Xi'an to Luoyang Travel Guide: How to Get from Xi'an to Luoyang Easily

Overview
Xi’an and Luoyang, two of China’s most iconic ancient capitals, stand as living museums of Chinese civilization, separated by a mere 380 kilometers (236 miles). Xi’an, the imperial capital of 13 dynasties and home to the world-famous Terracotta Army, carries the grandeur of the Qin and Tang dynasties. Luoyang, known as the “City of Peonies” and the capital of 13 dynasties as well, boasts the UNESCO World Heritage Site Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist temple in China. Traveling from Xi’an to Luoyang is not just a short journey between two cities, but a pilgrimage through over 3,000 years of Chinese history, culture, and art.

Overview of Xi’an and Luoyang
Brief Introduction to Xi’an

As one of the four ancient capitals of China, Xi’an (formerly Chang’an) served as the imperial capital for 13 dynasties, including the Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties—periods that shaped China’s history and culture. Key attractions not to be missed before your trip to Luoyang include the Terracotta Army (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Ancient City Wall (one of the best-preserved city walls in the world), the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (a symbol of Tang Dynasty Buddhism), and the Muslim Quarter (a paradise for food lovers with authentic local snacks). Xi’an is also a gateway to understanding Chinese history, with a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and modern vitality.

Brief Introduction to Luoyang

Luoyang, located in central China’s Henan Province, is known as the “Capital of Thirteen Dynasties” and the “Birthplace of Chinese Civilization”. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Longmen Grottoes (one of China’s four great Buddhist grottoes, featuring over 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs), the White Horse Temple (the first Buddhist temple in China, founded in 68 AD), and the ruins of the Sui and Tang Dynasties’ Eastern Capital. Luoyang is also famous for its peonies—the national flower of China—with over 1,000 varieties blooming from April to May each year. The city’s laid-back pace, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine make it a perfect destination for travelers seeking an authentic Chinese experience.

Reasons for traveling from Xi'an to Luoyang
The journey from Xi’an to Luoyang is a journey through China’s imperial history. While both cities are ancient capitals, they offer distinct cultural experiences: Xi’an showcases the grandeur of the Qin and Tang dynasties, while Luoyang highlights the elegance of the Wei, Jin, Sui, and Tang dynasties. The short distance between the two cities (380km) makes it easy to combine them into a single trip, allowing you to explore two of China’s most important cultural hubs without feeling rushed. Additionally, the transportation between Xi’an and Luoyang is convenient and affordable, with high-speed trains running every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day. Whether you’re interested in Buddhism, ancient art, imperial history, or local food, this journey has something for everyone.

How to Get from Xi’an to Luoyang Easily
Getting from Xi’an to Luoyang is convenient, with multiple transportation options to suit different budgets and travel preferences. 
High-Speed Train– The Best Choice
The most popular and recommended option for foreign travelers is by high-speed train (bullet train), which is fast, comfortable, and reliable.
Key Information

· Departure Stations in Xi’an: Xi’an North Railway Station (Xi’an Bei Zhan) – the main high-speed train station in Xi’an.
· Arrival Stations in Luoyang: Luoyang Longmen Railway Station (Luoyang Longmen Zhan) – located about 11km south of Luoyang’s city center, close to the Longmen Grottoes (only 3km away), making it convenient for travelers to start their Luoyang exploration directly.
· Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours (varies by train type and stopover).
· Ticket Prices: Second class (Economy): ¥174 – ¥188 (about $24 – $26); First class: ¥279 – ¥301 (about $38 – $41); Business class: ¥550 – ¥586 (about $75 – $80).
· Frequency: 96+ trains daily, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

How to Book Tickets as a Foreign Traveler
Foreign travelers can book high-speed train tickets through the following channels, using their valid passports (the only required ID document for foreign citizens)

· 12306 Official Website/APP: The official platform for China Railway tickets. You can register an account on 12306.cn , enter your passport information (name, passport number, expiration date), and book tickets directly. Note that the APP is in Chinese, but you can use translation tools to navigate.
· Railway Station Ticket Counters: Go to the ticket counter at Xi’an North Railway Station, show your passport, and the staff will help you book and print tickets (paper tickets or e-ticket receipts).
· Automatic Ticket Machines: Most railway stations have automatic ticket machines that accept passports. You can select the “Foreign Passport” option, scan your passport, and print your e-ticket receipt (no need for a physical ticket; you can board with your passport).
· Tips: Book tickets 10 days in advance, especially during peak seasons (e.g., Chinese New Year, Peony Festival in Luoyang, summer vacation), as tickets sell out quickly.

