The Cross Street night market
Cross Street stands at the junction of West Street, East Street, South Street and Xinghua Street in Luoyang’s old town and is one of its main commercial areas. The market mixes local and non-local food; alongside local dishes such as the Luoyang water banquet, bufan soup and small-bowl soup, it also includes food from elsewhere. A 2025 People’s Daily / Xinhua report counted more than 200 kinds of snack, with more than 10,000 visitors on an average day and over 30,000 on holidays.
The point of the market is eating while walking: stalls are close together, portions are small, and two or three people can share several dishes. Tripe hotpot, gluten wraps, fried liangfen (starch jelly) and jiangmianmian noodles all appear; taste and prices vary widely between stalls, so walk through once before deciding rather than joining the first long queue at the entrance.
How to eat with less risk
The market is busy; check whether ingredients look fresh, the work surface is clean and food is cooked to order. A busy stall often turns food over quickly, but still look at the conditions. Do not choose on queue length alone, and buy small portions first rather than committing to a large order.
Many snacks are spicy, oily, or contain offal or gluten; state any restrictions clearly rather than judging from the name. This is a commercial market, not a quiet local corner. On holidays it is crowded, so watch your belongings and avoid the narrowest sections with a stroller or older companions.
Beyond the market
Cross Street is close to Lijingmen, West Street and Luoyi Ancient City and can be combined in one evening; Luoyi lights up at 18:30. Xigong Small Street is another evening commercial area, with more than 800 businesses after its 2019 renovation, but it lies in Xigong District and needs separate time.
Prices and hygiene vary widely, so do not treat the market as a must-eat checklist; use it for a relaxed dinner or late snack and choose on the spot. For a quieter meal, a soup shop or water-banquet restaurant earlier in the day suits better.
Useful official references
Check the relevant official service before making arrangements. These links are references, not a guarantee of current services.
