Looking
at Luoyang city today, it is hard to believe that this was once one of
the most important places in the country, carrying a wealth of
history, glory and intrigue. Like many Chinese cities, Luoyang has
suffered from "modernization" attempts that have taken place
in recent years. The result is that today, Luoyang has a rather
uninspiring and dull appearance.
That said, there remain a wealth of
historical and religious relics to occupy the keen traveler for a few
days. The Longmen
Caves are the most famous of the city sites, a large scale complex
of Buddhist sculptures carved out of natural cliff, considered by many
to be among the most important relics in the country.
Baima
Temple, to the east of the city is also a Buddhist site, the first
ever official Buddhist Temple in China with an intriguing past dating
back more than 2000 years. Besides this, the Ancient
Tomb Museum is further illustration of the prosperous history of
the city. Luoyang is also known as the City of Peonies and in the
springtime, Wangcheng
Park is especially gorgeous.
