Although Luoyang's ancient walls have not survived, the city has reconstructed them so we can have an idea of what they were like. Luoyang was capital during times when a change of leadership often meant total destruction of the old capital city, and its palaces and walls were broken down, burned and rebuilt many times during its time as a prominant city.

This pillar marks the beginning of the old city section of Luoyang. Carved dragons, the symbol of the emperor, twine around the column. On the top is a bronze pot like those from the Shang Dynasty. The Shang are the first dynasty in recorded history in China, as they were the ones to develop a written language and a calendar. They lived in this area from 1700 - 1027 BC

In this view we are looking down a street in the old city toward the drum tower. Ancient Chinese cities often had a drum tower in the east and a bell tower in the west. They served various purposes, but one constant use was the telling of time. The city gates were opened every morning when the bell tolled, and closed at night to the beating of the drum. The bell was also rung at midnight on New Years Eve to welcome in the new year.

Banners like this were used to inform the public about who you were and what you did. This particular banner is letting us know that this is a big building dealing in silk and other fabrics.

This shop has many features that are distinctively Chinese. Again, we see the informational banner. The rock formations in the front, tile roof, red lanterns hanging from the eaves, and wooden lattice work in the railings and around the doors and windows are all traditional adornments. Just inside the doorway stands a copy of one of the famous Terra Cotta Warriors. And let's not forget the modern mainstay of China - the bicycle parked in the front.

The old city has many shops, where you can buy just about anything you can imagine. Some are in buildings, but many are simply a counter with a roof. Here Lee is picking out a sword to use when he practices taiji. You can bargain in these shops, which Lee enjoys doing. Consequently, he got a nice sword for a good price.

This building also has the traditional tile roof and the wooden latticework. However, the three tall colmns are a minority group architectural form. Notice the colorful paint on the columns and the crosspieces between them. This kind of decoration can also be seen in many memorial gateway arches called paifang.

Chinese lions flank the doors of this imposing structure. It's name means hall to aid life, or hall to benefit mankind, and is a place people could get traditional medicines.

Copyright 2005, Dr. Lee Williams

Last Modified: 3 May 2005

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