[2025 Luoyang Attraction] Travel Guide for Museum of Luoyang Eastern Zhou Royal Horse And Chariot Pits (Updated May)

| Witness the definitive proof of "Six Horses Drawing One Chariot," settling the centuries-old debate since the Han Dynasty about whether emperors rode with four or six horses. This highly significant archaeological discovery is absolutely worth a visit—don’t forget to enhance the experience with a guided tour for deeper insights! Fun fact from a volunteer guide: The Eastern Zhou capital was in Luoyang, while the Western Zhou capital was in Shaanxi. Any other "Tianzijialiu" discoveries elsewhere would be considered overreach. The excavation pit contains 24 horses, 7 dogs, and 7 sheep. 📜 A Timeless Landmark of the Millennium Capital 📍 Located in the heart of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty ruins, the Luoyang Zhou Royal City Tianzijialiu Museum stands where King Ping of Zhou relocated his capital in 770 BC. As China’s first "Underground Capital Museum," it centers around a 21-meter-long chariot-and-horse pit—the "Tianzijialiu"—unlocking 515 years of Eastern Zhou civilization. 🏯 Secrets of the Zhou Royal City ‌• Duke of Zhou’s Legacy: To consolidate power, Duke of Zhou built Luoyi along the Chan River during the early Western Zhou, designating the west as "Wangcheng" (housing the Nine Tripods) and the east as "Chengzhou" (resettling Shang remnants), establishing the "Center of the World." ‌• Hierarchical Codes: Taotie patterns on bronzes and jade ritual sets reflect strict ranks like "Nine Tripods and Eight Gui for the Emperor" and "Six Horses for the Emperor." ‌• Archaeological Marvel: The site features 397 stacked tombs and 18 chariot pits, including rare "bunk-bed" burials across eras—a 3D textbook of Chinese burial customs. 📌 Tips: 1⃣️ Join the free guided tours at 10:00/15:00 daily! Archaeologists reveal unsolved mysteries, like the "kneeling burial horses." 2⃣️ The Emperor’s statue in Wangcheng Square opposite hides feng shui secrets: "Left hand holds the Yellow (River), right hand lifts the Green (Song Mountain)." 3⃣️ Show your Tianzijialiu Museum ticket for skip-the-line entry to Luoyang Museum. The "Divine Capital" Luoyang truly lives up to its name!!

If Luoyang Museum is fully booked, buy a ticket for the Zhouwangcheng Tianzi Jialiu Museum. Since you've already bought it, take a look. It's not big, but it's very valuable. [Luoyang Zhouwangcheng Tianzi Jialiu Museum] 📍 Address: Zhouwangcheng Square, 226 Middle Zhongzhou Road, Xigong District, Luoyang (city center, convenient transportation). 🚗 Transportation: - Subway: Take Luoyang Subway Line 1 to Zhouwangcheng Square Station, and take Exit C/D. - Bus: Many bus lines, such as Bus No. 5, 40, 48, 50, 56, and 81, can directly reach Zhouwangcheng Square Station. - Self-driving: There is a parking lot nearby, charging about CNY 3/time, with sufficient parking spaces. 👍️ Must-see attractions: 1. Tianzi Jialiu Chariot and Horse Pit: The only "Tianzi Jialiu" chariot and horse remains displayed on the original site in the country. The burial chariot with six horses vividly demonstrates the Eastern Zhou Dynasty etiquette system. 2. Eastern Zhou Cultural Relics Exhibition Area: Precious cultural relics such as bronzes and pottery, showing the historical features of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. 3. Zhouwangcheng Square: There are large-scale Eastern Zhou-themed sculptures in the square above the museum, which are suitable for taking photos. 🎟️ Ticket information: - Full price ticket: CNY 30/person - Half price ticket: CNY 15/person (students, teachers, etc. with valid ID) - Free ticket policy: Elderly people over 60 years old, soldiers, disabled people, children under 1.4 meters, etc. - Ticket purchase method: You can make an online reservation (official public account) or purchase tickets on-site. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance to avoid queuing. 💗 Other tips: - Visiting time: About 1 hour, suitable for arranging a half-day tour in combination with surrounding attractions (such as Xigong Xiaojie, Lijing Gate). - Explanation service: CNY 50/time. It is recommended to rent or follow a tour group to listen to the explanation, so as to have a deeper understanding of the historical background. - Best time to visit: morning or evening, avoiding the midday peak. - Nearby food: You can walk to Xigong Xiaojie, and it is recommended to try Xiaojie Tianfu, pot stickers, and Luoyang water banquet. 🌟 Summary: Although the Tianzi Jialiu Museum is small, it has extremely high historical value. It is a representative attraction of Luoyang's "underground cultural relics to see the Eastern Zhou Dynasty". It is suitable for history lovers and family trips. It is recommended to visit it together with Luoyang Museum or the Sui and Tang Luoyang City Ruins! If you can't get a ticket for Luoyang Museum, you can enter directly with the ticket for Tianzi Jialiu Museum.

