Welcome to Luoyang, one of China’s most historic cities! With over 5,000 years of civilization and 1,500 years as an imperial capital, Luoyang proudly holds the title of the “Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties.” It was the eastern starting point of the Silk Road and the heart of the Grand Canal during the Sui and Tang dynasties.
However, for first-time foreign visitors, navigating ticket bookings can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to book Luoyang attraction tickets. We’ll cover how to buy tickets for the city’s top sites, suggest some free attractions, and offer travel tips to help you make the most of your stay in this legendary capital.
Let’s dive in and get your Luoyang adventure started!
1. Overview of Luoyang Tourism
Luoyang is located in western Henan Province, straddling the middle reaches of the Yellow River. Known as the “Heart of the Nine Provinces” and a crossroads of ten regions, it has long been a vital cultural and transportation hub.
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The city boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each offering a glimpse into its grand past:
- 🔗 Longmen Grottoes: One of China’s top three grottoes, with 2,345 caves and over 100,000 Buddha statues carved into limestone cliffs.
- 🔗 Sui and Tang Luoyang City Ruins: Includes iconic landmarks such as Yingtian Gate, Mingtang Temple, and Jiuzhou Pool.
- 🔗 Grand Canal – Huiluo Granary Site: A remarkable relic that tells the story of China’s ancient grain transport system.
- 🔗Peony Viewing: China National Flower Garden, Wangcheng Park (best time: April)
Next, let’s talk about the best times to visit. Spring (April–May) is especially stunning—Luoyang turns into a sea of blooming peonies, earning its nickname “City of Peonies.” In contrast, autumn (September–October) brings clear skies and crisp air, perfect for sightseeing. While summer can be hot, it’s still a great time to visit cooler mountain spots. Winter is cold but quiet, offering a peaceful view of Luoyang’s ancient beauty.
Knowing the best seasons helps you better plan how to book Luoyang attraction tickets with comfort in mind.
2. Top Luoyang Attractions You Should Book in Advance
When planning your visit, it’s essential to know how to book Luoyang attraction tickets, especially for its most popular sites. Due to high demand and limited daily capacity, the following three attractions require advance booking—especially during holidays and weekends.
1) Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟)
One of the top three Buddhist grottoes in China, Longmen Grottoes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Carved over 400 years starting in 493 AD, it houses 2,345 caves, over 100,000 statues, and 2,800 inscriptions. The 17-meter-high Vairocana Buddha is the star—graceful and serene, it reflects the pinnacle of ancient Chinese stone carving.
👉 Longmen Grottoes Tickets Booking via Viator (Great for English speakers)
- 🎫 How to Book:
You can book tickets through the “龙门石窟” official WeChat account, or via major Chinese travel platforms like Ctrip, Meituan, and Tongcheng.
For international visitors, popular options include Viator, Trip.com, and Klook—many of these offer bundled tours with entry included.
On-site ticket purchase is still available, but during peak seasons, tickets often sell out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended. - 💴 Ticket Price:
¥90 (full), ¥45 (student), free for seniors (60+) and children under 6 or below 1.2m. - 🕒 Opening Hours:
High season (Mar–Oct): 08:00–18:00
Low season (Nov–Feb): 08:00–17:00 - 📍 Address: Longmen Town, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan
- 📞 Tel: 0379-65980972
- 🌐 Website: www.lmsk.org.cn
- 🚇 Getting There:
- Bus: 81, 53, 60, 71, 99
- Taxi: ~¥30 from downtown
- Self-drive: Navigate to “龙门石窟” — ample parking on-site
2) Sui-Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park (隋唐洛阳城遗址公园)
This vast archaeological site features key remnants of ancient Luoyang’s imperial city. Highlights include:
- Yingtian Gate 应天门, a grand ceremonial gate of the Sui-Tang capitals
- Mingtang & Tiantang 明堂和天堂, two religious and ritual halls from the Wu Zetian era
- Jiuzhou Pond 九洲池, a royal garden designed in the style of “one pond, three isles”
- 🎫 How to Book:
Use the “隋唐洛阳城” WeChat account, or via major Chinese travel platforms like Ctrip, Meituan, and Tongcheng.
For international visitors, popular options include Viator, Trip.com, and Klook—many of these offer bundled tours with entry included.
