Luoyang is located at the confluence of the Luo River and the Yellow River in the western part of Henan Province, at the junction of the North China Plain, the Loess Plateau, and the Qinling Mountains. It is bordered by Shaanxi to the west, Kaifeng to the east, Nanyang to the south, and the Taihang Mountains to the north. The terrain is complex and diverse. Because it lies on the southern bank of the middle reaches of the Yellow River, Luoyang was an important transportation hub in ancient times, connecting the north and south, as well as the east and west, making it one of the ideal capitals for many dynasties.

The terrain of Luoyang is varied, with the west being higher than the east. The city is located in a basin on the southern bank of the Luo River, surrounded by mountains, such as the Mang Mountain to the west and the Longmen Mountain to the southwest. This topography provides Luoyang with a natural barrier and also influences the flow of rivers and the distribution of water resources. To the south are the Funiu Mountains and Songshan Mountain, while to the north, it is close to the Yellow River, forming a unique geographical landscape of mountains and rivers.

Yellow River Alluvial Plain 

Luoyang is situated at the southern edge of the Yellow River alluvial plain, and the sediment carried by the Yellow River has provided Luoyang with fertile soil. These alluvial soils are especially suitable for agricultural production, making Luoyang an important agricultural area throughout history, ensuring food security for the ancient city and supporting the thriving life of the capital. The formation of the Yellow River alluvial plain has provided Luoyang with ample arable land and stable food production.

Water Resource Supply 

The Yellow River flows through the northern part of Luoyang, providing abundant water resources. The region uses water from the river for irrigation through water management facilities, and Yellow River water is widely distributed across the Luoyang Plain, meeting local agricultural and urban water demands. In addition, the Luo River, a tributary of the Yellow River, also converges with the Yellow River here, forming a landscape where multiple water systems meet, further enhancing the availability of water resources.

Flooding and Flood Control Projects

Although the Yellow River provides abundant water for Luoyang, flooding has always been a serious issue. The river flows through Luoyang in a relatively gentle course, and due to the deposition of silt, floods often impact the surrounding areas. As a result, generations of people in Luoyang have continuously built levees and dredged the river to control water flow and prevent flooding. Today, Luoyang’s flood control facilities have been gradually improved, significantly reducing the risk of Yellow River floods and ensuring the stability of agricultural production and the safety of residents.

Ecosystem and Wetlands

The wetland ecosystem along the Yellow River provides rich biological resources for Luoyang. The water resources brought by the Yellow River have formed wetland ecosystems in the low-lying areas, attracting a variety of birds and aquatic plants and animals, creating diverse ecological environments in Luoyang. The Yellow River wetlands not only regulate the local climate but also serve as an important natural reserve for biodiversity and ecological balance.

Tourism Resources  

The geographical landscapes along the Yellow River and its surrounding areas have become one of Luoyang’s abundant tourism resources. The Longmen Grottoes, nestled between the mountains and rivers, along with the surrounding scenery and the Yellow River, make up Luoyang’s famous historical and cultural tourism belt. In addition, the wetland and river scenery along the Yellow River also offer tourists a chance for leisure and ecological sightseeing, enriching Luoyang’s tourism resources and enhancing the city's appeal.