Group the sights by direction

Luoyang’s main sights do not sit on one walking route. The Longmen Grottoes lie about 12 kilometres south of the city, White Horse Temple to the east, the Sui-Tang palace remains and old town in the centre, and the Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum to the north. Grouping places in the same direction saves more time than crossing the city between Longmen and White Horse Temple.

The official Longmen hours are 08:00–18:00 from 1 March to 31 October and 08:00–17:00 from 1 November to the end of February. The site is large, the route from the West Hill to the East Hill crosses a bridge, and electric carts cost 10 yuan one way. With only half a day, start with the main West Hill caves and decide later whether to cross the river.

The Longmen Grottoes cliffs above the Yi River
The Longmen Grottoes run along both banks of the Yi River; the site is large and the visit involves walking and steps. Ryan McFarland · Photo credits ↗

Reservations, closures and the peony season

White Horse Temple uses timed online reservations. A notice for the 2026 Peony Culture Festival required real-name booking up to seven days ahead through the “洛阳白马寺” WeChat account; do not go without a reservation. Hours change outside the festival period. Longmen tickets and reservations are also handled through the site’s official channels.

Luoyang Museum has been closed for renovation since 19 October 2026, with the work expected to take about a year; check the official notice before planning a collection visit. The Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum is free, open 09:00–17:00 with last entry at 16:30, closed on Mondays except statutory holidays, and requires a real-name reservation; in winter (1 November to 30 April) closing may move earlier to 16:30. Peony bloom varies from year to year, so check that year’s festival dates and each garden’s notice.

Peonies in bloom in Luoyang
Peony bloom depends on weather and cultivar; the peak dates change each year, so check the season’s flower reports before going. 山海风 · Photo credits ↗

The old town and evening crowds

Lijingmen, West Street, Cross Street and Luoyi Ancient City cluster in the old town and suit an evening walk. The Cross Street night market has more than 200 kinds of snack, but it is a busy commercial market rather than a quiet local corner. Crowds are heavy on holidays and during the Peony Culture Festival; with a stroller or older companions, avoid the narrowest sections.

Luoyi Ancient City is free and lights up at 18:30; the evening lighting and performances are the main draw. Old-town streets are largely stone-paved with steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Waterside paths are dim at night; watch your step. Prices and hygiene vary between stalls and snack shops, so look at the conditions before choosing.

West Street below the Lijingmen gate
West Street below the Lijingmen gate, lined with shops, old houses and food stalls; crowds gather after dusk. 江上清风1961 · Photo credits ↗

Summer, winter and cross-city time

Summer sun is strong, and Longmen and the archaeological sites involve walking outdoors; carry water, sun protection and a hat. In winter, closing times come earlier, so leave room in afternoon plans. Sights require crossing the city; include taxi or bus time in the day’s schedule.

Check the official notices before setting out to confirm hours, reservations, tickets and evening programmes; do not treat times in an old guide as a guarantee. If the day crosses districts, put places in the same direction together to reduce back-and-forth travel.

Panorama of Luoyang with the TV tower
Luoyang is much larger than its old town; allow time for travel between districts. Dudva · Photo credits ↗

Useful official references

Check the relevant official service before making arrangements. These links are references, not a guarantee of current services.