On-site ticket purchase is still available, but during peak seasons, tickets often sell out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended. - 💴 Ticket Prices:
Yingtian Gate: ¥60
Mingtang-Tiantang: ¥90
Jiuzhou Pond: ¥30
Combo ticket (all three): ¥150 - 🕒 Opening Hours:
High season: 08:30–21:30 (night visits till 22:00)
Low season: 09:00–17:30 - 📍 Address: Zhongzhou Middle Road, Old Town District, Luoyang
- 📞 Tel: 0379-69982666
- 🚇 Getting There:
- Bus: 5, 8, 9, 26, 41, 53, 61, 81, 86, 101
- Subway: Line 1, Yingtianmen Station
3) Luoyang Museum (洛阳博物馆)
If you want to understand Luoyang’s deep past, start here. The museum holds over 400,000 cultural relics, showcasing Luoyang’s history from prehistoric times to the Qing dynasty. Don’t miss the Three-color Glazed Horse, Eastern Han Guardian Beasts, and Bronze Goblets from the Xia dynasty.
- 🎫 Ticket Info:
Free, but real-name booking is required in advance.- Book via the Luoyang Museum WeChat account
- Reservations open 3 days in advance
- Visitors must enter within their selected time slot
- 🕒 Opening Hours:
Daily: 09:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Closed Mondays (except holidays) - 📍 Address: Nietai Road, Luolong District, Luoyang
- 📞 Tel: 0379-69901020
- 🌐 Website: www.lymuseum.com
Booking ahead is the key to a stress-free visit. Whether you’re planning to marvel at stone carvings, explore ancient ruins, or dive into museum treasures, knowing how to book Luoyang attraction tickets in advance ensures you won’t miss out. Stay tuned for more tips in the next section!
3. Luoyang Attractions with On-Site Ticket Purchase (Still Best to Book Ahead)
Some attractions in Luoyang allow walk-in ticket purchases. However, to save time and avoid long lines, it’s still smart to book online in advance. Here’s what you need to know:
1) White Horse Temple (白马寺)
Founded in 68 AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty, White Horse Temple is known as China’s first official Buddhist temple. Inside, you’ll find rare lacquered clay sculptures from the Yuan Dynasty, including statues of the Three Buddhas, Heavenly Kings, and 18 Arhats.
Additionally, the temple features an International Hall area with shrines built in Indian, Burmese, and Thai styles. This makes White Horse Temple the only Buddhist site in the world combining the architecture of China, India, Myanmar, and Thailand.
- 🎫 How to Book:
On-site at the ticket window or via online travel platforms like Ctrip or Trip.com (recommended). For international visitors, popular options include Viator, Trip.com, and Klook—many of these offer bundled tours with entry included. - 💴 Ticket Price:
¥35 (full), ¥17.5 (students), free for seniors 60+ and children under 6 or under 1.2m - 🕒 Opening Hours:
Summer: 07:30–19:00
Winter: 08:00–17:30 - 📍 Address: Baima Temple Town, Luolong District, Luoyang
- 📞 Tel: 0379-63789053
- 🚇 Getting There:
- Bus: 56, 58, 87, 501
- Taxi: ~¥40 from downtown
2) Guanlin Temple (关林)
Guanlin Temple is a unique site—it’s where the head of General Guan Yu, a hero from the Three Kingdoms period, is believed to be buried. This site is rare as it combines a tomb, temple, and sacred forest in one location. The temple was built during the Ming Dynasty, with most current buildings dating back to the Qing era.
Every year on September 29, a grand international pilgrimage is held to honor Guan Yu’s birthday, drawing visitors from all over the world.
- 🎫 How to Book:
Tickets are available on-site or through major online platforms. For international visitors, popular options include Viator, Trip.com, and Klook—many of these offer bundled tours with entry included. - 💴 Ticket Price:
¥40 (full), ¥20 (students), free for seniors 60+ and children under 6 or under 1.2m - 🕒 Opening Hours:
08:00–18:00 (open year-round) - 📍 Address: No. 2 Guanlin South Road, Luolong District, Luoyang
- 📞 Tel: 0379-65951746
- 🚇 Getting There:
- Bus: 15, 39, 55, 58, 69, 71, 76, 501
- Subway: Line 2, Guanlin Station
Even though these attractions allow walk-in tickets, booking online in advance ensures a smoother visit—especially on weekends and holidays. And remember, knowing how to book Luoyang attraction tickets ahead of time saves you both time and hassle!
