Luoyang, Shaolin Monastery, and Longmen Grottoes – Gems of Ancient Chinese Culture
Wangcheng Park in Luoyang transforms each April into a vibrant spectacle of colors and scents during the famous Peony Festival, celebrated throughout China. Peonies, symbols of wealth and happiness, bloom in full glory here, filling the air with their intense fragrance. Entrance to the park during the festival costs 40 RMB, and after 7 PM it drops to 15 RMB, allowing for enchanting evening strolls among the flowers under the soft glow of lanterns. This is a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of Chinese spring and the tradition surrounding this regal flower.
Shaolin Monastery is a place many associate with legendary kung fu monks and Hollywood martial arts films. Yet Shaolin is primarily the spiritual and historical heart of Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China. Nestled at the foot of Shaoshi Mountain, the monastery can be explored independently or via organized tours. Be cautious, however—many guides at Luoyang’s station speak only Chinese and offer tours that may not match your expectations for an additional fee. The best approach is to take a public bus (costing 17 RMB) and show the driver a card with the Chinese characters for “Shaolin Monastery” to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Admission to the extensive complex is 100 RMB. To reach more distant buildings, shuttle buses are available for 10 RMB. Included in the ticket are multiple kung fu performances by young disciples throughout the day (at 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 16:00, 17:00, and 18:00). These dynamic shows vividly capture the spirit of traditional martial arts. Here’s a short video from one of the performances:
Shaolin Monastery is surrounded by scenic Shaoshi Mountain, accessible by two types of cable cars: a chairlift (50 RMB) and a gondola. The chairlift station is located on the left side of the main tourist trail, while the gondola station is about 20 meters further on the right. Though the gondola reportedly offers more stunning views, we chose the chairlift. It’s advisable to finish your visit before 5 PM, as returning to the city later can be challenging.
Longmen Grottoes are among the most significant sites of Buddhist sculptural art in China and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located about an hour’s bus ride (bus no. 81, costing 1.5 RMB) from Luoyang’s station, the grottoes were carved between the 5th and 8th centuries and form an extensive complex featuring around 60 pagodas and over 100,000 Buddha statues. These figures vary in size—from tiny ones measuring just 25 millimeters to monumental sculptures reaching 17 meters tall. The most impressive artworks are found on the western side of the complex, where intricate details and priceless historical inscriptions can be admired.
If your stay in Luoyang is limited to a single day, I highly recommend visiting the Longmen Grottoes—they are, in my opinion, far more fascinating and captivating than the Shaolin Monastery, especially for history and art enthusiasts.
Leave a Reply