Trip to the city of peony: Luoyang

As the peony blossom season approached, I joined a week-long tour organized by the Luoyang International Communication Center. We arrived in Luoyang at 4 p.m. after a long ride on a high-speed train and had dinner at the hotel with the other participants. That evening, we attended the official opening ceremony of the tour. After a brief introduction and some ice-breaking activities, we each received a meaningful souvenir from the organizers—a commemorative coin made of soil and diamond, symbolizing Luoyang’s rich cultural heritage.

On the first day, we visited one of Luoyang’s most iconic landmarks: the Longmen Grottoes. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grottoes offer an unforgettable experience for every visitor. The view was breathtaking, and the craftsmanship was astonishing—I could hardly believe that such intricate carvings were created so long ago. As we listened to the tour guide’s detailed explanations, we gained valuable knowledge about the historical and cultural significance of the Longmen Grottoes.

After lunch, we visited the Luoyang Museum, where we explored pottery, crafts, and artworks from ancient dynasties. It was fascinating to see these precious artifacts that have been preserved for centuries, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the region.

To our surprise, we also came across a temporary exhibition on Baba Nyonya culture. We were genuinely amazed to see this unique aspect of Southeast Asian heritage being promoted in another country. It was an unexpected and heartwarming moment that made us feel connected to home, even while abroad.

Later that day, we had the opportunity to wear Hanfu, the traditional attire of ancient China, at Luoyi Ancient Town. Hanfu was just as beautiful as I had imagined. The elegant design highlighted the gracefulness of the female form, and the overall look was stunning. After putting on the costume and getting our makeup done, we headed into the ancient town to soak in the atmosphere.

We enjoyed live singing performances and sampled authentic local snacks, including the famous Peony Cake. The experience was like stepping back in time. Although Day 1 was tiring, it was filled with joy and unforgettable moments.

On Day 2, we visited Yingtian Men, a grand structure that once served as a defensive gate to protect the city from enemy attacks. Its architecture conveyed strength and history. Next, we explored Mingtang, where Empress Wu Zetian once reviewed political documents during the Tang Dynasty. The interior was breathtaking, adorned in rich golden tones, with artistic elements that reflected the grandeur and power of the imperial court.

After that visit, we went to a pottery museum and factory, known for producing and processing the famous Tang Sancai pottery. The museum’s founder personally guided us through his collection and demonstrated how the pottery is made, taking us around both the exhibition and the workshop areas.

We then had the chance to paint our own pottery, shaped like a small dragon. The staff prepared five different colors, but due to special lighting or material conditions, we could only visibly see orange. Fortunately, each container was clearly labeled with the name of the color. We used our creativity and imagination to decorate our pottery pieces. After finishing, we left our artworks there to be fired in a high-temperature kiln. Our completed pieces will be sent to us in a few weeks!

On the third day, we visited the National Peony Garden, where we experienced the beauty and elegance of the peony flower. It was a delight to see so many varieties in full bloom, with a surprising range of vibrant colors. As international students from Malaysia, my friend and I were honored to be interviewed by the Luoyang Communication Center, sharing our impressions of the trip.

Later, we participated in a cultural workshop that included flower arrangement and fan painting. Everyone was deeply focused on their artwork while listening attentively to the instructor. After completing our creations, we took a group photo with our finished pieces proudly displayed in front of us.

On the last day, we visited a vocational school, where students learn traditional skills such as sewing, paper cutting, and oil-painted fan making. We spent half the day trying out these intangible cultural heritage crafts.

Among them, the most fascinating was the oil paint fan activity. I chose my favorite colors, mixed them in water, and dipped a blank fan into the paint. After a few moments, a one-of-a-kind fan emerged. Each fan was unique—no two could be exactly alike. It was an amazing hands-on experience.

As the event came to a close, we attended the closing ceremony at the school’s hall, where we received our participation certificates.

Luoyang is truly a beautiful city rich in history, joy, and culinary delights. I had an unforgettable time during this week-long trip and was grateful for the opportunity to deeply explore the city's culture and traditions. I'm sure I will visit Luoyang again in the future.