Luoyang · Guanlin Temple Experience the profound weight of an ancient capital, where a thousand years of history have settled. 📍May Valley "Stroll through the ancient capital, listen to the wind's ancient rhyme, admire the flowers, and observe the world." Luoyang · Tianzijialiu Museum The grandeur of royalty and the traces of history converge here. 📍Luoyang · Ancient Streets and Alleys Antique and charming, savor the historical charm. 📷 Luoyang: A Photographer's Paradise Capture the captivating moments of the ancient capital between light and shadow. Luoyang · Tianzi Feast Dine in Luoyang and savor the culinary delights of the ancient capital. 📍Henan Luoyang · Ancient City Night View Brilliant lights illuminate the prosperity and tranquility of the millennium-old capital. Luoyang Travelogue 📖 The imprints of history and the accumulation of culture, every place tells a story. A Date with Luoyang 🌸 Flowers bloom throughout the city, spend beautiful moments with the ancient capital. Henan · Luoyang Exploration Tour 🔍 Travel through a time tunnel and explore the secrets of the ancient capital. Luoyang · Sui and Tang Dynasty Ruins Park 🏞️ Witness history and cultural heritage in this very place.

The Tianzi Six Chariots Museum also holds a prominent position among Luoyang's museums. Located in the city center on a central square, it's easy to spot. The museum is designed with a lower-level plaza beneath the square, and above it stands a giant statue of an emperor in a chariot. Tickets are affordable, priced at CNY 30 for adults and CNY 15 for concessions. The museum is quite large, mainly showcasing archaeological finds related to chariots and horses, ancient ritual objects, and even horse and chariot fossils. 📌Handy Tip: This museum has a joint ticketing arrangement with the Luoyang Museum. If you're having trouble booking tickets for the Luoyang Museum, you can buy tickets for the Tianzi Six Chariots Museum offline. Online booking is also possible, but it's difficult to secure tickets. Buying offline, while potentially requiring queuing, guarantees entry. Purchasing a ticket for the Tianzi Six Chariots Museum grants you access to the Luoyang Museum within two days. This access is equivalent to a Luoyang Museum ticket, making this smaller museum a popular choice.

