Plan at a glance
Free areas and paid tower access
Lijing Gate is the western entrance to Luoyang’s Old Town. The area below the gate tower, the barbican, West Street and Shizi Street are free to visit. Going up the gate tower usually costs an additional CNY 30–45, and the price may change by season. Walking around the Old Town for free and buying a tower ticket are two different ways to visit; choose on site according to your needs.
Hours and visit length
The reference summer opening hours are 08:00–21:00, with possible extensions on public holidays. Shops and stalls in the free street area have their own business hours. Allow about 30 minutes for the barbican, the outside of the tower and West Street; allow about 2–3 hours if adding Shizi Street, Drum Tower, Minzhu Street and Luoyi Ancient City.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
View Visit Optionsvia Trip.comChoose your visit
The barbican and gate tower
The barbican consists of successive arched gates and a ring-shaped passage. The doorways create layers of depth when viewed from inside. The tower overlooks West Street and the cityscape inside and outside the Old Town. The gate tower is a modern reconstruction, so whether to go upstairs can be decided according to your budget and interests.
West Street and Shizi Street
Passing through Lijing Gate leads to West Street, and continuing on foot reaches Shizi Street Night Market. This suits visitors who want Luoyang snacks, old-city lanes and local gifts. The Sancai Art Museum inside the tower is free and can be combined with the barbican.
Who this suits
Visitors interested in cultural photography can photograph the barbican doorways, red lanterns, West Street and the view from the tower. Food-focused visitors can use Lijing Gate as the starting point for Shizi Street, while visitors interested in historic architecture can add the tower and Sancai Art Museum.
Build your day
30 minutes: Short Lijing Gate route
Enter through the main Lijing Gate entrance into the barbican, see the successive arched gates and then decide whether to buy a tower ticket. After coming down, follow West Street toward Shizi Street. If visiting only the gate and barbican, finish at the entrance to West Street.
2–3 hours: Old Town walking route
Start at Lijing Gate and climb the tower for a view of the Old Town, then walk along West Street to Shizi Street for a meal. Continue from the northern section of Shizi Street to Drum Tower and Minzhu Street. If time allows, walk another 15–20 minutes to Luoyi Ancient City.
Connecting with Luoyi Ancient City
Lijing Gate and Luoyi Ancient City fit well into the same Old Town walking route, but they do not share a general admission ticket. The free area at Luoyi Ancient City requires a real-name reservation, while tower access at Lijing Gate is bought on site at the current price. Make the two arrangements separately before setting out.
Get there
Metro and bus
Take Metro Line 1 to Lijing Gate Station. Exit from Exit A and walk about 5 minutes to the main entrance. Bus routes 20, 45, 58 and 206, among others, stop at “Lijing Gate.” The metro is more reliable when Old Town roads are congested on weekends and public holidays.
Self-driving
Parking around the scenic area is tight on public holidays. Check nearby shopping-center parking lots at the same time before driving. Set the main entrance of Lijing Gate Scenic Area as the destination. After arrival, follow the on-site directions to the free street area or tower-ticket checkpoint.
Know before you go
Crowds and spending
Shizi Street is usually busiest between 19:00 and 21:00 on weekends and public holidays. For quieter photographs or a meal, avoid this period. Prices for small goods and some snacks on West Street and Shizi Street vary widely, so ask the price before buying and step away from street sellers who approach you directly to compare options.
Photography and tower access
Between about 18:00 and 19:00, the tower lights gradually come on, making it suitable for photographing both the architecture and street scene. Follow the on-site photography rules at the barbican doorways, gate tower and Sancai Art Museum. Confirm the day’s opening status and actual ticket price before going upstairs.