Boarding Tips
· Arrive at the station 30 to 45 minutes before departure: High-speed train stations are large, and you need time to go through security checks and find your platform.
· Bring your passport: You need to show your passport when going through security and boarding the train (e-ticket is linked to your passport, so no physical ticket is required for most trains).
· Luggage restrictions: Each passenger can carry 2 pieces of hand luggage (total weight = 10kg, maximum size = 20×40×55cm) and 1 piece of checked luggage (weight = 20kg) for free.
· Onboard services: High-speed trains have clean seats, power outlets (for phones/laptops), and a dining car selling snacks and drinks. Some trains offer free bottled water.
· Station navigation: Xi’an North Railway Station and Luoyang Longmen Railway Station have English signs, and staff at information desks can speak basic English to assist you.

Regular Train– Budget-Friendly Option
For travelers on a tight budget, regular trains are a good alternative. They are cheaper than high-speed trains but take longer (4.5 to 5.5 hours) [3]. Regular trains are divided into different types, including Z-trains (direct express), K-trains (fast trains), and T-trains (express trains), with varying comfort levels and prices.

Key Information
· Departure Stations in Xi’an: Xi’an Railway Station (Xi’an Zhan) – located in the city center, close to the Ancient City Wall and Muslim Quarter, easily accessible by subway and bus.
· Arrival Stations in Luoyang: Luoyang Railway Station (Luoyang Zhan) – located in the city center, convenient for accessing hotels and downtown attractions.
· Travel Time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours (varies by train type).
· Ticket Prices: Hard seat (Economy): ¥54.5 (about $7.5); Hard sleeper (shared bunk bed): ¥100.5 – ¥108.5 (about $14 – $15); Soft sleeper (private bunk bed): ¥155.5 – ¥161.5 (about $21 – $22) [3].
· Frequency: 10+ trains daily, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Pros and Cons
· Pros: Lower price (about 1/3 of high-speed train tickets); Departure and arrival stations are in the city center, convenient for accessing downtown areas; Hard sleeper and soft sleeper options are available for long journeys, allowing you to rest.
· Cons: Longer travel time (4.5+ hours); Less comfortable than high-speed trains (seats are narrower, and the train may be crowded); Fewer English signs and less English-speaking staff on board.

Private Car/Chartered Car– Comfortable & Flexible Option
For travelers who prefer privacy and flexibility (e.g., traveling with family or friends), renting a private car or chartering a car with a driver is an excellent choice. You can stop at scenic spots along the way (e.g., Shaolin Temple, if you have extra time) and customize your itinerary.
Key Information
· recommendation:Our travel agency provides high-quality chartered car services with drivers for foreign travelers traveling from Xi’an to Luoyang, which is the most comfortable and flexible option for your trip. All drivers we arrange are professional, experienced, and can speak basic English; you can also request an English-speaking driver in advance to ensure smooth communication throughout the journey. Our chartered car service allows you to customize your itinerary freely, such as stopping at scenic spots along the way (e.g., Shaolin Temple) according to your preferences.
· Travel time: 3 to 3.5 hours.

Luoyang Attractions Recommendation
Luoyang, as a famous ancient capital with a history of over 3,000 years, has numerous well-known scenic spots, covering world cultural heritage, Buddhist holy sites, imperial ruins, and natural landscapes. 
Longmen Grottoes
Longmen Grottoes is one of the four major Buddhist grottoes in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the “Art Gallery on Cliffs”. It is the largest and best-preserved grotto group in China, with a history of over 1,400 years, witnessing the prosperity of Buddhism in the Sui and Tang dynasties.

· Suggested stay time: 3-5 hours
· Phone: +86-(379)-65980972
· Address: Longmen Scenic Area, Yichuan District, Luoyang City, Henan Province (near Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, 3km away).
· Ticket Price: ¥90 per person (about $12.3).
· Opening Hours: From March 1st to March 29th every year :08:00-19:00 (Admission stop: 18:00; Ticket sales stop: 17:30)
From March 30th to October 31st every year :08:00-21:00 (Admission stop: 20:00; Ticket sales stop: 19:30)
From November 1st to February 28th of the following year :08:00-18:00 (Admission suspended: 17:00; Ticket sales suspended: 16:30)
· Core Features: The grottoes are distributed on both sides of the Yiluo River, with a total length of 1km, including over 100,000 Buddha statues, 2,345 niches, and 360 tablets and inscriptions. The most famous part is Fengxian Temple, which houses the 17.14-meter-high Vairocana Buddha statue, carved to resemble Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty, with a solemn and benevolent expression. The West Hill Grottoes and East Hill Grottoes are also key areas to visit, with exquisite carvings showing the artistic style of different dynasties. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and climbing. English explanations are available at the entrance (for rent, ¥30 per device, about $4.1).

