Luoyang, China
Tourism

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, Shanghai, Xi'an and Ürümqi.

Finds from the area show that settlements existed here even in Neolithic times (Yangshao and Longshan civilization). Luoyang was from 770 BC the capital of nine dynasties - firstly the Eastern Zhou dynasty (770-221 BC) under the name Wangcheng - and was therefore the military, economic and cultural center of the country.

During the period of the Eastern Han dynasty (25-220), who likewise resided here, a huge library was built and large imperial academy was founded where some 30,000 students studied over the years. This period coincided with the invention of paper by Cai Lun and the advent of Buddhism. In AD 68 the Temple of the White Horses, the oldest Buddhist monastery in China, was built.

During the era of the Three Empires Luoyang was the capital of the Wei empire and subsequently of the Western Jin dynasty (265-316). The rulers of the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534), who also had their residence here, were great patrons of Buddhism and during this time more than 1000 temples were established. At the end of this period Luoyang was destroyed and rebuilt under the Sui (581-616).

In the Tang period (618-907) the city was the eastern capital alongside Chang'an. Since this time Luoyang has been known as the City of Peonies, reputedly a symbol of wealth.

The famous poets Du Fu and Li Bai lived and worked here. Empress Wu Zetian (reigned 690-705) had a special affection for Luoyang.

After the Jin moved their capital to Kaifeng in 937, Luoyang then lost its former importance and from then on was reduced to the status of a small provincial town.

It was not until the second half of this century that Luoyang experienced a revival - thanks to two important industrial concerns, a tractor works and a ball-bearing factory.

The manufacture of lamps and lanterns also has a long history here.