Luoyang, the Extraordinary Longmen Grottoes, and the Enchanting Beauty of Peony Flowers

Early April is the time when peonies exude their fragrance and compete for beauty in full bloom. In April, a visit to the National Flower Garden in Luoyang is a must. Not only will the peonies be in their full glory, but also dozens of cherry blossoms will be blooming beside them, allowing visitors to enjoy both peonies and cherry blossoms at once. It's not hard to find many tourists dressed in ancient costumes, posing for pictures beside the peonies in the pavilions. When in Luoyang, besides admiring peonies, a visit to the Longmen Grottoes is an essential activity. A taxi ride from the city center costs about 40 yuan. It is recommended to enter early in the morning when the sunlight is best for photography, especially in the most famous grottoes on the west mountain. It's also advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the 8:00 AM opening time to queue up. Upon entering the grottoes, one should head straight to the end to see the most important and iconic grottoes first. At this time, there should be 15 to 30 minutes with fewer people around, allowing for the opportunity to take more ideal photos. Don't forget, at the end of the path, there's a bridge leading to the East Mountain Grottoes on the opposite bank, which is the best spot for photography. From there, you can capture the panoramic view of the grottoes across the water. On the way out, the path is lined with cherry blossoms and peonies, creating a stunningly beautiful scene.