White Horse Temple
White Horse Temple, founded in 68 AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty, is the first official Buddhist temple in China, known as the “Origin of Buddhism in China”. It has a history of over 1,900 years and has played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism in China and even East Asia.

· Suggested stay time: 1-3 hours
· Address: Baimasi Town, Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province (about 12km east of Luoyang city center).
· Ticket Price: ¥50 per person (about $6.85)
· Opening Hours: April 1st to November 30th every year from 07:40-18:30 (closed at 18:00) From December 1st to March 31st of the following year, from 08:00 to 17:30 (no admission: 17:00)
· Core Features: The temple covers an area of about 200,000 square meters, with a rigorous layout including the Mountain Gate, Heavenly King Hall, Main Hall, and Pilu Hall. The most distinctive part is the foreign-style temples in the backyard, including Indian-style, Thai-style, and Burmese-style temples, which integrate Buddhist cultures from different countries and are perfect for taking photos. The temple also houses ancient Buddha statues, stone tablets, and pagodas, among which the White Horse Stele (erected in the Eastern Han Dynasty) and the Two White Horses (sculptures at the gate) are iconic scenic spots. It is a quiet and solemn place, ideal for understanding the history of Buddhism in China. English brochures are available at the ticket office.

Sui-Tang Luoyang City Ruins
Sui-Tang Luoyang City Ruins is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the imperial capital of the Sui and Tang dynasties, which was once the political, economic, and cultural center of China. The ruins have been partially restored, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of the ancient imperial capital.

· Suggested stay time: 1-3 hours
· Phone: +86-(379)-65063201
· Address: Yingtianmen Scenic Area, Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province.
· Ticket Price: Combined ticket (Yingtianmen + Shangyang Palace + Luoyang Museum of Sui-Tang City Ruins) ¥120 per person (about $16.45); single ticket for Yingtianmen ¥50 (about $6.85), Shangyang Palace ¥30 (about $4.1), Luoyang Museum of Sui-Tang City Ruins ¥40 (about $5.48). Free for children under 1.4 meters and elderly over 70 years old; half-price for students.
· Opening Hours: 09:00-22:30 throughout the year (closed at 22:00)
· Core Features: The key scenic spots include Yingtianmen (the main gate of the imperial palace, known as the “First Gate of the Tang Dynasty”), Shangyang Palace (the imperial garden of the Tang Dynasty, with beautiful gardens and pavilions), and Luoyang Museum of Sui-Tang City Ruins (showcasing cultural relics unearthed from the ruins, including bronze, porcelain, and architectural components). Yingtianmen’s night view is particularly stunning, with light shows every night (7:30 PM and 8:30 PM), reproducing the prosperity of the Sui and Tang dynasties. The ruins have English explanations for key sites, and guided tours (English-speaking) are available for booking.

Luoyang National Peony Garden
As Luoyang is known as the “City of Peonies”, the Luoyang National Peony Garden is the most representative peony viewing spot in the city, collecting more than 1,200 varieties of peonies from all over the country. It is the best place to experience the charm of Luoyang peonies, especially during the Peony Festival from April to May every year.

· Suggested stay time: 1-3 hours
· Phone: +86-379-62261024 |+86-379-62261406
· Address: No. 1 Yingtang Road, Xigong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province (about 8km north of the city center, accessible by bus No. 51 and No. 83).
· Ticket Price: ¥60 per person (about $8.2) during the Peony Festival (April to May); ¥10 per person (about $1.35) in other months. Free for children under 1.4 meters and elderly over 70 years old; half-price for students with valid student ID.
· Phone:+86-379-62261024 |+86-379-62261406· Opening Hours: From January 1st to December 31st every year, from 08:00 to 18:00 (no admission: 18:00)
· Opening hours: From January 1st to December 31st every year, from 08:00 to 18:00 (closed at 18:00)
· Core Features: The garden covers an area of about 700 mu (about 466,667 square meters), with more than 50,000 peony plants. The most famous varieties include “Luoyang Hong” (the iconic peony of Luoyang), “Yao Huang” (yellow peony, known as the “King of Peonies”), and “Wei Zi” (purple peony, known as the “Queen of Peonies”). During the Peony Festival, the garden holds peony appreciation activities, traditional performances, and folk art shows, attracting tourists from all over the world. English signs are set up in the garden, and staff can provide basic English guidance. It is recommended to visit in late April when peonies are in full bloom.

