A Leisurely Afternoon in Luoyang: Capturing Water and Forest Instead of Monuments

After visiting the ruins one after another, it's essential to take some time to focus on the wind and light rather than just the informational signs. In downtown Luoyang, parks stretch along the Luo River (뤄허) and Yi River (이허), while lakes in the new city and the low mountains to the north and west provide a view of the urban outline. Unlike the typical front-facing photos of tourist sites, here, reflections on water, reeds, bridges, and strolling locals take center stage, allowing for a shift in the breath of travel with just a lightweight camera.

This list is focused on green spaces and waterways that do not overlap with famous ruins. Instead of covering everything at once, a good approach is to visit one close to your accommodation during the morning or late afternoon. For the riverbank parks, the sections are long under the same name and have many entrances, so it's best to not just list the park name as your taxi destination but also check nearby bridges or roads.

For nature photography, the time when the sun is lower is more favorable than the bright midday light. In the morning, you can capture mist on the water and the movements of exercising locals, while in the evening, you can photograph the silhouettes of bridges and buildings. For places like Zhoushan (저우산) and Shangqing Palace (상청궁), it’s safer to start heading back before sunset rather than waiting until the sunset to come down.

If you're taking photos with a mobile phone, align the horizon and leave plenty of space at the bottom of the screen for the sky reflected on the water. When using a camera, ensure the tripod does not obstruct walking, and it’s basic etiquette to avoid taking close-ups of residents' faces, respecting their privacy. Mixing these slow scenes with photos of ruins means your travel record of Luoyang won’t just end up as a collection of certification photos from famous spots.