Back from Luoyang, sharing my real thoughts

OMG you guys! 😭 I just wanted to spend two days in Luoyang during off-season, but ended up staying three extra days because this city's heritage and local charm totally won me over! Honestly didn't expect much before coming, but now all I can think is "worth every second"~ 🏯 Stepping into a millennium of history, romance from the past Every corner of Luoyang feels like a time machine ⏳ Walking up the steps of Yingtianmen Gate with red walls against blue sky, I almost saw Tang Dynasty processions; standing under Wenfeng Pagoda in Luoyi Ancient City at dusk when lights turn on, golden silhouettes of upturned eaves against twilight, girls in Hanfu carrying lanterns - it's like traveling back in time! Even the air carries faint sandalwood scent that makes you slow down. 🚶‍♀️ No need to rush, taking it slow is the way to go Thought attractions would be crowded, but going off-peak was perfect! Arriving at Longmen Grottoes before 9am with morning mist over Yi River, the gentle smile of Vairocana Buddha in dawn light - no crowds fighting for photo spots 📸 Actually better to explore old town by shared bike - from Lijing Gate to Cross Street under ancient locust trees, stopping at soup shops along the way, much nicer than taxis~ ✨ These spots are absolute must-sees! • Longmen Grottoes at dusk: Don't just visit daytime! Sunset turns the caves warm red, Yi River glitters gold, and Vairocana Buddha becomes most awe-inspiring. • White Horse Temple's international halls: Beyond the ancient temple! Thai, Burmese and Indian-style halls feel like stepping into exotic fairy tales. Wear plain clothes for photos that'll make friends think you're abroad 🇹🇭 • Local alleyway vibes: Skip touristy streets! Wander any "XX Street" alley - grandpas playing chess under locust trees, aunties sorting vegetables, 10-yuan peony cakes with floral aroma - this is real Luoyang~ 🍜 Food that'll steal your heart Beef soup MUST be paired with shredded pancakes! Milky broth with scallions, paper-thin beef slices, pancake strips soaking up the warmth 🥣 Street vendor grilled gluten with secret sauce - 3 yuan for two skewers, spicy-sweet combo; old bakery's plum blossom cakes with oozy red bean paste and peanut crumbs - 5 yuan each and you'll want seconds~ 💡 Luoyang travel tips ✅ Comfy shoes! Ancient towns mean 20,000 steps/day - flats are essential ✅ Hanfu rental: Avoid scenic spots! Old town shops charge 50 yuan/day including hairstyling ✅ Drink soup early! 6-8am for freshest broth when locals go ✅ Bring a bag! For peony crisps, fried meatballs etc - you'll want to take some home Now back at my desk, all I can think about are Longmen's sunsets and beef soup's aroma 😭 Trust me, Luoyang isn't a "check-in-and-leave" city - its magic lies in slowing down for red walls, ancient Buddhas, soup fragrance and evening breezes... come see what "a glance across millennia" truly means~