Lijingmen Scenic Area

Lijingmen Scenic Area

Originally named Lijingmen, it was officially renamed on March 10, 2009. It is a city gate that recreates the style of ancient Luoyang and has been rated as one of the New Eight Scenic Spots of Luoyang City, renowned for the saying “A visit to Luoyang is incomplete without seeing Lijingmen.”

Lijingmen Scenic Area

Lijingmen was first built during the Sui Dynasty. According to the *Tang Liangdu Chengfang Kao*, there were two gates on the west side of the Eastern Capital’s imperial city—the southern one called Lijingmen and the northern one called Xuanhui Gate. It served as the western main gate of the ancient city of Luoyang.

Lijingmen Scenic Area

Lijingmen was initially constructed in the Sui Dynasty. The entire Lijingmen Scenic Area consists of the gate tower, barbican, arrow tower, city wall, Lijing Bridge (which was a drawbridge in ancient times), and the moat. With its high and thick walls, expansive barbican, multiple layers of gates, and towering structure reaching into the clouds, it presents a majestic and imposing sight. It has become the leading landmark of the historic and cultural old street district of Luoyang, as well as one of the most distinctive symbols of the ancient city’s heritage, and has been rated as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Luoyang.

Lijingmen is the most typical and outstanding city gate in Chinese history, originally built during the Sui Dynasty. According to the *Tang Liangdu Chengfang Kao*, there were two gates on the west side of the Eastern Capital’s imperial city—the southern one called Lijingmen and the northern one called Xuanhui Gate. It served as the western main gate of the ancient city of Luoyang.

In 1945, Japanese invaders surrendered their weapons at Lijingmen. During the liberation of Luoyang, while other city gates were breached, Lijingmen held out and only surrendered after being surrounded. The gate tower has been destroyed and restored many times over the years.

Today’s Lijingmen consists of the gate tower, barbican, arrow tower, city wall, Lijing Bridge (which was a drawbridge in ancient times), and the moat.

Highlights: Festivals – At the turn of each year, the Lijingmen gate tower hosts the “New Year’s Midnight Bell Ringing” event. Visitors can personally climb the gate and strike the 108 bells symbolizing prosperity, peace, and happiness for the new year, echoing the distant bell chimes of the White Horse Temple.

Lijingmen is located in Luoyang’s West Gate area and is a symbol of the ancient city. After development and renovation, it has become a comprehensive scenic area integrating historical sites, folk culture, dining, entertainment, and accommodation. Historic temples and sites such as the Tianhou Palace, Jiudi Palace, Sanshen Hall, Chenghuang Temple, and Guanyin Hall are situated within the area.

Transportation: Take bus No. 58 from the train station to the Lijingmen Scenic Area stop.

Ticket/Opening Hours: 20 RMB. Chinese-speaking guide: 30 RMB per session. Foreign-language guide: 50 RMB per session.

Address: East side of the intersection of Ximenkou Street and Jinye Road, Laocheng District, Luoyang City

Type: Historic Scenic Block

Recommended Visit Duration: About 1 hour

Phone: 0379-63503777

Opening Hours:

8:00-21:00