In Luoyang, time is meant to be wasted

In Luoyang, time is meant to be wasted—wasted in the morning light of Longmen Grottoes, watching the smile of the Vairocana Buddha ripple across the Yi River; wasted in the Buddhist chants of White Horse Temple, letting thousand-year-old ginkgo leaves fall on your shoulders; and most importantly, wasted in the lively atmosphere of Dingjiushan, where the sizzle of barbecue shatters all weariness. This city is never just one thing. To touch history, find a patch of grass in the Sui-Tang Dynasty City Ruins Botanical Garden and watch the sunset glow over the flying eaves of Yingtian Gate, feeling as if you've stumbled upon the golden age of the Tang Dynasty. Need a place for kids to run wild? Dingjiushan's rustic charm is perfect—set up a grill, let the aroma of meat mingle with the fresh scent of grass, while children chase butterflies and adults clink glasses of iced drinks, embodying the perfect weekend relaxation. Hungry? The alleys of the old city hold the answers. Beef soup pairs best with freshly baked youxuan (crispy pancakes), and jiangmian (fermented noodle soup) needs a spoonful of chive flowers. At night, squat by Cross Street and nibble on...