Longmen Grottos

Located in the west of Henan Province in central China, Luoyang occupies quite an important geographic location. It is in the middle reaches of the Yellow River and is encircled by mountains and plains. To its east and west are the Hu Lao Pass and Han Gu Pass which were essential domestic transportation junctions in ancient times. To its north, Mengjin County was an important ferry crossing of the Yellow River.

Luoyang administers six districts, one county-level city and eight counties. The city covers an area of 15,492 km², including an urban area of 4304 km². By the end of 2007, the city had a population of 6.5 million.

History

Luoyang was selected as the capital city by 13 dynasties starting from the Xia Dynasty (21st-16th century BC) in the 21st century BC. In the period following the Han Dynasty (206BC-220), and particularly during the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties, the city experienced a period of growth and prosperity and ranked as one of the international metropolitans of the time.

Tourism

The city of Luoyang enjoys a pre-eminent reputation as a cradle of Chinese civilization. For over 4,000 years, it served as the capital city of thirteen different Chinese kingdoms including the first, the Xia Dynasty (21st-16th century B.C.). Luoyang is endowed with countless historical sites and cultural treasures.

Longmen Grottos

Longmen Grottoes are located in the south of Luoyang City. They are between Mount Xiang and Mount Longmen and face Yi River. Longmen Grottoes, Yungang Caves and Mogao Caves are regarded as the three most famous treasure houses of stone inscriptions in China.

The grottoes were started around the year 493 when Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) moved the capital to Luoyang and were continuously built during the 400 years until the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The scenery measures 1,000 metres (about 1,094 yards) from north to south where there are over 2,300 holes and niches, 2,800 steles, 40 dagobas, 1,300 caves and 100,000 statues. Most of them are the works of the Northern Wei Dynasty and the flourishing age of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Lots of historical materials concerning art, music, religion, calligraphy, medicine, costume and architecture are kept in Longmen Grottoes.

Fengxian Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty and it is the largest grotto in Longmen Temple with a width of 36 metres (about 118 feet) and a length of 41 metres (about 136 feet). There are nine major figures of various facial appearances and temperaments in the temple that were built in accordance with the Buddhist rite and their relationships by the artists. Wanfo Cavee, completed in 680, is a typical chronological cave of the Tang Dynasty of two rooms and square flat roofs. Its name is due to the 15,000 small statues of Buddha chiseled in the southern and northern walls of the cave. The main Buddha Amida sits on the lotus Sumeru throne, having a composed and solemn face. The wall behind Amida is carved with 54 lotuses upon which there are 54 Bodhisattvas in different shapes and with various expressions.

In addition, there are lifelike reliefs of pretty and charming singers and dancers on the wall. The singers are accompanied by various kinds of instruments and the dancers dance lightly and gracefully to the music. The whole model in the cave has created a lively and cheerful atmosphere. On the southern wall outside the cave is carved a statue of Kwan-yin of 85 centimetres (about 33 inches) in height, holding a pure bottle in the left hand and deer's tails (as a symbol of brushing off the dust in spirit) in the right hand. This figure is well designed and is regarded as an example of Bodhisattva statues of Tang Dynasty in Longmen.

White Horse Temple

White Horse Temple which is located about seven miles away from the city of Louyang, is covered with green ancient trees and appears solemn and tranquil. Outside the gate, there is a pool with fences around and lovely fish in the water. It is for the believers to set free the captive animals. After crossing the pool via a stone bridge, you will enter the temple. To the east and west of the gate are the tombs of She Moteng and Zhu Falan, which are one of the six most famous sights in the temple. In the east corner stands a tablet pavilion. The Chinese characters written on the tablet are the work of a Chinese calligrapher abbot Shamen Wencai, designed during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-368). They are written in his familiarly free and easy style and describe the history of the temple.

The temple boasts great antique architecture which has remained intact for over 1,900 years. The Hall of Heavenly Kings, Hall of the Great Buddha, Hall of Mahavira, Hall of Guidance and the Cool and Clear Terrace appear in proper order in the temple, as they were when it was first built.