4. Luoyang Day Trips — Explore Nearby Historical Wonders
While Luoyang itself is rich in ancient heritage, its surroundings offer even more legendary experiences. From Shaolin monks practicing martial arts to sacred Daoist temples nestled in the mountains, these nearby destinations are perfect for a full-day trip or overnight escape.
🔗 Shaolin Temple (少林寺)
Known as the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu, Shaolin Temple is one of the most iconic temples in China. Founded in 495 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty, it holds deep religious and martial significance. Inside the temple, you’ll find ancient murals, stone inscriptions, and relics. Just outside, you can visit the Pagoda Forest, the largest of its kind in China.
What makes the visit special is the daily Shaolin Kung Fu shows, where young monks demonstrate powerful moves and disciplined practice that continue centuries of tradition.
👉Book your Luoyang Private Day tour to Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin temple with local guides via Viator — an unforgettable, immersive experience
- 📍 Distance from Luoyang: ~80 km
- 🚌 By Bus:
Direct coach buses run from Luoyang Bus Station to Shaolin Temple. It takes around 2 hours. - 🚗 By Car:
About 1.5 hours via highway. Private car or hired driver is a convenient option. - 🕒 Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon for full temple access and kung fu shows.
🔗 Dengfeng & Mount Song (登封 & 嵩山)
Dengfeng, nestled at the foot of Mount Song (嵩山), is not only home to Shaolin Temple but also a spiritual center of Daoism and Confucianism. This area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in ‘The Centre of Heaven and Earth’”.
Here are some must-see spots:
- Songyang Academy (嵩阳书院): One of the oldest Confucian academies in China, known for its ancient cypress trees and quiet scholarly atmosphere.
- Zhongyue Temple (中岳庙): A sacred Daoist temple honoring the God of Mount Song, with stunning architecture and peaceful courtyards.
- Star Observatory (观星台): Built in the Yuan Dynasty, it’s one of the best-preserved ancient astronomical observatories in China.
- 📍 Distance from Luoyang: ~85 km
- 🚌 By Bus: Regular buses from Luoyang to Dengfeng take about 2 hours.
- 🚗 By Car: Around 1.5 to 2 hours by highway. Consider hiring a driver for more flexibility.
- 🌟 Top Activities:
- Watch live Shaolin Kung Fu performances
- Hike the scenic Mount Song trails
- Visit the Star Observatory for a glimpse into ancient Chinese astronomy
Whether you’re into martial arts, mountain hikes, or ancient temples, a day trip from Luoyang to Shaolin or Dengfeng offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history. Planning ahead is key—especially for shows and temple hours—so don’t forget to check schedules and book transport early.
👉 All Luoyang Tours & Excursions with local guides via Viator — an unforgettable, immersive experience.
Luoyang is a city where ancient Buddhist art, imperial grandeur, and natural beauty come together in harmony. As one of China’s oldest capitals and a proud host of multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it continues to enchant travelers with its timeless charm and rich cultural legacy.
To make your trip smooth and stress-free, we strongly recommend planning ahead—especially when it comes to how to book Luoyang attraction tickets. Many popular sites require advance reservations, and online booking not only saves time but also ensures you won’t miss out due to daily visitor limits or holiday crowds.
Additionally, always double-check the latest opening hours, ticket policies, and travel advisories on the official websites or verified booking platforms before your trip. Attractions may adjust schedules due to weather, maintenance, or local events.
We hope this guide helps you unlock the full beauty of Luoyang. Enjoy your travels, dive into the history, and take home memories that will last a lifetime.
Safe travels and happy exploring!
📌 Further Reading
Luoyang Travel Guide: Map, Top Attractions, City Walks and Tips
Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple Day Trip from Beijing by Bullet Train
Xi’an to Luoyang Day Trip: Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple
The Best Luoyang Tour Itinerary
How to Book Luoyang Attraction Tickets: All You Need to Know
2 Day Beijing Luoyang Tour to Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple
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