Welcome to Luoyang’s Peony Season – Explore Henan’s Ancient Capital Memories

Text by Qidou Travel Network; Photos by Qidou Travel Network and Xihong Travel Agency

Henan is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. Many of its attractions boast centuries of history, having weathered the storms of dynasties past and offering visitors from afar truly unique surprises.

Luoyang in Henan cultivates many varieties of peonies, allowing visitors to admire diverse floral species. If “Guilin’s scenery is the finest under heaven,” then given the peony’s status in Luoyang, it could equally be said that “Luoyang’s peonies reign supreme.” The peony, known as the king of flowers and a symbol of prosperity, can instantly captivate anyone—let alone an entire garden of blooming peonies. The Sui-Tang Dynasties Relics Botanical Garden in Luoyang boasts rich biodiversity, and the park has even built a dedicated “Thousand-Style Peony Garden” featuring various peony cultivars, sure to make visitors pause and admire the vibrant sea of competing blooms.

After enjoying the floral spectacle, those wishing to further appreciate nature’s artistry shouldn’t miss the Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area, known for its diverse terrain. Also a national key scenic spot, Yuntai Mountain features jagged cliffs, undulating peaks, 36 renowned mountains of varying sizes, over ten natural caves, and countless pools, waterfalls, and springs—all breathtaking.

The Red Stone Gorge stands as the crown jewel of Yuntai Mountain’s valleys, earning the nickname “the canyon in a bonsai.” As visitors stroll through the gorge, they can get up close to the cliff textures under a gentle breeze. Towering cliffs on both sides embrace the emerald streams, pools, lakes, and crystal-clear waterfalls within, creating a serene and picturesque valley that feels like a scene from a painting.

Located in the northern part of Yuntai Mountain, Gulong Village and its cliffside highway offer a uniquely spectacular sight. Notably, the village’s houses are built against steep cliffs, with cliffs in front and towering peaks behind. In the past, access required climbing a treacherous ladder. To improve accessibility, villagers blasted the “Gulong Tunnel,” a cliffside road that ranks among the world’s ten most dangerous highways.

When people think of Henan, many immediately associate it with the Shaolin Temple. Before visiting, it might seem like a setting only found in movies or novels, but in Henan, you can actually explore this cradle of Chinese martial arts. Step into the training hall and notice the deeply worn floor tiles, a testament to the Shaolin disciples’ diligence and the long history of Shaolin kung fu. And of course, no trip to Shaolin is complete without watching a martial arts performance to experience the profound depth of Shaolin kung fu firsthand.

The famous “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” painting has a real-life counterpart too. Henan’s Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden recreates Zhang Zeduan’s masterpiece at a 1:1 scale, reviving the glory of Song Dynasty architecture. Beyond static buildings, the garden also offers up to twenty dynamic performances at different times, including qigong fire-spitting, ancient magic, water puppets, and more. Watching performers in period costumes and carefully choreographed scenes offers visitors a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese cultural activities and a sense of traveling through time.

Another stunning attraction in Henan is the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Carved over four centuries from the Northern Wei to the Northern Song Dynasties, the grottoes bear witness to the rise and fall of multiple dynasties and showcase the beauty of stone carving art through intricate sculptures and numerous Buddha statues.

Xihong Holidays invites you to discover the beauty of Henan. Pre-order the eight-day “Flowers of Luoyang” tour now and save 6,000 on the second person. The trip is completely shopping-free and includes one night at the Wanda Vista Hotel. If you travel in April during the peony season, you’ll have the chance to see thousands of blooming peonies across 1,200+ varieties at the Sui-Tang Dynasties Relics Botanical Garden. Want to immerse yourself in a world of flowers and take stunning photos among the blooms? Book your trip now and don’t miss the next flower season.

More information:
▲ [Pre-order Save 6,000 on 2nd Person] Flowers of Luoyang ~ Taihang Cliff Roads, Wanxian Mountain, Gulong Village, Yuntai Mountain Glass Walkway, Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, 5★ Wanda Vista 8-Day Tour [No Shopping]　
https://goo.gl/RbN9bU
▲ Discover Henan ~ Northern Song Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, South Taihang Yuntai Mountain Glass Walkway, Longmen Grottoes Giant Buddha Beauty 7-Day Tour [No Shopping]
https://goo.gl/Lq7xTk
Xihong Travel
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