Luoyang history

Luoyang, located in Henan Province, is rightfully considered one of the cradles of Chinese civilisation. Its history spans over 4,000 years, and it is listed among the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. Throughout its long history, the city has served as the capital for 13 different dynasties.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first settlements on the territory of modern Luoyang appeared in ancient times. According to historical records, the city was founded in the 11th century BC. In 770 BC, Luoyang became the capital of the Eastern Zhou dynasty, marking the beginning of its centuries-old status as a capital city. Throughout different eras, the city was known by various names, including Chengzhou and Dongdu ("Eastern Capital").

Key Factors of Development

• Political Power: Its status as the capital for numerous dynasties, such as the Eastern Han, Northern Wei, and Tang, made Luoyang the country's main political centre for many centuries.
• Geographical Location: Its location in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, at the intersection of vital routes, contributed to its growth. The city was protected by mountains to the north and bordered by the Luo River to the south, creating favourable conditions for life and trade.
• Trade: Luoyang was a crucial hub on the Silk Road, ensuring economic prosperity and cultural exchange between the East and the West.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During its golden age, Luoyang was not only a political centre but also a leading cultural and religious hub. It was here that the first Buddhist temple in China—the White Horse Temple—was built. In this temple, Buddhist sutras were translated into Chinese for the first time, facilitating the spread of Buddhism throughout the country. During the Northern Wei dynasty, there were over 1,300 Buddhist temples and monasteries in the city's vicinity. Furthermore, the city was famous for its peonies, which remain its symbol today, attracting tourists to the annual festival.

Chronology of Historical Events

• 11th century BC — The Duke of Zhou founds the city of Chengzhou, laying the foundation for the future Luoyang.
• 770 BC — The Zhou dynasty moves its capital east to Luoyang, beginning the Eastern Zhou era.
• 25 AD — Emperor Guangwu proclaims the city the capital of the Eastern Han dynasty, restoring its former glory.
• 68 AD — The White Horse Temple is founded, becoming the first Buddhist monastery in China.
• 190 AD — The warlord Dong Zhuo burns the city during his retreat, leading to significant destruction of the ancient capital.
• 493 AD — Emperor Xiaowen moves the Northern Wei capital to Luoyang and initiates massive construction at the Longmen Grottoes.
• 605 AD — Emperor Yang of the Sui dynasty carries out a grand reconstruction of the city and connects it to the Grand Canal.
• 690 AD — Empress Wu Zetian declares Luoyang the "Divine Capital" and rules the empire from here.
• 937 AD — The city becomes the capital of the Later Tang dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
• 1214 AD — The imperial court of the Jin dynasty moves to Luoyang under pressure from advancing Mongol troops.
• 1932 AD — Luoyang temporarily receives the status of "Xingzai" (temporary capital) of the Republic of China.
• 1955 AD — The foundation of the First Tractor Plant is laid, marking the city's transformation into an industrial centre.
• 2000 AD — The Longmen Grottoes are officially included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• 2021 AD — Opening of the first metro line, symbolising the modern infrastructural development of the metropolis.

Main Milestones of City Development

The development of the city of Luoyang is a story of transformation from an ancient settlement into one of the largest metropolises of the past, and subsequently into a modern industrial centre. Each era left its mark on the economy, culture, and layout of the city, shaping its unique appearance.

• Formation of Capital Status (11th century BC): The founding of Chengzhou by the Zhou dynasty laid the urban planning foundation for the region. A strict layout was introduced, separating administrative and residential quarters, which defined the principles of Chinese urbanism for centuries.
• Economic Flourishing on the Silk Road (25–220 AD): During the Eastern Han era, the city became the eastern starting point of the Silk Road. This turned it into an international trade hub where goods and merchants from Central Asia and the Roman Empire converged, enriching the treasury and culture of China.
• Spiritual and Cultural Revolution (1st–5th centuries): The founding of the White Horse Temple and the commencement of sutra translations made the city the cradle of Buddhism in the country. Later, under the Northern Wei dynasty, the massive construction of the Longmen Grottoes transformed the suburban landscape, creating a unique symbiosis of nature and religious art.
• Infrastructural Breakthrough (605 AD): The inclusion of the city in the Grand Canal system under the Sui dynasty radically changed its economy. Luoyang became a major logistics hub linking the resource-rich south and the political centre in the north, stimulating the development of markets and warehouses.
• Peak of Urbanisation (690–705 AD): During the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, the city received the status of "Divine Capital". Monumental structures (Mingtang and Tiantang) were erected, and the population exceeded one million people, making it one of the largest cities in the world at that time.
• 20th Century Industrialisation (1950s): During the PRC's first five-year plan, the city was selected as a key base for heavy industry. The construction of engineering giants, including the First Tractor Plant, led to a massive expansion of the city limits and an influx of working population, changing the region's economic profile.
• Tourism and Cultural Revival (from the 1980s): A shift in focus towards heritage conservation and tourism development. The restoration of historical monuments and the establishment of the Peony Festival allowed the city to monetise its rich cultural potential and attract international investment.

