The opening of a new museum in July has shone a spotlight on this site once again. The Han-Wei Luoyang Ancient City Site Museum offers a panoramic view of the ancient city's 1,600-year history thanks to decades of archaeological efforts.

"With the museum, the site's archaeological achievements finally get a demonstration space, helping visitors gain a more vivid, profound understanding of this period of history," says Wang Ge, deputy director of the site's protection center.

A highlight at the museum is a model of the city's central axis during the Northern Wei era, signifying the site's significant role in ushering in a new capital system that influenced the following dynasties.

"We built a diorama of the buildings on the central axis of the palace city, including the Changhe Gate, the palace city's southern main gate, and Tongtuo Street, the north-south main road to the south of the gate, about 40 to 60 meters wide, based on archaeological studies. North of the gate, after two more gates, is the Taiji (Tai Chi) Hall, which was the main palace for major state affairs," says Ma Zhe, deputy director of the museum.