Located in west Henan Province, Luoyang is in the middle reaches of the Yellow River and encircled by mountains and plains. It is the cradle of Chinese civilization, as it was the capital city of 13 ancient dynasties from Xia Dynasty (21st-16th century BC). Boasting the world heritage site Longmen Grottoes and adjacent location to the famous Shaoling Temple, it is a popular destination in central China.

Peony is the city flower. The Peony Culture Festival, starting in April, attracts a great number of travelers worldwide. It is also famed as the 'Poets Capital' because poets and literates of ancient times often gathered there and left great works.

Chinese culture and religion have close relationship with the city. Many Chinese legends happened there, such as Nvwa Patching the Sky. Taoism originated there and the first Buddhist temple set up by the government was there. Many ancient inventions such as the seismograph, armillary sphere, paper making, printing and the compass originated there.