Outside the temple, there is a tiered brick pagoda named Qiyun Pagoda, which is actually the oldest of China's ancient pagodas. It is the earliest example of ancient architecture in Luoyang and also one of the most precious Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) structures in the Central Plains of China. Standing south of the pagoda and clapping your hands, you will discover that the echoes you hear sound quite similar to the noise of frogs croaking. This perplexing phenomenon attracts many curious tourists every day.

Shaolin Temple

Shaolin Temple , in the region of Song Mountain, Dengfeng City, Henan Province, is reputed to be 'the Number One Temple under Heaven'. The temple is the cradle of the Chinese Zen Buddhism and the Shaolin Martial Arts such as Shaolin Cudgel. One can see wild flowers and pines on the mountain. With birds singing and a brook spattering, a beautiful scene full of life and vitality is revealed to the visitors.

Shaolin Temple embraces many exciting attractions, such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings (Tianwangdian), the Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian), the Pagoda Forest, the Dharma Cave and the Shaolin Temple Martial Art Training Center.

Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum is located in a village in the northern part of the city. Here we find 23 restored ancient tombs of several dynasties ranging from the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-24 A.D.) to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). There are elaborate murals in the tombs reflecting the daily life of the nobility in ancient times. Luoyang Museum is the only comprehensive museum in the city. It is located in the prosperous district in downtown Luoyang, neighboring the Wangcheng Park in the west. This reputed museum well exhibits the rich history of Luoyang.

Luoyang's natural beauties are as equally attractive as its historical sites.Mt. Baiyun (White Clouds Mountain) spans the Yangtze, YellowRiver and Huai River. Baiyunshan National Forest Park built on the mountain is praised as the 'Natural Museum' because of the many species of animals and plants in its primitive forests. Its seven peaks are wreathed by white clouds all year round giving the mountain an aura of mystery and charm. Longyuwan National Forest is called 'Luoyang's Backyard Garden.' The rolling hills, narrow valleys and grand waterfalls provide visitors ample contact with nature. Mt. Qingyao is famous for the emerald green trees on its mountainsides. It is said to be the'Mysterious Capital' of Huangdi -the ancestor of Chinese civilization. Another 'must see' place is the Cockscomb Limestone Cave (Jiguan Cave) designated as the 'Top Cave in Northern China.'The limestone formations take on various appearances looking at different times like shields, flags, pillars or waterfalls. Well known as the home of Monkey King, the Flower and Fruit Mountain National Forest Park is also one of the seventy-two Blissful Lands in Taoism. Bai Garden is a famous resort in Luoyang. It is based on the tomb of Bai Juyi, a reputed poet of the Tang Dynasty.

Shaolin Temple

Luoyang is particularly famous for its numerous types of peony, a traditional Chinese flower that symbolizes magnificence, abundance and thriving. Luoyang's peonies rank as the best in the country due to their long growing period and wide varieties. Wangcheng Park, Xiyuan Park and Peony Park are the best places to see and appreciate these beautiful flowers.
Situated in the northern suburbs of Luoyang, the Yellow River Xiaolangdi Scenic Area is home to the Xiaolangdi Water Conservancy Project. The project plays an essential role in irrigation; flood prevention and electricity generation for people in the lower reaches of the Yellow River.The reservoir divides the river into thousands of sections making the area look like a 'Thousand Island Lake.

Climate

Luoyang lies in the west part of Henan. It belongs to the north temperate continental climate zone and has four distinct seasons. The average temperature is about 15 C (59 F) and the yearly rainfall is 578 millimeters.

Spring, starting in March, is dry and windy, lack of rain. Every April, there are several sandstorms, but they are not severe. It is advisable to visit in April, because the world famous Peony Festival, a time-honored tradition in the city, is held from April 15 to May 8. In that festival, you can appreciate all kinds of peony, each of which has its own legend. The scenery will be a valuable memory in your life.

Summer is hot and rainy, with 30 days of temperature above 35 C (95 F). Summer dress is appropriate until late September. The real autumn starts in October. It is very short; however, it is the perfect time for traveling for its humid and pleasant climate. Winter is cold and dry. Visitors in this season need warm clothes.

Table of statistics for Luoyang climate for each month of the year