Shopping and Souvenirs

Apart from Chinese paintings of peonies that can be bought all over Luoyang, another local specialty is Tang dynasty tri-colored porcelain. Traditionally, most works are of horses, camels or people, but modern pieces have expanded into framed pictures of peonies or Chinese zodiac animals. Prices range from about RMB 100 and up for these exquisite pieces. For something that's less fragile, pick up some stones, they come in odd shapes and colors. Replicas of ancient bronzes are a local specialty, especially well made are the ancient wine vessels. Since the Tang dynasty, peonies have been a major theme in Luoyang and this is reflected in the paintings and calligraphy. The Luoyang Tourist Shopping Center on 1 Jiandong Lu has a selection of nearly 3,000 different Tang tri-colored glazed pottery with prices starting at RMB 20. The Art Expo Garden at 43 Jinghua Lu has lots of replicas of the statues found at the Longmen Caves. They also have a big selection of paintings and calligraphy.

The Yinyixuan, Seal Art Co. at Shizi Jie in the old city specializes in traditional paintings, the scholar's "four treasures" (Chinese Brush, Ink stone, Chinese ink and Xuan Paper) and Chinese seals.