Plan at a glance
Location, entrance and reservation
Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum is at No. 6 Jichang Road, the Old Town District of Luoyang. Enter through the South Gate. Admission is free, but a real-name reservation through the official WeChat account is required. Booking 3–4 days in advance is recommended for public holidays. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00, with admission ending at 16:30. It is closed on Mondays, and public-holiday arrangements may change.
How much time to allow
Allow about 1–1.5 hours for a quick route focusing on the underground galleries and the mural gallery; allow about 2–3 hours to visit the underground tombs, mural gallery and Northern Wei Jingling in chronological order. The underground galleries stay around 16–18°C year-round with relatively high humidity. The route is mainly on foot and can feel colder than outdoors.
Tickets and visit details
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The underground tomb complex
The museum has moved or reconstructed 25 ancient tombs in the underground galleries, showing changes in tomb structures and murals from the Western Han, Cao Wei, Tang and Northern Song periods. The Western Han Bu Qianqiu mural tomb, Cao Wei tomb dated to the eighth year of Zhengshi, Tang tomb of An Pu and his wife, and Northern Song mural tomb are suitable for viewing in chronological order.
Murals and Northern Wei Jingling
The “Lady Opening a Door” image in the Northern Song mural tomb is a highlight of the mural gallery. The Tang tomb of Li Siben and his wife also has a “shadow sword” effect created by projected lighting. Outside the museum, Northern Wei Jingling retains a relatively long passage and underground palace space, making it worth adding when time allows.
Who this suits
Visitors interested in history, archaeology, burial systems or murals can plan the deeper route. Visitors who enjoy architectural details and light-and-shadow photography can look for angles in the center of the passages or in front of the murals, while following the on-site photography rules.
Build your day
1–1.5 hours: Underground-gallery highlights
Enter through the South Gate and see the model in Taixu Hall first. Then continue to the underground galleries for a quick look at representative tombs from the Western Han, Tang and Song-Jin periods. Visit the Henan Ancient Tomb Murals Gallery afterward and finish the route toward the South Gate.
2–3 hours: Chronological route
After Taixu Hall, visit the Western Han Bu Qianqiu mural tomb, Cao Wei tomb dated to the eighth year of Zhengshi, Tang tomb of An Pu and his wife, and Northern Song mural tomb in that order, then enter the mural gallery. If time allows, continue to Northern Wei Jingling beside the museum and finish with its underground palace passage.
Explanations and the return journey
There are many details about the tomb dates, occupants and meaning of the murals. After entering, ask about an audio guide or an on-site group explanation; the reference price for a human guide is about CNY 30. Before leaving, confirm the return location for the shuttle or bus. Temporary taxis at the entrance can be difficult to find on public holidays.
Get there
Metro and shuttle
Take Metro Line 2 to Mangling Station. Exit from Exit D and walk to the north side of the Wangcheng Avenue–Mangling Avenue intersection bus stop, then transfer to a scenic-area shuttle or take a taxi. The metro station is not directly connected to the museum’s South Gate, so include the transfer distance in the itinerary.
Bus and return transport
From Luoyang Railway Station, take bus route 83 or the “Shendu You Line 2” to the “Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum” stop. For the return, take the scenic-area shuttle at the museum entrance, with a reference fare of CNY 2, or take route 83 back to Mangling Station or Luoyang Railway Station. Taxis can be difficult to find on public holidays, so arrange the public bus or scenic-area shuttle first.
Know before you go
Temperature, damp floors and footwear
The underground tomb chambers are around 16–18°C and humid, and some blue-brick floors may be slippery. Older adults and children should bring a light jacket, and everyone should wear flat, non-slip shoes. The passages in the underground galleries and Jingling can be narrow or uneven; walk slowly along the open route.
Photography and food
The “Lady Opening a Door” image is suitable for viewing from about 45° in front and to the side. Turn off the flash when photographing murals. The shadow of the warrior figurine in the Tang tomb can be photographed using the existing lighting. Simple meals such as fried noodles, rice noodles and roujiamo are available near the museum entrance. If continuing to Weipo Xinxu or the International Peony Garden, confirm the day’s transport and flower season first.