The Luoyang Museum houses one of the best collections of artefacts from ancient imperial China outside of Beijing and Xi'an. The permanent exhibition covers the city's thirteen-dynasty history in chronological order, moving from neolithic Yangshao culture through the Han, Wei, and Tang Dynasties to the later imperial periods. The bronze vessels, jade objects, and ceramic figures on display span three thousand years without feeling repetitive.
The Tang Dynasty section is particularly strong. Luoyang served as the secondary capital during the Tang and was a major centre of production for sancai (three-colour) glazed ceramics — the vibrant yellow, green, and cream pottery that the Tang exported along the Silk Road. The museum holds dozens of the finest examples: horses, camels, court ladies, and guardian figures in full colour. Admission is free with passport; allow two to three hours.