1. Itinerary planning Day 1: Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple Longmen Grottoes: As a World Cultural Heritage site, this is where the essence of ancient Chinese stone carving art is gathered. The Longmen Grottoes are even more tranquil in winter, making it a great time to experience the history and culture. - White Horse Temple: The first ancient temple in China, with a long history, it is the first temple built after Buddhism was introduced to China, where you can experience the profound Buddhist culture. - **Day 2: Luoyang Old Town and Lijing Gate** - Luoyang Old Town: Stroll along the stone-paved streets of the old town, taste authentic Luoyang snacks, and experience the life of the ancient city. - Lijing Gate: Climb up Lijing Gate, overlook the beautiful scenery of Luoyang City, and feel the weight of history. - **Day 3: Guanlin Temple and Museum of Emperor's Chariots** - Guanlin Temple: This is the tomb of Guan Yu, the only "Martial Saint" tomb in China, where you can experience the grandeur of the Three Kingdoms culture. - Museum of Emperor's Chariots: Learn about the travel etiquette of ancient emperors and feel the majesty of the royal family. 2. Food recommendations - **Luoyang Water Banquet**: As a traditional famous banquet in Luoyang, the water banquet, with its unique cooking skills and rich variety of dishes, will give your taste buds a feast. - **Beef Soup**: A bowl of hot beef soup in winter will warm your body and mind. - **Peony Cake**: A dessert inspired by the peony, the city flower of Luoyang, which is both beautiful and delicious. 3. Accommodation suggestions - Choose a hotel or homestay near the scenic spots for easy sightseeing and local life experience. - Considering the cold winter, choose accommodation with good heating facilities. 4. Travel tips - **Clothing**: The temperature in Luoyang is low in winter, so remember to bring warm clothes. - **Transportation**: Luoyang has convenient transportation, you can choose to travel by bus, taxi, or shared bike. - **Cultural experience**: Participate in local festivals, such as the Spring Festival Temple Fair, to experience the authentic Luoyang New Year atmosphere.

#traveldiaries The Tianzi Jialiu Museum (洛阳周王城天子驾六博物馆), or Museum of Emperor’s Chariot Drawn by Six Horses, is a museum located on an ancient burial ground. (The real one!) The museum is divided into two sections, the sacrificial pits and the exhibition building, where visitors can learn about the history of Luoyang City in its role as the royal city of Zhou Tianzi during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. The museum also features a large, bronze horse and chariot exhibition area. “Tianzi” means emperors while “Jialiu” means their chariots driven by 6 horses. The dicovery of the Tianzi Jialiu Site has great impact on the Chinese archaeology and history. The remains of the “Jialiu” chariot in the No. 5 chariot pit are particularly marvelous, as this was the chariot used by Zhou Tianzi himself. 🎫 Ticket: RMB30 Opening time: 09:00-17:00 #chinatrip #luoyang

The Emperor's Chariot Museum is located in the center of the Western Zhou Royal City Square in Xigong District, Luoyang City. In the center of the square, there is a large statue of six vigorous horses galloping with their heads held high, unstoppable, fully displaying the kingly demeanor of the Eastern Zhou emperor. The museum is located right below the statue. The museum is not large, and an hour is enough to take a quick tour. However, even in this one hour, it carries thousands of years of Chinese history. The exhibition hall is divided into two sections: one for the display of artifacts excavated from the royal city ruins, and the other for various tombs and chariot pits. The ancients always attached great importance to tombs after death. A large number of burial bronze wares and pottery were found in the royal city ruins, including wine vessels and food vessels for banquets and sacrifices, such as bronze tripods, bronze pots, and pottery pots. There were also hollow-shaft coins circulated during the Eastern Zhou period, exquisite bronze mirrors for daily use, and chime bells for playing music. It is not an exaggeration to say there are many. Archaeologists have excavated a total of 397 tombs and 18 large chariot pits on this land. In addition to the tombs of the Eastern Zhou emperors and nobles, there are also tombs of their descendants separated by hundreds of years. In the historically and culturally rich Luoyang, even the tombs are in the form of "bunk beds," layered and overlapping, with a huge amount of information. Although the main tombs seen are those of the Eastern Zhou emperors and nobles, in the long time afterward, many kings, generals, and famous figures from later dynasties were buried layer upon layer on the old tombs in the Mangshan area. This is clearly the accumulation of thousands of years of history. The most significant among the many tombs is the first excavated site of the "Emperor's Chariot with Six Horses." The discovery of this site has settled the unresolved mystery of whether the Zhou dynasty emperors traveled in four-horse or six-horse chariots. The tombs and chariot pits are the highlights of the entire museum. Their large scale is breathtaking. The most amazing thing is the form of tombs stacked on tombs. The Mangshan area seems to have a magical attraction, drawing people from various dynasties to spend a fortune to be buried here. The "Emperor's Chariot with Six Horses" site is enormous, including 26 chariots and 70 horses, with the most special being the chariot with six horses. The chariot is centered on the shaft, with three horses on each side. The emperor's ride is vividly displayed in front of people. Through its display, one can easily imagine the majestic scene of six horses running side by side. History is a series of mysteries that people unravel through ancient books and documents, and further verify through artifacts buried underground. If you love history and enjoy the satisfaction of verification, Luoyang is definitely a place you will like, and the Emperor's Chariot Museum will fascinate you even more.

