Luoyang Museum, Henan, China

5Jarko2015 5:00 PM Oct 9, 2017

Excellent museum
As always, the Chinese like to make things as difficult and as inaccessible as they can. This wonderful museum is free to visit, but that's not nearly as simple as it sounds. Unless you know exactly what to do. The modern, beautifully designed building is accessible only through the south door. Hence, if you are coming from any other direction, you will be frustrated at the time it takes to circle the entire (vast) building to find the one entrance. As you approach the entrance, you'll see the big "tickets" sign and a big arrow. Don't be fooled. This is not for tourists. Only for locals. Tourists (ie foreigners) have to get a ticket from the remote ticket booth, which is to the west of the museum (close to the #77 bus stop). I don't know why, because it's a free museum. But you have to have a ticket and you have to have a photo ID to get a ticket, even though they don't check it or can even read anything not written in Chinese. Once you've overcome these obstacles, the delights of the museum won't disappoint. There's wonderful iron work, ceramics, painting, calligraphy and stone work. As with all modern Chinese museums, the beautifully staged exhibits are a work of art in themselves. Plus architecturally, the museum building is stunning. Upstairs there's far less to see, but there are two galleries open as of October 2017 and they shouldn't be missed. The only disappointment were the frightful toilets. Bring your own soap and toilet paper.

5HotspiceAustralia 5:00 PM Dec 26, 2015

Well worth a visit
A taxi costs you Rmb 16 from Luoyang Longmen station. It is very new and clean and well laid out. It's more on ancient China. Unfortunately the city itself has nothing to offer. There is storage cubicles for your luggage and a big bag can be accommodated. Currently, everything is free, including entry and luggage storage. The museum shop provided some shopping with good prices. We went in December so there was no crowd and it was relaxing and informative. Highly recommended if you have time.