Things to do in Xin'an

The scenery is beautiful, and the local shopkeepers outside the scenic area are very friendly and welcoming without pressuring you to buy anything. Prices are also very reasonable. However, there are many mountain paths, so hiking is not recommended for elderly people with mobility issues.

Quite an interesting and special museum to visit. I have learned lot of “knowledge” related to the ancient tombs during the 2 hours tour with the guide.

There was a slight unpleasantness with the merchant's customer service when making the reservation, as I had booked a guided tour of the Longmen Grottoes, but the merchant's page description was incorrect and I requested a refund, which they refused. I only got a refund after contacting the platform's customer service. Because of this unpleasant experience, I didn't have high expectations for the tour. However, once inside the museum, Mr. Pei's explanation was truly dedicated, and he was a very kind person; it was clear he genuinely loved the experience. Special praise! 👍 He made up for the merchant's shortcomings! 👍

The Longmen grottos highlights the influence of Buddhism on different dynasties in China. The stone carvings speaks volumes on the craftsmanship of that era. If you like dress up like a warrior or ladies of that era you can hire the costume with full make up. (I don’t know the price as I elected not to fancy dress but saw lot of people fully dressed up enjoying themselves)It is recommended to arrive by early afternoon so that you can see the Grottos just before sunset and after it is illuminated in the evening which is usually at 6pm. Please note, the night illumination is suspended during the winter months from November through March/April. There are plenty of eateries at the entrance and snack shops along the way so no need to worry about being hungry or thirsty. My verdict Must visit. (Photo don’t do justice)

Luoyang has always been an ancient capital I admire, and upon visiting it, I was right. The ancient city boasts a rich cultural heritage, as evidenced by the Yingtian Gate ruins. The museum built on the ruins is ingeniously designed, offering the opportunity to see the relics and learn something new – a truly rewarding experience.

The ruins of Luoyang City during the Sui and Tang Dynasties are located in the suburbs of Luoyang City. Construction began during the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, and its layout was modeled after the Sui Dynasty's Daxing City. At that time, it was known as the Eastern Capital or Tokyo. It served through the Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, and Northern Song Dynasties, lasting for over 500 years, acting as the Eastern Capital of the Sui and Tang Dynasties and the Western Capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, the palace city, imperial city, and outer city were built successively. Five wards were established south of the outer city, and three more were opened to the northeast. In the second year of the Qianfeng era of Emperor Gaozong of Tang (667 AD), the Yang Palace was built southwest of the imperial city.

Jingzishan Mountain in Xin'an District, Luoyang, stands on the banks of the Yellow River, a picturesque scene within the Dai Meishan World Geopark. "Jingzishan Mountain with its misty peaks" is ranked first among the eight scenic spots of Xin'an, where clouds and mist drift over the mountains, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Climbing to the summit of Tiantan Peak, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent Yellow River and Wanshan Lake, with the naturally formed "Nine Dragons Playing in the Water" landform, a breathtaking vista of the vast landscape.

A wonderful place to visit at night! It’s much quieter than Yingtianmen, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the atmosphere without the crowds.It’s also the ideal place for a photoshoot, which is exactly what I did!I was lucky enough to catch a live performance during my visit, which made the experience even more special.Definitely worth visiting!

From Yuntaishan, we boarded a bus bound for Luoyang. The journey was long — more than four hours on the road. We left at 2:30 pm and only arrived close to 7:00 pm, which meant our first day in Luoyang was largely consumed by travel. That evening, drained from the ride, I managed only a brief visit to Yingtianmen, illuminated against the night sky.The following day was devoted entirely to two of Luoyang’s most iconic sites: the Longmen Grottoes and the White Horse Temple. After exploring the temple, we caught bus no. 58 directly to Luoyi Ancient City. By then, the hours of walking through grottoes and temple grounds had left us physically exhausted. Still, the ancient city welcomed us with free admission and a promise of cultural immersion.Dinner was taken at a basement food court along Minzhu Street. By the time we finished, night had fallen, and Luoyi Ancient City had transformed. The streets glittered with lanterns, music pulsed through the air, and the atmosphere was electric. Crowds gathered near the lake to watch 天女散花 — the “Fairy Scattering Flowers” dance performance — though we chose not to linger.Luoyi Ancient City (洛邑古城) remains one of China’s most authentic living historic districts. Here, 3,000 years of dynastic history — from the Zhou to the Ming — can still be felt in its preserved city walls, pagodas, canals, and performances. It is not simply a relic of the past, but a vibrant cultural stage where history and daily life coexist.