Luoyang Festivals

Peony Festival
Luoyang has a long history of planting peony, which is the symbol of abundance and elegance. Now, the city has the most beautiful and varied peonies in all China. When the spring comes, and more particularly in April, peonies flourish in the city and draw many tourists there. The locals hold the Peony Festival to add more interest to the appreciation of the flowers for the tourists. They show precious cultural relics; hold folk culture temple fairs, interesting dancing competitions and exhilarating parties. They even stage the magnificent dancing and musical performance 'He Luo Feng' to present the profound culture of the city.

Guanlin International Pilgrimage Ceremony

Guanyu was a brave and honest hero in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Chinese people regard him as the god of safety and they build many temples to make offerings to him. Among these temples, Luoyang's Guanlin Temple, where Guanyu's head is buried, is the principal one. Every year in October, the locals hold the pilgrimage ceremony for Guanyu. This attracts many tourists especially compatriots residing aboard, to pay their homage to this historic hero.
 

Mt. Funiu Skiing Festival
Mt. Funiu has the highest average altitude and largest coverage among all the mountains of Henan Province. The skiing area is located on the 2,100 meters (about 6,890 feet) high northern part of the mountain in Luanchuan County. The advantageous geographic features are very suitable for holding various skiing activities. Tourists can enjoy the extremely beautiful mountain scenery and breathe the fresh air while they ski on the mountain. Every year in winter from December to March, the locals hold a Skiing Festival on the mountain. There are bonfire parties, skiing performances, skiing competitions and prize drawing games that will surely make your travel more interesting.
 

Bell Ringing in White Horse Temple
Every year from December 31st to January 1st, thousands of tourists and Luoyang locals throng to the White Horse Temple to listen to the exciting and melodious bell ringing from the temple. This is an ancient bell made in the year 1555 and it is said that the sound of the bell ringing can bring happiness and luck to the listeners in the coming new year. Listening to the bell ringing is central to the festival held annually to celebrate the new year.