Luoyang is situated in the west of Henan Province. It is in the middle reached of the Yellow River, encircled by mountains and plains. The ancient Luoyang was ever elected by 13 dynasties from the Xia Dynasty in 21st century BC. In the Han Dynasty, especially in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, Luoyang was at its golden time of growth and prosperity. At that time it was really a metropolitan city. Many foreigners came to admire its grandeur.
The long history leaves Luoyang priceless culture. It is the cradle of Chinese civilization. Many well-known legends happened there. Those legends influence Chinese a lot till now. Also many poets and literates of ancient China lived there and left the posterity many grand works. Religious culture ever thrived there. The first Buddhist temple set by the government is just locates there, that is the White Horse Temple. Taoism also originated there. Science also developed prosperously there. Many great ancient inventions was accomplished there, such as armillary sphere, paper making, printing, and the compass.
The abundant cultural heritages leave Luoyang many attractions. The Longmen Grottoes is a treasure houses for strong sculptures and inscriptions. The White Horse Temple is admired as the cradle of Buddhism in China. Shaolin Temple is regarded as the origin for the Chinese Zen Buddhism and more famous the cradle of Chinese Martial Art. Luoyang also boasts of its beautiful landscape. Main attractions are White Cloud Mountain, Funiu Moutain, Long Yu Wan National Forest Park, Ji Guan Limostone Cave and the Yellow? River Xiaolangdi Scenic Area.
Besides Luoyang is really well-known for peonies. It is said to be the favourite flower of Wuzetian—the only queen through China’s long history. In China, peony stands for prosperity and nobility.? Many tourists from all over the world come to Luoyang in April while peonies are in blossoms.
