Guests of the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit Visit Luoyang: Embracing a Millennia-Old Ancient Capital

Events
Culture and Tradition
The Buzz Nepal
August 3 , 2025

From July 23 to 27, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit was held in the historic city of Zhengzhou in China’s Henan Province. As part of the summit, over 100 distinguished guests embarked on a cultural field visit to Luoyang on July 26, a city celebrated as one of the most significant cradles of Chinese civilization.

Known as the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties and one of the eastern starting points of the Silk Road, Luoyang boasts over 5,000 years of civilization, 4,000 years of urban development, and 1,500 years as a dynastic capital. It is also a central hub along the Grand Canal of the Sui and Tang dynasties. This millennium-old city not only represents China‘s rich cultural past but also serves as a modern industrial stronghold, having been prioritized in the nation’s first Five-Year Plan (1953–1957) with seven of 156 major projects launched here.

In the present era, Luoyang continues to evolve as a vital part of the Belt and Road Initiative, with China-Europe and China-Central Asia freight trains operating around the clock, linking the ancient city to the pulse of global trade and connectivity.

The Silk Road’s ancient portal endures, while the radiance of the Tang Dynasty’s heyday blooms anew.

One of the highlights of the visit was Dingding Gate, where history came to life through a ceremonial reenactment. As guests entered the Site Museum of Dingding Gate, they were greeted with a grand “city entrance ceremony.” Performers in flowing Hanfu robes bowed with the traditional cross-handed salute, immersing attendees in the refined etiquette of dynasties past. Many guests shared their amazement, noting it was their first time experiencing such graceful rituals in person.

The journey continued to Wuhuang Shengyan, a Tang-style cultural restaurant, where attendees dined on imperial delicacies within an atmosphere rich with period architecture, music, and dance. Surrounded by jade-inlaid décor and intricate carvings, the guests were transported to the splendor of the Tang Dynasty’s golden age. The immersive setting inspired many to join the performers on stage in a celebration of culture and joy. The experience left a lasting impression, with many calling it “stunning,” “magnificent,” and “breathtaking” – resolving to share the story with friends and loved ones.

Dongfanghong composes new stories, while the Buddha’s light of Longmen shines upon the world.

The visit also spotlighted Luoyang’s modern achievements at the Dongfanghong Innovation Hub of YTO Group Corporation. Foreign delegates engaged with advanced machinery and even test-rode cutting-edge tractors. Many expressed admirations for China’s role in driving agricultural progress, stating that such technological support had greatly benefitted farming and food security in their own countries. Calls for further cooperation echoed throughout the visit.

The day concluded at the Longmen Grottoes, one of China’s most treasured collections of ancient stone carvings. Standing before the Giant Vairocana Buddha, guests reflected on the richness of Luoyang’s heritage. Several expressed hopes to connect their homelands to China through tourism, paving the way for cultural exchange and shared understanding between civilizations.

Luoyang, with its deep historical roots and dynamic present, enchanted guests from across the SCO community. From imperial grandeur to industrial might, and sacred art to culinary elegance, the city offered a profound and unforgettable glimpse into both China’s legacy and its future.