Guanlin Temple
Guanlin Temple is a famous scenic spot integrating Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, dedicated to Guan Yu, a famous general of the Three Kingdoms Period, known as the “Holy Land of Guan Culture” in China. It has a history of over 1,700 years and is one of the three major Guanlin temples in China.

· Opening hours: 08:30-17:30 throughout the year (ticket sales stop at 17:00)
· Suggested stay time: 1-3 hours
· Phone:+86- (379) -65951746
· Address: Guanlin South Road, Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province (about 7km south of the city center, close to Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, 5km away).
· Ticket Price: ¥40 per person (about $5.48), free for children under 1.4 meters and elderly over 70 years old; half-price for students with valid student ID (¥20, about $2.74).
· Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM (April to October); 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (November to March); last entry 1 hour before closing.
· Core Features: The temple covers an area of about 180,000 square meters, with a layout of “front temple and back mausoleum”, including the Mountain Gate, Qian Dian (Front Hall), Zhong Dian (Middle Hall), Hou Dian (Back Hall), and Guan Yu’s Mausoleum. The temple houses a large number of cultural relics, such as stone tablets, calligraphy works, and ancient paintings, among which the “Guanlin Stele” erected in the Ming Dynasty is the most precious. The temple also holds a grand temple fair every year on the 13th day of the first lunar month, with folk performances and temple sacrifices, showing the profound influence of Guan culture. English explanations are available for key cultural relics, and brochures in English can be obtained at the ticket office.

Local Delicacies in Luoyang
In addition to rich historical and cultural attractions, Luoyang also has a variety of delicious local delicacies, which are simple, authentic, and full of local characteristics.
Luoyang Water Banquet
Luoyang Water Banquet is one of the most famous traditional cuisines in Luoyang, with a history of over 1,000 years, known as the “Three Treasures of Luoyang” together with Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple. It is named “Water Banquet” because most dishes are soup-based, and the serving method is like flowing water, with one dish after another.

· Features: The banquet consists of 24 dishes in total, including 8 cold dishes, 16 hot dishes (12 soup dishes and 4 dry dishes). The most representative dishes are “Lotus Leaf Chicken”, “Sliced Pork with Vermicelli”, and “Egg Soup with Tomato and Eggplant”. The taste is mild, fresh, and not greasy, suitable for most people’s taste.
· Recommended Restaurant: Luoyang Water Banquet Restaurant (No. 123 Zhongzhou Middle Road, Xigong District, Luoyang City), with a history of over 60 years, authentic taste, and English menu available.
· Tips: The portion of each dish is moderate, and it is recommended to order 6-8 dishes for 2-3 people to avoid waste. The restaurant is crowded during peak hours, so it is recommended to arrive 30 minutes in advance.

Luoyang Mianxian
Luoyang Mianxian is a classic local snack, which is thin, soft, and chewy, with a history of over 200 years. It is a must-try snack for travelers to Luoyang, loved by both locals and tourists.

· Features: The noodles are made of high-quality wheat flour, rolled into thin strips, boiled in boiling water, and then served with soup, shredded meat, tofu skin, and green vegetables. The soup is fresh and fragrant, and the noodles are smooth and tender. There are two flavors: spicy and non-spicy, which can be chosen according to personal taste.
· Recommended Restaurant: Laohao Mianxian (No. 45 East Street, Old Town, Luoyang City), a time-honored brand with affordable prices and authentic taste. The staff can speak basic English to help you order.
· Tips: The serving speed is fast, and a bowl of Mianxian is enough for a single person. It is recommended to add a poached egg to enhance the taste.

Peony Pastry
Peony Pastry is a famous snack in Luoyang, combining the beauty of peonies with the deliciousness of pastries. It is not only a delicious snack but also a perfect souvenir for travelers to take back home.