The architectural appearance of Luoyang is a living reflection of its multi-millennial history as the capital of thirteen dynasties and an important cultural centre. Urban planning and building styles changed with each new era, creating a unique multi-layered urban landscape.

Imperial Period: From Han to Tang

In its golden eras (Han, Northern Wei, Sui, and Tang dynasties), Luoyang was built according to the canons of Chinese imperial urban planning. It was characterised by a strict rectangular street grid and axial symmetry. The city was surrounded by mighty walls with gates, and the imperial palace was located in its centre or northern part. Unfortunately, most wooden structures of that time have not survived, but their grandeur can be imagined through archaeological parks, such as the ruins of Sui and Tang Luoyang. Striking examples of architecture from that era include:

• Longmen Grottoes: Begun during the Northern Wei dynasty, they represent an outstanding example of rock-cut architecture and Buddhist art, where thousands of statues are carved directly into limestone cliffs.
• White Horse Temple (Baima Si): Although the temple has been rebuilt many times, its layout preserves the principles of ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is considered the first Buddhist temple in China, highlighting its historical significance.

Ming and Qing Eras

Having lost its capital status, Luoyang continued to develop as an important regional centre. The architecture of this period followed the styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Characteristic features included the use of brick and stone, richly decorated roofs with curved eaves, and intricate wood carving. A clear example is the Guanlin Temple—a memorial complex built in a palace style with an axial layout typical of that time. The Old Town around the Lijing Gate, although significantly reconstructed, gives an idea of the urban development of this era.

Modern Architecture (20th–21st Centuries)

Since the mid-20th century, after Luoyang transformed into a major industrial centre, many functional Soviet-style buildings appeared in the city. However, in recent decades, the city's architectural appearance has been actively changing. Modern buildings are appearing, often designed with an aspiration to reimagine national traditions. A vivid example is the Luoyang Museum building, which combines modern minimalism with elements referencing ancient Chinese aesthetics. Iconic historical structures, such as the ceremonial halls of Mingtang and Tiantang, have also been reconstructed and now serve as striking architectural landmarks in the night cityscape.

Notable Figures in the History of Luoyang

As the capital of thirteen dynasties, Luoyang was the home and centre of activity for many of the greatest emperors, generals, scholars, and poets in Chinese history. Their legacy is inextricably linked to the city and its numerous monuments.

• Duke of Zhou (11th century BC) — Regent and Founder. A legendary statesman and brother of the first emperor of the Zhou dynasty. It is believed that he founded the city of Chengzhou on the site of modern Luoyang, laying the foundation for its future status as a capital.
• Emperor Guangwu (25–57 AD) — Founder of the Eastern Han Dynasty. In 25 AD, he moved the capital to Luoyang, marking the beginning of one of the most prosperous periods in the city's history, when it became one of the largest metropolises of the ancient world and the eastern point of the Silk Road.
• Emperor Xiaowen (467–499 AD) — Reformer of the Northern Wei Dynasty. In 493 AD, he moved the capital to Luoyang and initiated the grand construction of the Longmen Grottoes, which are today a UNESCO World Heritage site and a pinnacle of Buddhist art.
• Wu Zetian (624–705 AD) — The only female emperor in Chinese history. During her reign (Tang dynasty), she proclaimed Luoyang the "Divine Capital" (Shendu) and ruled the empire from this city, contributing to its further cultural and architectural flourishing.
• Guan Yu (died 220 AD) — Legendary general of the Three Kingdoms era. Although he was not a resident of Luoyang, the city became his final resting place. According to legend, his head was buried at the Guanlin Temple, which to this day remains one of the main memorial complexes dedicated to this revered hero.
• Sima Guang (1019–1086 AD) — Prominent historian and chancellor of the Song Dynasty. He spent a significant part of his life in Luoyang, where he worked on his monumental historical work "Zizhi Tongjian" ("Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance").
• Li He (c. 790–816 AD) — Poet of the late Tang Dynasty. Born near Luoyang, he went down in history as one of the most original and enigmatic poets of his time, known for his fantastic and imaginative style.