Luoyang

Luoyang is a former capital and big city in Henan Province, China, with around nine million inhabitants. It sits at the meeting point of two major central Chinese waterways. The northern edge of town borders hilly terrain that once housed imperial palaces and gardens, while the densely built commercial districts spread along wide avenues. Historic temples and modern residential blocks stand close together and show several phases of urban development.

The town was founded in the 8th century BCE as the seat of the Eastern Zhou dynasty and then served eight more dynasties as a political center. Several imperial tombs and fortifications from the Han and Tang periods lie in the suburbs and testify to the military and ceremonial importance of the region.

The name literally means „north of the Luo River

The main railway stations offer high-speed connections to Beijing, Shanghai and Xian, along with regional trains to nearby cities. Public buses run regularly during the day to the grottoes and other sights, while taxis and rental cars are also available.

The tomb of the 3rd-century general Guan Yu lies in a grove south of town and still attracts thousands of visitors who pay respect to him as a deity of loyalty. The temple and adjoining mausoleum preserve inscriptions and reliefs that document his veneration in Chinese folk culture.

Location: Henan

Elevation above the sea: 144 m

Part of: North Henan

Shares border with: Zhengzhou

Website: http://ly.gov.cn

GPS coordinates: 34.65867,112.42447

Latest update: December 15, 2025 00:44