Luoyang: Ancient Capital Adorned with Fragrant Peonies, Recommended by China's Foreign Ministry to the World

This is the most worthwhile city to visit in April!

We went to Luoyang, Henan!

© Tuchong Lancelot1

Coinciding with Luoyang's Peony Festival,

the entire city was surrounded by peonies and peony-themed elements.

We saw over 1,000 varieties of peonies in one go,

and even the air was filled with their intoxicating fragrance～

Only then did we truly understand why it's called the "Peony Capital"!

(The Peony Festival runs from April 1 to May 5,

so there are peonies to admire for over a month.)

During the festival, Luoyang also

extends the operating hours of scenic spots, keeps museums open on Mondays,

and offers various night tours and food night markets.

For friends who want to explore more places,

it’s really very accommodating. (Peony viewing tips are included at the end.)

We experienced the "peerless Peony Capital,"

the divine capital of Luoyang, where Empress Wu established her court,

the Luoyang described in tales of Lanling Wang breaking enemy formations,

the Luoyang that inspired "The Night Banquet in Tang Palace,"

the Luoyang where Cao Zhi wrote "The Goddess of the Luo River."

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Truly, I can't help but marvel at every moment:

Luoyang, what a treasure of a city?!

None of us would feel too unfamiliar:

There is only one city known as the "Divine Capital";

The ancient capital that was called "China" for millennia,

Though Luoyang today no longer matches its former glory,

When you take the time to savor this city,

You'll feel the profound weight and timeless depth of Luoyang.

Go see the "peerless under heaven" Luoyang peonies,

Witness the awe of "an entire city drunk with their beauty"!

"Luoyang's soil is most fit for flowers, its peonies uniquely divine under heaven."

Luoyang boasts over 1,600 years of cultivation history,

Beginning in Sui, flourishing in Tang, reigning supreme in Song,

Now nationally certified as the "Peony Capital".

All for just over 20 days of annual bloom,

From early April through early May,

Each flowering season fills the city with proud peonies,

Drawing literati and admirers from across the land.

Though peonies grace both roadsides and scenic spots,

The true highlight of peony appreciation...

The most classic peony garden in Luoyang.

Located on the ruins of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty's royal city,

It combines cultural landscapes with natural gardens,

Featuring over 1,000 varieties of peonies.

Additionally, cherry blossoms, pear blossoms, and wisteria bloom beautifully here.

The vast expanse of peonies is truly magnificent.

There are no enclosed areas here.

In April, Luoyang transforms into a grand peony city.

Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, Ancient Tombs Museum,

Kaixuan East Road, Zhouwangcheng Square, Xigong Small Street...

They can even turn traffic lights into peony shapes.

And create matching peony ice cream.

It’s unclear whether Luoyang chose the peony,

Or if Luoyang was born with an innate nobility.

The gentle and refined people of Luoyang never seek fame or praise.

"A thousand years of history can be seen in Beijing, three thousand in Xi'an,"

But many don’t know that "five thousand years must be seen in Luoyang."

Visit the ancient capital of Luoyang, straight out of history books,

And feel the lingering warmth of history in its bricks and tiles!

Luoyang is a name that will never be overlooked.

The first capital of China, Xia Dynasty's Zhenxun,

The origin of Chinese cities, Shang Dynasty's Western Bo,

The largest and longest-lasting capital, Luoyang City of Han and Wei Dynasties,

The rare megacity of the world, Luoyang City of Sui and Tang Dynasties.

▲Luoyang City of Sui and Tang Dynasties ©Tuchong YQQ, A Coder's Photographic Time

It is hailed as the "First Gate Under Heaven",

Stepping inside feels like traversing a millennium of history,

On the sacred land, mountains and rivers remain, with the bright moon atop towers,

Stories of emperors and generals unfold vividly before the eyes.

With solemn layouts and majestic grandeur,

You can appreciate the ancient city's timeless charm.

It is China's longest-used

Ancient capital city gate, from Sui-Tang to Northern Song,

Countless emperors passed through its archway.

Above is millennia of culture, below lies historic relics at every step.

Ancient capital Luoyang boasts 3 World Heritage Sites (6 locations),

Its five major capital ruins are globally unparalleled.

With 43 nationally protected cultural relics units,

68 museums housing over 400,000 artifacts.

It is the world's unique imperial grottoes,

It also represents the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art.

You can visit the "First Ancient Temple of China,"

and feel the legacy passed down over 1,900 years.

Among thousands of Guan temples, only this one is called a "Forest,"

now lush with ancient cypresses, witnessing historical changes.

Experience the era under Empress Wu Zetian,

and see the "Empress's Back Garden" lit by lanterns,

immersing in the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.