I'm here to reveal a hidden gem that you absolutely must not miss—the Zhou Royal City Son of Heaven's Six-Horse Museum! If you're in Luoyang to explore ancient history and rituals, this place is definitely worth your time. As soon as you step into the museum, it's as if you can travel through time and return to the majestic era of the Eastern Zhou dynasty. Although the museum is not large in scale, it's packed with substantial content! What is the 'Son of Heaven's Six-Horse' chariot? Simply put, it refers to the emperor's travel with a luxurious chariot drawn by six fine horses. This topic, which once sparked controversy in ancient texts, is corroborated here with physical evidence. Just imagine the scene of the Zhou emperor's procession, with the gleaming chariots and the whinnying of horses—it's truly awe-inspiring! In addition to the 'Son of Heaven's Six-Horse' chariot team, the museum also displays the archaeological findings of the Eastern Zhou royal city, giving us a deeper understanding of the culture and history of that period. Moreover, the museum educates about the 'Zhou dynasty's hierarchical ritual system,' helping us to better comprehend the clearly defined social strata of the time. 🐶In the chariot and horse pit, I also saw seven sacrificial dogs, one of which was desperately trying to escape, a sight that is both heart-wrenching and moving. Standing in front of the chariot and horse burial pit, closing your eyes, you can almost hear the distant sound of horse hooves and feel the profound sense of history.

➡️Historical records mention the Son of Heaven's six-horse chariot, but the actual object was lost to later generations. Over time, it became a historical mystery, with ongoing debates about whether the Son of Heaven had a four-horse or six-horse chariot, until the discovery of the ruins in Luoyang confirmed the records of the Son of Heaven's six-horse chariot. 🏮The Eastern Zhou Royal City was the capital for 14 kings from King Ping of Zhou's eastward move to Luoyi, through the reigns of King Dao and King Nan, spanning over 300 years (from King Jing to King Shenjing, 11 kings resided in Chengzhou City). The struggle for dominance among the states and the pursuit of power by various heroes marked the most prominent feature of Chinese history entering the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. As the capital of the 'Son of Heaven,' the royal city was the national center of politics, economy, culture, and transportation, enjoying the highest standard among the capitals of the states. The Eastern Zhou Royal City revealed magnificent city walls, towering palaces, neatly arranged granaries, well-planned handicraft workshops, and grand royal mausoleums. 📍Address: No. 226, Zhongzhou Middle Road, Xigong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province 🈺Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00 📱Reservation: Same-day reservation, 30 RMB per person

