A Day in Luoyang During Peony Season

Luoyang (洛阳) was capital to thirteen Chinese dynasties and today is famous for the peony. The China National Peony Festival runs early to mid-April (peak bloom typically 10–20 April). Visit on a weekday, arrive by 8 a.m. to avoid the enormous weekend crowds.

Key peony parks: Luoyang National Peony Garden (over 1,000 varieties — the reference visit); Wang Cheng Park (city-park atmosphere); Sui Tang Ruins Botanical Garden (peonies set against the Sui and Tang imperial city ruins).

Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟) — UNESCO World Heritage Site, over 100,000 Buddhist figures carved into limestone above the Yi River from the late 5th century through the Tang dynasty, including the 17-metre Vairocana Buddha. Allow 2–3 hours, ¥100 adults. Early morning or late afternoon light is significantly better than midday.

White Horse Temple (白马寺) — considered China's first Buddhist temple, founded 68 CE, ¥50.

Local food: Luoyang water banquet (水席) — 24 soupy dishes served in sequence, a local institution.

Getting there: high-speed train from Zhengzhou (40 min), Xi'an (1.5 hr), Beijing (2.5–3 hr).