Luoyi Ancient City: A Millennial Journey Through Heluo | 3-4 Day In-Depth Itinerary

| 3-4 Day In-Depth Itinerary. Recommended Itinerary: Immersive Ancient Capital Experience Day 1: First Glimpse of the Ancient City: Culture and Night Views 1. Luoyi Ancient City Core Area - Wenfeng Pagoda and Historical Relics: Enter the park early in the morning to avoid crowds. Climb Wenfeng Pagoda for a panoramic view of the ancient city, and explore the Four-Eyed Well, Henan Prefecture Confucian Temple, and other historical sites to experience the rich history behind every brick and tile. - Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: Dress up in Hanfu (RMB 80-150 per person) and take stunning photos at the foot of Wenfeng Pagoda, or try paper-cutting and Tang Sancai crafts (reservations available at the intangible cultural heritage workshops in the park). - Night Tour Must-Sees: After 7:30 pm, the Wenfeng Pagoda 3D light show begins. The singing and dancing by Xintan Lake and the bright lights of the ancient lanes create a stunning backdrop for photos. 2. Lijing Gate and Shizi Street Night Market - Walk 10 minutes to Lijing Gate, climb the city wall for a bird's-eye view of the old streets of Luoyang. In the evening, head to Shizi Street to sample Luoyang Water Banquet (recommended: Peony Swallow's Nest and Lian Tang Rou Pian), Bu Fan Tang, and Shaved Beef Tripe. You can enjoy a filling meal for around RMB 40 per person. Day 2: Classic Luoyang: Buddhist Charm and Grottoes 1. White Horse Temple (China's First Ancient Temple) - Explore the Buddhist halls in Chinese, Indian, Burmese, and Thai styles. Visit the Qingliang Terrace to discover the relics of Emperor Han Mingdi's translation of Buddhist scriptures. The Qiyun Pagoda within the temple is a Jin Dynasty architectural gem (entrance fee: RMB 35). 2. Longmen Grottoes (World Cultural Heritage Site) - In the afternoon, head to Longmen Grottoes. The key attractions are the Lushena Buddha at Fengxian Temple and the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave. Renting an audio guide (RMB 30) or hiring a tour guide is recommended. As evening approaches, the lights of the West Hill Grottoes gradually illuminate the niches, creating a scene resembling a starry sky. Day 3 (Optional): Surrounding Hidden Gems and Natural Wonders - Laojun Mountain Day Trip: A 2-hour drive takes you to the "Holy Land of Taoism." Take a cable car to the Golden Summit, where you'll be greeted by a sea of clouds, creating a fairyland-like scene. The winter snowscape resembles an ink painting. - Sui and Tang Luoyang City Ruins: The Yingtian Gate light show and Mingtang Paradise recreate the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. Wearing Hanfu for a night tour allows you to capture photos reminiscent of the TV series "Wind from Luoyang." --- Transportation Guide: Seamless Connection Between Ancient and Modern 1. External Transportation - ✈ Airplane: Luoyang Beijiao Airport → 30-minute taxi ride to Luoyi Ancient City; or Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport → 1.5-hour high-speed train to Luoyang Longmen Station. - 🚄 High-Speed Rail: Luoyang Longmen Station → Subway Line 2 to Jiefang Road Station, transfer to Line 1 to Qingniangong Station (Exit A1), and walk 728 meters to the ancient city. 2. City Transportation - 🚇 Subway: Line 1 covers the core attractions (Yingtian Gate, Lijing Gate, etc.). Convenient scan-to-ride service is available. - 🚌 Bus: Routes 3, 9, and D3 go directly to "Xinjie Jiududong Road Intersection Station," a 5-minute walk from the scenic area. - 🚲 Shared Bikes: The streets around the ancient city are narrow, making cycling a more flexible way to explore. Food Map: Culinary Delights of Heluo - Must-Try Snacks: - Luoyang Water Banquet (Zhen Butong Restaurant), Beef Soup (Ma Jieshan Soup Restaurant), Bu Fan Tang (Gao Ji Qingxiang Yuan). - Popular Restaurants: - Nanguan Small Bowl Beef Soup (open 24 hours, perfect with Youxuan Pancake). - Xiaojie Tianfu (Dan Dan Noodles, Sweet and Sour Spicy Potatoes, around RMB 25 per person). --- Luoyi Ancient City is a microcosm of thirteen dynasties, a dreamland where palace lanterns and Hanfu intertwine. Here, you can touch the warmth of thousand-year-old bricks and tiles during the day and immerse yourself in the splendor of "Curse of the Golden Flower" at night. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a photography lover, or a foodie, this city, with its ancient charm and modern trends, will create a unique and unforgettable journey through time for you.