Yingtianmen Scenic Area

Historical Overview

AD605: Built during Emperor Yang of Sui’s reign as the main gate of the imperial city, symbolizing the dynasty’s ambition to unify China.

AD684: Renamed "Mingtangmen" under Empress Wu Zetian, reflecting her Tang-era reforms and promotion of Buddhism.

AD705: Restored as Yingtianmen after Empress Wu’s fall, retaining its role as the empire’s political and cultural stage.

AD907: Partially destroyed during the fall of the Tang Dynasty, later rebuilt in reduced scale by subsequent dynasties.

2009–2019: Major excavations uncovered 1.2 million artifacts, including roof tiles, ceremonial vessels, and foreign coins, revealing Tang-era global trade networks.

2019: Reopened after a decade-long reconstruction, combining archaeological ruins with a steel-and-glass pavilion inspired by Tang architectural principles.

Structural Layout

The site’s layered design merges ancient foundations with contemporary architecture:

Base Level: Exposed ruins of the original triple-eaved gatehouse, spanning 137 meters wide and 60 meters deep, with remnants of rammed earth walls and stone foundations.

Middle Level: A glass-floored museum showcasing 1,000+ artifacts, such as Tang-dynasty "three-colored" glazed pottery and Sogdian silverware from Central Asia.

Upper Level: A 30-meter-tall observation deck offering panoramic views of Luoyang’s historic center and the Luo River.

Major Attractions

Imperial Ceremony Hall: A 1:1 replica of the Tang-era throne room, where emperors received foreign envoys and held enthronement rituals.

Ruins Exhibition Area: Interactive displays explain construction techniques like "bracket sets" (dougong) and the symbolic use of colors in Tang architecture.

Digital Reconstruction Theater: A 10-minute 3D film reimagines Yingtianmen’s glory during the 664 AD Buddhist translation conference attended by 3,000 monks.

Tang Market Street: A recreated commercial zone with workshops demonstrating silk weaving, paper-making, and tea ceremonies, reflecting Luoyang’s role as a Silk Road hub.

Suggested Itineraries

Quick Visit (1 Hour)

Base Level: Walk along the glass bridge over ruins.

Middle Level: View the "Three-Colored" Pottery Collection.

Upper Level: Capture photos of the cityscape.

Half-Day Exploration (3 Hours)

Base Level: Join a guided tour of archaeological layers.

Middle Level: Watch the digital reconstruction film.

Upper Level: Explore the Tang Market Street and try calligraphy.

Full-Day Immersion (6 Hours)

Morning: Participate in a traditional archery demonstration.

Afternoon: Attend a lecture on Tang-era diplomacy.

Evening: Enjoy a light show projecting historic scenes onto the gatehouse.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via the official "Yingtianmen Scenic Area" WeChat account or Ctrip (up to 3 days in advance).

On-Site: Purchase at the ticket office (open 8:30 AM–5:30 PM).

Prices: Standard Entry: ¥60 (Apr–Oct), ¥30 (Nov–Mar); Student/Senior Discount: 50% off; Free for children under 1.2m.

Guided Tours: ¥120 (90-minute English tour including artifact explanations and photo tips).

Transportation

By Subway: Line 1 to Yingtianmen Station (Exit C), 2-minute walk.

By Bus: Routes 5, 8, 9, 26, 33, 41, 48, 49, 52, 53, or 101 to Yingtianmen North Square Stop.

By Taxi: Direct to "Yīngtiānmén Yízhǐ Gōngyuán" .

Parking: Underground lot (¥5/hour); free electric vehicle charging stations available.

Best Time & Tips

Avoid Crowds: Peak Hours: 10 AM–2 PM (weekends/holidays); Best Times: 8:30 AM opening or after 4 PM (weekdays).

Quietest Days: Wednesdays (Mondays/Tuesdays may have maintenance closures).

Weather: Outdoor areas get hot in summer; visit early or bring sun protection.

Essentials: Download the AR app for interactive ruins guides; wear sturdy shoes for uneven stone paths; carry cash for street food vendors.

Photography: Allowed everywhere except inside the digital theater; golden hour (5:30–6:30 PM) ideal for gatehouse lighting.

Prohibited Items: Drones, large backpacks, and selfie sticks (lockers available at entrance).