Luoyang is an ancient city with a long history and splendid culture. Luoyang lies in the west of Henan Province, which is located in central North China. It is seated on the north bank of the Luo River, a southern tributary of the middle reaches of the Yellow River, so it is called Luoyang because “yang” in Chinese means the north or sunny bank of the river. Luoyang is situated between Beijing and Xi’an. It is about 1 hour 40 minutes from Beijing by air and 1 hour 40 minutes from Xi’An city by bullet train.
The Capital of 13 Ancient Dynasties
Luoyang was the capital city for the longest period, the most dynasties, and the earliest time compared with the other ancient capital cities. Luoyang lies in the Central Plain surrounded by mountains, which were natural barriers against invasions. Apart from its favorable geographical location, Luoyang had an agricultural advantage as several rivers flow through it. Therefore, 105 emperors of 13 dynasties set their capitals in Luoyang during China’s history.
Luoyang was the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu. In 497 AD, the emperor of the Northern Wei Dynasty ordered construction to commence of Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, which belonged to Luoyang in the past. Shaolin Kung Fu started developing. Although Shaolin Temple no longer belongs to Luoyang, one fact that cannot be denied is that the temple originated in Luoyang and Luoyang witnessed its glory throughout history.Luoyang was the first eastern starting point of the Silk Road to Europe. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, Emperor Ming sent his envoy, Ban Chao, to the western regions to open up the long-neglected Silk Road. He extended the Silk Road to Europe for the first time, reaching the Roman Empire.Chinese Buddhism spread from Luoyang. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, Emperor Ming sent ambassadors to the western regions to collect Buddhist sutras. Four years later, they came back with two eminent monks and lots of Buddhist sutras. Chinese Buddhism began spreading from Luoyang at that point.Taoism originated in Luoyang. Laozi was the founder of Taoism, and Taoism was founded in the Eastern Han Dynasty based on his theory. Laozi had lived in Luoyang since he was a child. He researched his theory and left his writings, Tao Te Ching, in Luoyang.Three of the four great Chinese inventions were created in Luoyang. Gunpowder, printing, and papermaking were all invented there. These inventions have had a significant influence on Chinese culture.
Rich World Heritages The site of the Longmen Grottoes was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. About 2,300 grottoes and niches, more than 40 crematory urns, 25,000 inscribed stone tablets, and over 100,000 Buddhist images and statues are carved into the cliffs. Luoyang’s Longmen Grottoes are a treasure trove of art because of the Chinese stone inscriptions there. The site represents the highest achievement in art relating to sculptures, which is a real treasure in China in terms of religion, fine arts, architecture, and calligraphy. This alone makes it worth the trip.
