a glimpse into the profound history of Buddhist culture. (2) City of Peonies April is the season when peonies bloom in Luoyang, earning it the reputation of "City of Peonies." In major parks such as Wangcheng Park and the National Peony Garden of China, peonies bloom in abundance, showcasing a rich variety of colors including red, pink, white, and purple. The large, vibrant, and elegant flowers attract countless tourists. Strolling through the peony bushes is like immersing oneself in a sea of flowers, a true feast for the eyes. (3) Tempting Local Cuisine Luoyang Water Banquet is a unique and famous traditional banquet in Luoyang. The entire banquet consists of 24 dishes, including both meat and vegetarian options, with a wide selection of ingredients that can be adjusted according to different seasons and occasions. Among them, the Peony Yandai (Swallow's Nest) is known for its realistic shape and delicious taste, while the Continuous Soup Meat Slices are sour, spicy, and tender. Other notable dishes include the Buturned Soup, which is sour, spicy, salty, and fragrant, perfect for sobering up and stimulating the appetite, and the Jiangmian Noodles, which are sour, fragrant, and rich, offering a unique flavor. 2. Recommended Itinerary Day 1: Longmen Grottoes - Luoyi Ancient City Morning: After arriving in Luoyang, head to the Longmen Grottoes. Start by visiting the West Hill Grottoes, admiring the exquisite carvings of Buddha statues, including the Lushena Buddha. Along the way, you'll see caves such as the Guyang Cave and the Binyang Middle Cave. Then, cross the Longmen Bridge over the Yi River to reach the East Hill Grottoes, where there are fewer tourists, allowing you to quietly appreciate the serene atmosphere of the grottoes. Lunch: Enjoy Luoyang specialties at a restaurant near the Longmen Grottoes, such as beef soup or mutton soup, paired with crispy youxuan (fried twisted dough). Afternoon: Visit Luoyi Ancient City, which features many traditional Chinese buildings. Here, you can dress up in Hanfu and wander through the streets and alleys, feeling as if you've traveled back in time. You can also admire various traditional handicrafts, such as paper-cutting and Tang Sancai (tri-color glazed pottery). Evening: Savor local snacks in Luoyi Ancient City, such as stinky tofu and grilled gluten. Enjoy the night view of the ancient city, which takes on a special charm under the illumination of lights. Day 2: White Horse Temple - National Peony Garden of China - Lijing Gate Morning: Visit the White Horse Temple, exploring its main buildings such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Great Buddha Hall, and the Mahavira Hall. The temple also houses the Qiyun Pagoda, one of the few remaining Jin Dynasty ancient buildings in the Central Plains region. Lunch: Have lunch at a farmhouse near the White Horse Temple, enjoying farmhouse dishes such as stir-fried seasonal vegetables and stewed free-range chicken. Afternoon: Head to the National Peony Garden of China, a great place to admire peonies. The garden boasts a vast collection of different peony varieties. Stroll along the garden paths, appreciating the beauty of various peonies, and take photos to capture the memories. Evening: Visit Lijing Gate, the west gate of Luoyang's ancient city, with its magnificent gate tower. At the snack street near the gate, sample some of the specialties from the Luoyang Water Banquet, such as Continuous Soup Meat Slices and Deep-fried Meatballs. You can also buy some local souvenirs, such as peony flower tea and peony cakes. Day 3: Wangcheng Park - Departure Morning: Visit Wangcheng Park, which not only offers peony viewing but also features a zoo and other recreational facilities. Admire the different varieties of peonies in the peony viewing area, appreciating their delicate beauty and elegance. If time permits, visit the zoo and see the adorable animals. Lunch: Have lunch at a restaurant near Wangcheng Park, trying other Luoyang delicacies such as Jiangmian Noodles and Hutumian (mixed noodles). Afternoon: Pack your luggage and prepare for your departure, concluding your enjoyable three-day trip to Luoyang.