· Features: The pastry is made of flour, butter, sugar, and peony petals, with a delicate and crispy texture, and a light peony fragrance. The shape is designed like a blooming peony, which is beautiful and attractive. The taste is sweet but not greasy, suitable for all ages.
· Recommended Shop: Luoyang Peony Pastry Shop (No. 78 South Street, Old Town, Luoyang City), with a variety of flavors, including original, red bean, and mung bean. The packaging is exquisite, and English introductions are available on the packaging.
· Tips: The pastry can be stored for 15-20 days, which is convenient for carrying. It is recommended to buy it in the old town, where the price is reasonable and the taste is authentic.

Recommended Hotels in Luoyang
Luxury Hotels
Luoyang Yading Hotel
The hotel is located at the intersection of Wangcheng Avenue and Kaiyuan Avenue in Luolong District, adjacent to Quanshun Wealth Shopping Center, Municipal Government, Sui and Tang Ruins Park, Luoyang Museum, Luoyang National Flower Peony Garden, Longmen High speed Railway Station, and subway hub, showcasing its convenient transportation advantages.

· Address:  About 100 meters west of the intersection of Wangcheng Avenue and Kaiyuan Avenue, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan Province, north of the road
· Phone: +86-379-62986666
· Price:  Starting from 1000 yuan
· Entry and exit time:  Check in time: after 14:00  Check out time: before 12:00

Luoyang Huamao Chunsong Hotel
The hotel will build a new cultural hotel with "China-Chic, artistic, immersive museum, experience, tourism, business and parent-child integration" to create a warm and artistic living space for guests.

· Address: About 90 meters west of the intersection of Yongtai Street and Zhanqian West Road, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan Province
· Phone:+86-379-69997777+86-379-61297777
· Price: around 1000 yuan
· Entry and exit time: Check in time: after 14:00 Check out time: before 12:00

Luoyang International Hotel
The hotel's experienced Golden Key service team can wholeheartedly provide you with professional services, meeting your personalized needs for the perfect combination of government affairs, business, and travel.

· Address:  No. 239 Kaiyuan Avenue, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan Province (Intersection of Kaiyuan Avenue and Jinchengzhai Street)
· Phone: +86-379-80898888
· Price:  Starting from 1000 yuan
· Entry and exit time:  Check in time: after 14:00  Check out time: before 12:00

Comfort Hotels
All Seasons Hotel (Luoyang Luoyi Ancient City Yingtianmen Branch)
The hotel uses natural essential oil bath products, which provide pleasure, peace of mind, and stress relief. Fun tea sets and carefully selected tea leaves allow the Eastern lifestyle to continue on the journey

· Address: 337 Jiudu East Road, Laocheng District, Luoyang, Henan Province
· Phone:+86-379-61668888
· Price: Starting from 400 yuan
· Entry and exit time: Check in time: after 14:00  Check out time: before 12:00

Fumei Hotel (Luoyang Longmen High speed Railway Station Sports Center Branch)
The entrance garden on the hotel floor, 180 ° panoramic french window, and high-quality cinema rooms allow you to enjoy a leisurely and comfortable life in a simple and quiet place while working at a high tempo.

· Address: Block A, Zhonghong Excellence Center, Intersection of Wangcheng Avenue and Taikang Road, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan Province
· Phone:+86-379-80861111
· Price: Starting from 400 yuan
· Entry and exit time: Check in time: after 14:00  Check out time: before 12:00

Luoyin Hotel (Luoyang Jianxi Wanda Peony Square Branch)
Luoyin Hotel combines with China Film Digital Cinema in operation, achieving a unique theme hotel that combines hotel and cinema. The hotel has a cooperation with the digital cinema, and guests can go to the cinema to watch movies. The hotel achieves a perfect combination of "industrial style+art+movie" multiple themes.

· Address: No. 23 Jianshe Road, Jianxi District, Luoyang, Henan Province (within the Oriental Cultural and Creative Park)
· Phone:+86-379-65197666
· Price: around 400 yuan
· Entry and exit time: Check in time: after 14:00  Check out time: before 12:00

Pratical Tips
Language Tips
· Basic Communication: Most local people in Luoyang can only speak Chinese, but staff in scenic spots, hotels, and restaurants near scenic spots can speak basic English, which is enough for daily communication (e.g., ordering food, asking for directions).
· Translation Tool: It is recommended to download a translation app (e.g., WeChat Translate, Baidu Translate) on your mobile phone, which can translate Chinese and English in real time, helping you solve communication problems.
· Key Information Card: Prepare a small card with key information (e.g., hotel address, scenic spot name) written in Chinese and English, which is convenient for asking for directions when you get lost.