It displays large-scale chariot and horse pits from the Eastern Zhou period.

The world's first ancient tomb museum.

Stepping into Luoyang is like stepping into a history book,

where history and heritage are everywhere.

©Tuchong Math Teacher Taking Photos

Stroll through the ancient alleys of Luoyang's old town,

and feel the charm of "time turning back"!

Many old streets elsewhere are rebuilt in antique style,

but Luoyang's old street remains purely authentic,

with buildings along the street mostly dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.

There are no grand halls or mansions left by the wealthy,

only the everyday life of ordinary people.

Witnessing the bittersweet memories of generations of Luoyang people.

© Tuchong What's this about a coequal prince?

Roaming the streets to capture the vibrancy of everyday life.

Liren Lane, Xiyuan Road, Wuxian Street, Changle Street,

Chunqing Road, Houzaimen Street, Jiulongtai Street, Lichun Road,

Jingshi Street, Lematingfeng Street...

There are endless stories of Luoyang to tell.

"The leisurely vibe of a fallen royal city,"

Has kept its people from becoming worldly-wise.

Walking along, you traverse a thousand years!

As if witnessing Luoyang's millennia!

Beyond the ancient alleys, Luoyang's mountains and waters,

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and water on one, gathering energy,

The Chan River and Jian River—"five waters embracing Luoyang"—

Form its "natural fortress, unparalleled in strategic advantage."

▲ Hangu Pass © Tuchong Aige

It is called the "World's No. 1 Sacred Mountain,"

Two palaces stand majestically atop its peaks,

Like an immortal's sanctuary, a dreamy celestial palace.

Only upon visiting Laojun Mountain do you understand what it means:

"Venture afar to the mortal world's breathtaking feast, and behold its flourishing splendor."

Here, mist swirls and an ethereal aura lingers,

Once hailed as "China's most beautiful place,"

Reach its summit, and you too can indulge in a celestial fantasy!

© Tuchong HDR by Hu Wenkai,

Here, mountains stand tall and waters run cool,

A turn in the path, a patch of moss, a scattering of petals,

Each carries a flowing poetic charm.

Boasting rare scenery seldom seen in northern mountainous regions.

Hundreds of springs gush forth with refreshing streams,

Dense bamboo groves shield against the scorching sun,

Making it the perfect summer retreat.

Only then can one truly grasp the essence of Luoyang!

This ancient capital has grown tranquil and livable.

While others confine history within exhibition halls,

The people of Luoyang, guardians of millennia-old treasures,

Hide the true Luoyang within the vibrancy of daily life.

You can savor delicacies passed down through centuries.

In short: no meal is complete without soup.

Even the phrase often on locals' lips is:

"It would be great to have beef soup every day,"

"If Cantonese people love brewing delicious soups,"

"then Luoyang people are even more obsessed with soup."

"Almost every alley, every street corner,"

"has one or two soup spots favored by locals."

"When meeting, the first greeting is often:"

"Whether it's the rich aroma of beef soup or the freshness of tofu soup,"

"the nourishing warmth of mutton soup, or the energy-boosting and calming effects of donkey meat soup,"

"or even the appetite-stimulating and spleen-nourishing spicy soup..."

"all can awaken the cravings in Luoyang people."

"Starting the day with a bowl of hot soup in the morning,"

"paired with crispy pancakes, shredded flatbread, or pan-fried buns..."

"One could say, Luoyang people can live without money,"

"Luoyang Water Banquet is the most imperial-style cuisine,"

"every hot dish comes with soup, served one after another,"

"the serving style alone reflects the grandeur of ancient feasts."

"Witness the flowing elegance of dishes like Peony Swallow Vegetable,"

"Lotus Soup with Sliced Pork, Braised Offal, Crispy Fried Meatballs, Eight-Treasure Rice..."

"enough to showcase the ancient capital's pursuit of culinary excellence!"

"Smooth noodles paired with tangy and fragrant fermented juice,"

Refreshing and appetizing, loved by all ages, as the old saying goes:

"Even reheated three times, this porridge is better than meat!"

Steamed into crescent shapes, fragrant and never greasy.

When it comes to the most iconic dish,

it’s not only rich in ingredients and broth,

but also generous, affordable, and pairs perfectly with steamed buns!

Scoop a spoonful of crispy fried dough,

dip it into the savory tea soup—crispy and fragrant,

enjoy it with pan-fried buns, absolutely delicious!

You can take your time to stroll and savor.

Countless rises and falls, joys and sorrows,

are etched onto this time-worn land,

bringing you back to "the most quintessential Luoyang!"

Shall we visit Henan together to admire peonies and sip tea?

(Click the image for flower-viewing tips)