Luoyang sits on the central plain where the Luo River meets the Yellow River, in the west of Henan province. It is one of China's oldest cities, and the modern city is built over the ruins of its earlier capitals — the remains of Wangcheng, for instance, are visible at Wangcheng Park. For a visitor, that layered history is the main draw, along with the rock-cut Longmen Grottoes to the south.
For booking purposes, the useful way to think about Luoyang is by district. The Luolong District, south of the river, holds the high-speed rail station and a cluster of newer hotels along Kaiyuan Avenue; the Jianxi District lies to the west, with a central shopping and sightseeing base and a more everyday, non-touristy feel in its residential streets; and the Xigong District is the older central district. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation you will find at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Luoyang
1. Luolong District
This is the southern district around Kaiyuan Avenue and Kaiyuan Lake, and it is the most convenient base for arrivals by high-speed rail: the Longmen High-speed Railway Station is here, and hotels along Kaiyuan Avenue are roughly ten minutes away by taxi. It also has the largest concentration of newer, larger hotels, several of them with conference facilities, making it a natural choice for business travellers and for anyone who wants a modern, comfortable base.
For sightseeing, the district is well placed for the Longmen Grottoes to the south. It is less convenient for the old town and the railway station to the north — allow about fifteen minutes by taxi from the station area. If you are combining high-speed rail arrivals with the grottoes, this is the area that saves you the most time.
2. Jianxi District
West of the centre, Jianxi is the district for a central, sightseeing-oriented stay. One hotel here sits at Hua Yang Square in the city centre, described as convenient for both sightseeing and shopping. The district also has a genuine, non-touristy residential side, with local restaurants and everyday neighbourhoods, which suits travellers who prefer to eat where people live rather than in hotel dining rooms.
Transport is the practical consideration. Parts of Jianxi are a fair distance from the railway station — one guesthouse notes roughly forty minutes by bus or fifteen minutes by taxi — and buses connect the western side of the city to the old town. If you stay here, plan on using buses or taxis to reach the main sights.
3. Xigong District
Xigong is the older central district, and it appears in the sources as a location for mid-range accommodation on Huangmei Road. It suits travellers who want a conventional central hotel with the usual facilities — business centre, ticket office, restaurant — rather than a resort-style property on the edge of town.
Its advantage is centrality: you are in the city proper rather than in a new development, which shortens trips to the old town and the station. The sources give no further detail on the district's character, so treat it as a functional base rather than a destination in itself.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Youth hostels and homestay-style guesthouses, including dorm beds and simple private twin or double rooms. Some are close to the railway station; others are in residential parts of Jianxi, where you may share bathroom facilities and find a guest kitchen and washing machine. Also at this level are simple two-star hotels with air-conditioned rooms and easy bus access to the old town.
- Mid-range: Three-star hotels, typically with free internet in the rooms, a Chinese restaurant, and facilities such as a business centre, ticket office, fitness room or massage service. Rooms tend to be larger, and breakfast is often included in the discounted rate.
- Splurge: Four- and five-star properties, concentrated in the newer southern districts. Expect free internet, business and currency services, gift shops, ticket offices, a range of sports facilities including indoor swimming pools and tennis, and both Chinese and Western restaurants with a coffee shop and bar. Breakfast is generally included.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the Luolong District. It puts you within easy reach of the Longmen Grottoes and of the high-speed railway station, which matters if you are arriving or leaving by rail, and it has the widest choice of full-service hotels. If your priority is instead to be in the middle of the city for shopping and the old town, the Jianxi District is the better central alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I arrive by high-speed rail?
The Luolong District. The Longmen High-speed Railway Station is in this district, and hotels along Kaiyuan Avenue are about ten minutes away by taxi.
Where should I stay if I want to be near the shopping and sightseeing centre?
The Jianxi District, where at least one hotel sits at Hua Yang Square in the city centre and is described as convenient for sightseeing and shopping. The Xigong District is also central and has mid-range hotels.
Is it easy to get to the old town from the western districts?
Yes, by bus. One hotel in west Luoyang notes easy access to the old town by bus, and a guesthouse in Jianxi gives bus and taxi times to the railway station. Expect to rely on buses or taxis rather than walking.
What can I expect from budget accommodation in Luoyang?
Hostels and homestay-style guesthouses with dorm beds or simple private rooms, sometimes with shared bathrooms and shared kitchen and laundry facilities. Some are a short walk from the railway station; others are in residential neighbourhoods further west.
Compare live prices for the areas above using the booking tools on this page.