Etiquette Tips
· Temple Dressing Etiquette: When visiting temples (e.g., White Horse Temple, Guanlin Temple), dress modestly, avoid wearing shorts, skirts above the knee, or sleeveless tops. Do not make loud noises or run around in the temple, so as not to disturb the solemn atmosphere.
· Scenic Spot Photography Rules: When taking photos in scenic spots, do not touch cultural relics (e.g., Buddha statues in Longmen Grottoes), and follow the relevant regulations of the scenic spot. Some areas are not allowed to take photos, please pay attention to the signs.
· Dining Etiquette: When dining in restaurants, it is polite to wait for all people to be served before eating. Do not waste food, and you can take away the leftover food if you can’t finish it.

Safety Tips
· Valuables Protection:  Keep your passport, cash, and other valuables safe. It is recommended to carry a small bag close to your body and do not put valuables in your backpack.
· Public Transport Safety:  When taking public transportation (e.g., subway, bus), pay attention to your personal belongings and avoid being stolen.
· Clothing Preparation:  The weather in Luoyang is dry in spring and autumn, hot in summer, and cold in winter. Please bring appropriate clothes according to the season. When visiting Longmen Grottoes, wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and climbing.
· Drinking Water Safety:  Drink bottled water or boiled water, do not drink unboiled water to avoid stomach discomfort.

Other Tips
· Best Travel Time:  The best travel time to Luoyang is from March to May (Peony Festival) and September to November (comfortable weather, clear sky), which is suitable for visiting scenic spots and tasting local food ?[5?[7].
· Hotel Booking:  It is recommended to book hotels in advance, especially during peak seasons (Peony Festival, summer vacation, Chinese New Year), as hotels are easy to be fully booked.
· Payment Method:  Most scenic spots and restaurants accept mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay), but it is recommended to carry a small amount of cash (RMB) in case of emergency. Foreign travelers can bind their passports to WeChat Pay or Alipay to use mobile payment.

FAQs
Q: If I arrive at Xi’an North Railway Station by subway, how long does it usually take to get to the high-speed train platform after getting off the subway?
A:It usually takes 15-20 minutes. After getting off the subway (Line 2) at Xi’an North Railway Station, you need to go through the ticket check (or e-ticket verification with your passport), security check, and then find the corresponding platform according to the train information. It is recommended to reserve enough time to avoid missing the train.

Q: Can I rent an English-speaking tour guide at the entrance of Longmen Grottoes, and what is the approximate cost?
A:Yes, you can rent an English-speaking tour guide at the entrance of Longmen Grottoes. The cost is about ¥150-200 per guide (for a group of 1-5 people), and the service time is about 2-3 hours, covering the key scenic spots of the grottoes and their historical background. You can also book in advance through the official scenic spot channel to ensure the availability of guides.

Q: Are there any halal food options near the scenic spots in Luoyang, suitable for Muslim travelers?
A:Yes, there are halal food options near major scenic spots. For example, near Longmen Grottoes and the old town, there are halal restaurants mainly serving beef and mutton dishes, which are marked with obvious halal signs. The Muslim Quarter in Xi’an is also a gathering place for halal food. You can taste authentic halal snacks before leaving Xi’an.

Q: If I want to take a regular train from Xi’an to Luoyang, do I need to print a paper ticket, or can I board with my passport directly?
A:You can board with your passport directly without printing a paper ticket. Similar to high-speed trains, regular train tickets are also linked to your passport. After booking, you only need to show your passport at the security check and ticket gate to enter the station. If you need a receipt for reimbursement, you can print it at the automatic ticket machine or ticket counter with your passport.

Q: Is there a luggage storage service at Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, and what are the related charges?
A:Yes, there is a luggage storage service at Luoyang Longmen Railway Station. It is located near the exit of the station, with self-service storage cabinets and manual storage counters. The charge for self-service cabinets is ¥10-20 per piece per day (depending on the size), and the manual storage charge is ¥20-30 per piece per day. Valuables are not recommended to be stored in self-service cabinets.

Q: During the Peony Festival in Luoyang, is it necessary to book scenic spot tickets in advance? How can foreign travelers book them? 
A:It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance. During the Peony Festival (April to May), all major scenic spots in Luoyang are crowded, and tickets are often sold out on the same day. Foreign travelers can book tickets through the official WeChat mini-program of the scenic spot (with translation tools for operation), or through travel agencies, or ask the hotel front desk for assistance in booking, which requires providing passport information.