#Never Going Back to Luoyang Again | Gained 3 Pounds in One Trip, Too Much Delicious Food

| Gained 3 Pounds in One Trip, Too Much Delicious Food. Day1: Pagoda Shadows and Luoyang's Nighttime Culinary Delights** Morning sunlight streamed through the carved windows of the Hidden Tang Dynasty Hotel, where we awoke at this boutique hotel beside the Luoyi Ancient City. Opening the window revealed the bluish-gray rooftops of the ancient town, as if one could reach out and touch the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. **Morning·Zen at White Horse Temple** A 20-minute taxi ride brought us to White Horse Temple (tickets required), known as "China's First Ancient Temple." Arriving before 8:30 am is recommended to avoid tourist crowds. The golden roofs of the Southeast Asian-style halls glimmered in the morning light, while ginkgo leaves rustled beneath the Qiyun Pagoda. A special recommendation is to sit quietly at the Silent Tea House, sipping tea amidst the dancing bamboo shadows. The Indian and other main halls were closed to visitors. **Afternoon·Culinary Adventure** At noon, the "snack arena" of the Old City Cross Street came alive (enter via Lijing Gate). Must-try list: - Empress Wu's Bu Fan Soup: A century-old sour and spicy broth with paper-thin tofu skin - Yushuyuan Grilled Gluten: Crispy gluten wrapped in sesame paste, a local favorite with long queues - Peony Silver Thread Pastry: A sweet, stretchy delight made right before your eyes **Evening·Dreams of Luoyi** After resting at the hotel in the evening, we arrived at Luoyi Ancient City (free but requires reservation) by 6:30 pm. Renting a Tang-style Hanfu at the "Hanfu Experience Shop" near the east gate, including makeup and styling, cost just over 100 yuan. When the 7:30 pm light show illuminated the Heaven and Ming Halls, carrying a fish lantern through the crowded Rainbow Bridge felt like a scene from an ancient romance. **Day2: The Wonder of Grottoes and Heritage Dumplings** **Morning·Secrets of Longmen** Arriving at Longmen Grottoes (locals can apply for an annual pass) by 7:30 am meant having the West Hill grottoes almost to ourselves. Don't forget a sun hat! The compassionate gaze of the Vairocana Buddha, meeting yours across a millennium, made the climb worthwhile. While the Bin Yang Three Caves are popular for photos, the unfinished statues in the Guyang Cave gave history a breath of life. **Noon·Heritage Flavors** By 12:30 pm, we rushed to Xiao Jie Tian Fu, remembering this routine: 1. Enter and turn right to order at the self-service machine 2. Collect dishes at different counters with your ticket 3. Must-order combo: Heritage Xiao Jie Potstickers + Tian Fu Three Shreds + Fermented Glutinous Rice with Red Bean Balls Tip: The heritage potstickers at the shop opposite Xiao Jie Tian Fu sell out by 2 pm. We queued for 40 minutes, but the first crispy, juicy bite made up for everything. **Final Thoughts Before Departure** While collecting luggage at the hotel, the receptionist, hearing we missed the Water Banquet, gifted us peony pastries as souvenirs. "Come back in April for peonies—the Yan dishes are freshest then!" Her smiling wave became our last warm memory of Luoyang. 【Practical Info】 🚕 Transport: Luoyang taxis start at 8 yuan, with most attractions within 20 minutes 📸 Hanfu Tips: Quality varies around Luoyi Ancient City; choose shops with physical samples 🍲 Water Banquet Tip: Friends later recommended "Zhen Bu Tong" for peony swallow dishes, said to require reservations—missed this time. The trip's highlight was capturing the sunset over Yi River at Longmen Grottoes, with phone photos alternating between Hanfu-clad time-travel vibes and the sizzling aroma of potstickers—Luoyang's beauty lies in such perfect harmony.