Luoyang Zhou Wangcheng Emperor's Six Museum The ancient system of the emperor's carriage 'driving six horses' seems to be an indisputable issue. However, in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), which was the most prosperous in Confucianism, scholars debated whether the Zhou emperor 'drove six horses' or 'drove four horses'. This academic debate about the number of horses driven by the ancient emperor, which took place in the 2nd century AD, was not really settled until the early 21st century, when the pit of the 'Emperor's Six' chariot and horses from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty in Luoyang was unearthed: 'The emperor drives six, the princes drive five, the ministers drive four, the officials three, the scholars two, the common people -' Luoyang Zhou Wangcheng Emperor's Six Museum ticket information: Adult ticket: ¥30 Student ticket and 60-70 year old: half price Children under 1.4 meters and people over 70 years old: free with certificate Opening hours: Summer (8:00-22:00) Winter (8:00-18:30) Stop ticket half an hour in advance Location: Zhou Wangcheng Square, Luoyang City, Henan Province (226 Zhongzhou Middle Road, Xigong District, Luoyang City) Transportation information: Take bus No. 5, 48, 56, 81 from the train station to Wangcheng Square (Wangcheng Square is south of the road, and the Emperor's Six Museum is north of the road). You can also take bus No. 18, 9, 103, 101, 22 in the city to get there. Subway route: Take subway line 1 to Zhou Wangcheng Square Station and exit from exit C or D. Core exhibition: 'Eastern Zhou Luoyang Civilization Exhibition' The 'Eastern Zhou Luoyang Civilization Exhibition' is divided into three parts: 1 Wangcheng Tracing: The Eastern Zhou Wangcheng was the capital of 14 kings from Zhou Pingwang's move to Luoyi to Zhou Mourning King and Zhou Yan King, lasting more than 300 years (11 kings from Zhou Jing King to Shen Jing King all lived in Chengzhou City). The struggle for hegemony among the states and the competition among the heroes are the most prominent features of China's history entering the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. 2 Royal Tomb Exploration From the eastward move of Ping Wang in 770 BC to the extinction of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, the 25 generations of Eastern Zhou kings should be buried in Luoyang after their death. Through more than 50 years of archaeological discoveries and literature materials, workers have divided the Eastern Zhou royal tombs into Wangcheng, Chengzhou, and Zhou Mountain, gradually unveiling the mysterious veil of the Eastern Zhou royal tombs. 3 Ritual and Music Civilization 'Music is the harmony of heaven and earth. Ritual is the order of heaven and earth.' The civilization of ritual and music, which is based on order and harmony, was formed and perfected in Zhou, and is an important part of ancient Chinese civilization. The system of ritual and music is the core of Zhou culture, and has had a profound impact on Chinese society and culture for the next 3000 years. The system of ritual and music in the Zhou Dynasty detailed the hierarchical system and different treatments that the emperor, princes, officials, and scholars must follow, involving politics, military, culture, life and other aspects, and is the norm for maintaining the concept of slave hierarchy and consolidating the status of slave owners. 'Chariot and Horse Burial Pit' During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, there was a unique system of burying real chariots and horses for practical use, which was an important part of the funeral rites of the aristocratic class.

Transportation: Subway Line 1, Zhou Wangcheng Square Station Exit D, you're there! Tickets are 30 yuan, no reservation needed Exhibition content, exhibition highlights: From July 2002 to March 2003, during the construction of the Zhou Wangcheng Square in Luoyang City, 397 rectangular vertical pit tombs from the Eastern Zhou period were discovered within a range of 16,000 square meters in the Eastern Zhou Wangcheng site area, about 200 meters from the east city wall of the Eastern Zhou Wangcheng. Among them, there are 2 large "Jia"-shaped tombs and 18 chariot pits. The museum displays the original site and condition of the West Zone No. 6 horse pit and the Central Zone No. 5 horse pit, and the rest have been backfilled for protection. The Central Zone No. 5 horse pit is the famous Emperor's Chariot Six burial pit, with the largest scale, the most number of chariots and horses, and the most magnificent momentum. "Chariot" is a ritual system in the feudal era. The so-called "Emperor's Chariot Six, princes' chariot five, ministers' chariot four, officials' chariot three, scholars' chariot two, common people's chariot one." (Lost Rites "Wang Du Ji"), only the emperor's ride could "be driven by six horses". tips: With the paper version of the Zhou Wangcheng Emperor's Chariot Six Museum ticket on the day, after the Zhou Wangcheng Emperor's Chariot Six Museum ticket verification, you can make a reservation to visit the Luoyang Museum (only on the same day, excluding groups).

Luoyang is a very busy city; but at the same time, in this place full of historical and cultural relics of the Sui and Tang dynasties, there are also traces left by earlier Chinese dynasties. For example, in Luoyang, there is the Zhouwangcheng Emperor's Six-horse Chariot Museum, which coexists with civilized cities. These are the emperor's burial objects unearthed in the 21st century: "The emperor chariots six, the princes chariots four..." In order not to destroy them, this museum was built on top.