Luoyang, a blissful place

？

[Photo from cri.cn]

Luoyang city sits in China's Central Plains and is home to what is arguably the national flower of China, the peony. The city was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and, for centuries, the heart of the Great Canal that connects the north and the south of the country. Luoyang is steeped in history and has attracted the attention of China' scholars for centuries, owing to the fact that it has survived as a capital city through 13 dynasties and for over 1,500 years.

[Photo from cri.cn]

Longmen, where the auspicious dragon dwells

Longmen Hill is located about 12km south of Luoyang city. Through many civilizations and political powers, Longmen hill has been developed into a huge collection of Buddhist statues. It sits opposite the luxuriant Xiangshan Hill across from the Yishui River.

Hidden within the Longmen Grottoes has been a wealth of records of the city's ancient history and culture. The "Six-Horses Chariot of the Emperor" was among the finest relics to be uncovered at the tombs of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty dating back to 700 BC. The artifacts are now on display under proper protection at the place where they were found, to bring to life the history encapsulated in the tombs' exhibits.

Tiantang and Mingtang

China's only empress, Wu Zetian, ordered the construction of Tiantang Tower and Mingtang Palace - two of the most imposing architectural types in the world at the time - in Luoyang after being crowned. Visitors can still enjoy dance and song performances akin to the Tang Dynasty style at Tiantang Tower.

[Photo from cri.cn]

Silk Road and Grand Canal

Luoyang gained a number of eccentric western cultures and customs more than 2,000 years ago, as it fell on the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, a major trade route across a vast area that linked China with Rome at one point.

After a construction period of around 1000 years, the Grand Canal was completed. The canal runs through Luoyang and connects the north and south of China.

Both are featured on the World Cultural Heritage List for their great contribution to the world.

[Photo from cri.cn]

Birthplace of Chinese Buddhism

Luoyang's White Horse Temple was the first Buddhist temple to be built in China under the patronage of Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD25-220). The Buddhist scriptures kept in the temple drew Buddhist masters from across the country over centuries and celebrities have left their inscriptions there over the years. The temple's 108 ancient bells continue to ring today; it is believed that they can bring peace of mind to those who hear them.

The mausoleum of Guan Yu - a saint in popular Confucianism and a deity in Buddhism and Taoism - is located in the city. Guan Yu is worshiped for the loyalty, finesse and courage he apparently showed while serving the Shu Han regime during the Three Kingdoms period (AD220-280). People pray in front of him for such things as a military victory, a prosperous business, an exam pass or a bumper harvest. Many Chinese revere and love him. They call the horse he rode "Red Hare" and the weapon he held in hands "Blue Dragon Crescent Blade".

Monk Xuan Zang embraced extreme physical hardships and mental challenges on his journey to ancient India, the birthplace of Buddhism. He eventually became the master of Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty (AD618-907). Luoyang was his hometown and his former residence stands at the scenic boundary of the Jing and Song mountains.

[Photo from cri.cn]

[Photo from cri.cn]

Water Banquet, feast of soups and broths

From aristocrats to civilians, all Luoyang locals love to eat sour and spicy soup to help tackle the cold, dry weather that dominates Luoyang, a city surrounded by mountains. Empress Wu Zetian made a 24-course feast of soups？the state banquet during her reign, which was later named Water Banquet.

One brilliant culinary invention local to Luoyang is dish made from radish called yancai. It is garnished with a peony-shaped sculpture made of egg pudding. Another dish, "scorched meatball", looks like cherries and tastes sweet and sour with a tender bite. Both are on the Banquet menu.

Such opulent dishes are certainly not for daily life. Locals have the habit of eating a hot soup in the morning with green onion and pepper as toppings. Chop soups are favored in the area due to their rich flavors and nutrients.

Beauty of peony

Peonies are considered to be embodying integrity and beauty. They first attracted attention in the Sui Dynasty (AD581-618) and became the royal family's favorite during the Tang Dynasty. The flowers bloom in hundreds of colors and yellow, green and red are the most esteemed shades and they never hide their beauty regardless of shapes of the pedals.

April is the blossoming season for peony. Even though they are also planted elsewhere in China, Luoyang is considered to be home to some of the most beautiful examples of the flower. Yaohuang, weizi, erqiao and lvdou are the most treasured breeds.

[Photo from cri.cn]

[Photo from cri.cn]

？

Landscape

The main peak of the Funiu Mountain range is believed by Taoists to be where Lao Zi lived the solitary life that led to the formation of Taoism doctrines. It is named Laojun Mountain, as laojun is the honorific title for Lao Zi in Taoist culture. Ancient trees, vines and exotic flora coat the hills in a lush green.

Jiguan Cave, a rare karst cave in northern China, hides in a branch range of Funiu Mountain. It was formed around 230 million years ago and now holds a 23,000sqm area that has been developed for tourism use.

Baiyun Mountain features a breathtaking waterfall view and lingering clouds among the virgin forests in the Funiu Mountain area.

The Xiaolangdi Dam on the bank of Yellow River is located 40 kilometers north of Luoyang.

[Photo from cri.cn]

Hot spring

Water plays a big part in Luoyang's landscape. Longmen？Hill is shrouded with mist and hot springs found in mountain caves are rich in microelements and minerals that can benefit the skin and remove fatigue. Fengxiang Manor, Yinxing Manor, East Longmen Mountain Hotel and Mengtaoyuan Hot Spring site offer a wide range of thermal spring services in the surrounding of a pristine natural landscape.

Skiing fun

Luoyang offers flowers in spring, cool air in valleys during summer, red maple leaves in autumn and an idyllic place for skiing in winter. The Funiu Mountain Skiing Resort has a variety of ski tracks in several sections. Muzaling Skiing Paradise in Songxian county and Yilong Ski Resort in Luoyang？are also available for a thrilling experience.

[Photo from cri.cn]

Rare Curiosities

Luoyang has always been a place where the famous and dignified gather through Chinese history. Poets have marveled on the towering palaces and the bustling streets. Some of the buildings remain intact and stories continue to be made to the present day.

Many emperors grew up in Luoyang where they were able to enjoy views among Longmen Hill, Yishui River and Luoshui River. Every corner in the city has a story to tell; every little thing reflects a piece of the past that is worth savoring.

Antique stores in Luoyang sell Sancai three-colored earthenware that originated in the Tang Dynasty, as well as peony themed paintings and ceramics, bronze ware and Chengni ink slab. A special embroidery product called quejinxiu, which is made of golden and silver threads, peacock plumes and silk, is also sold there. Quejinxiu embroideries were served only to the royal family in the past.

？

Luoyang will always be a part of China's glorious past and it is well prepared for whatever is ahead.

Unassuming, prosperous and magnificent, Luoyang has a history that is dotted with numerous stories and legends and make visitors wonder about the past and the future.