Xigong District

Xigong District is the core urban area of Luoyang City, Henan Province, located west of the city center. It serves as Luoyang's political, economic, cultural, and transportation hub. Covering an area of approximately 56 square kilometers, it has a permanent population of about 380,000 (2023 data). Xigong District has a long history, named after the Zhou Royal City ruins. After King Ping of Zhou moved the capital east to Luoyi, the Western Zhou royal city was located here. Notable attractions include the Museum of the Emperor's Six-Horse Chariot and Zhou Royal City Square, making it an important window for exploring Luoyang's ancient capital culture. Modern Xigong District, centered around Wangfujing Commercial Area and Luoyang Railway Station, blends historical heritage with commercial vitality, making it a top choice for visitors to experience the charm of Luoyang's past and present.

[1. Core Attractions]

1. Museum of the Emperor's Six-Horse Chariot (east side of Zhou Royal City Square, 2 km from Luoyang Railway Station): Admission 30 yuan, open 9:00-17:00. The museum displays a chariot pit from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty discovered in 2002, famous for the 'Six-Horse Chariot of the Emperor' formation, an important testament to Luoyang's Eastern Zhou culture.

2. Zhou Royal City Square (city center, free entry): The square sits above the Zhou Royal City ruins, featuring large sculptures and bronze models, blending leisure with historical significance.

3. Luoyang Museum (south of the Sui-Tang Luoyang City ruins, 3 km from Wangfujing Commercial Area): Free entry, reservation required, open 9:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays). The museum houses a rich collection of artifacts from the Xia Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, essential for understanding Luoyang's millennia-old civilization.

4. Yingtianmen Ruins (at the junction of Xigong District and Old City District): Admission 60 yuan, open 8:30-21:00. Once the main gate of the Sui-Tang Luoyang Palace City, now a ruins museum with a stunning light show at night.

5. Wangcheng Park (on Zhongzhou Middle Road, accessible via Metro Line 1 at Wangcheng Park Station): Free entry, zoo charges extra, open 6:00-21:00. The park features a Zhou culture theme area and peony gardens, a popular spot for spring peony viewing.

[2. Local Cuisine]

1. Luoyang Water Banquet: Several time-honored restaurants along Kaixuan East Road in Xigong District, such as 'Zhenbutong' (per person 60-100 yuan). Recommended dishes: Peony Swallow Dish, Sliced Meat in Soup.

2. Beef Soup: A breakfast staple for Luoyang locals. 'Ma Jieshan Beef Soup' on Shachang Road in Xigong District is known for its clear, rich broth, per person 15 yuan.

3. Jiang Noodles (sour noodle soup): Unique sour flavor. Recommended: 'Old Luoyang Noodle House' (near Wangfujing), per person 20 yuan.

4. Peony Cake: A great souvenir. Available at 'Peony Cake Shop' (Zhongzhou Middle Road) in Xigong District.

[3. Transportation Guide]

- Arrival: Luoyang Railway Station (within Xigong District) serves high-speed and regular trains; Luoyang Beijiao Airport is about 12 km from the district center, a 25-minute taxi ride; Lianhuo Expressway Luoyang exit leads directly via Wangcheng Avenue.

- Local Transport: Metro Lines 1 and 2 (transfer at Jiefang Road Station) cover major attractions; bus routes are dense, such as 101 and 103, connecting the old city and new district; taxi flagfall is 8 yuan.

[4. Practical Tips]

- Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days. - Best season: April during the Peony Culture Festival, but crowded; September to November with pleasant autumn weather for a better off-peak experience. - Notes: Some areas of Zhou Royal City Square are protected ruins, please do not step on them.