Passing Through the Night Gate Reveals Tang Dynasty Luoyang

The Sui-Tang ruins in downtown Luoyang may seem like distant tourist spots, but when seen as part of the axis of the royal palace and outer gates, the city's scale is revealed. From Ying Tian Gate, you can see the south gate of the imperial city, at Ming Tang Heaven, you can view the center of the palace, inspect the royal gardens at Jiu Zhou Pond, and finally reach Zheng Zheng Gate, where the north-south axis of the ancient capital overlaps with today's road.

Since the restored architecture and underground relic exhibitions have different characteristics, signs should clearly distinguish what is the original ruin and what is a contemporary reconstruction. The nighttime lighting and performances are not available all the time, and tickets for each facility may be sold separately. During the day, it's efficient to read about the ruins and return around sunset to Ying Tian Gate. Don't cross the control lines of the city walls and excavation areas, and check the traffic controls on event days.

After completing the route of the Sui-Tang imperial city, the urban planning and the time of excavation can be seen behind the dazzling night view. Ying Tian Gate and Ming Tang Heaven represent the authority of the palace, Jiu Zhou Pond showcases the gardens and waterways, while Zheng Zheng Gate illustrates the outer city walls and the road axis. Luoyi Ancient City serves as today's commercial and performance space, offering a different character; thus, visiting at the end is great for comparing historical ruins and modern tourist recreations.

In the evening, crowds and vehicles gather, so determine the subway exits and your way home first. Take photos in Hanfu in places that do not obstruct walking, and avoid placing props on the ruins. Make sure to consider entry checks and movement time in addition to just performance start times. If it rains, the stone floors can become slippery, so prioritizing indoor exhibitions over views for safety is preferable.