Luoyang: China's Ancient Capital Time Forgot

In western Henan Province along the Yellow River's middle reaches, surrounded by mountains and plains, Luoyang is the cradle of Chinese civilization and capital of 13 ancient dynasties from the Xia (21st-16th century BC). It features the UNESCO World Heritage Longmen Grottoes and is near Shaolin Temple, making it a prime central China destination. The peony is the city flower, with the April Peony Culture Festival drawing global visitors. Known as the 'Poets' Capital,' it's linked to legends like Nüwa Patching the Sky, Taoism's origins, the first government Buddhist temple, and inventions such as the seismograph, armillary sphere, papermaking, printing, and compass.