Longmen Grottoes - Masterpiece of Chinese Stone Carving

Fengxian Temple, constructed during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 907), features a niche spanning 36 meters in width and 41 meters in height. Its crowning jewel is the majestic Vairocana Buddha, towering at an impressive height of 17.14 meters. This Buddha exudes an aura of elegance, solemnity, and loftiness, featuring distinctive facial features that vividly depict tranquility and grace. Flanking the Buddha are meticulously crafted depictions of disciples, bodhisattvas, heavenly kings, and warriors, following the traditional layout of Chinese Buddhism. Each figure exemplifies exquisite craftsmanship, adding to the grandeur of the grotto’s ambiance.

Legend has it that the Vairocana Buddha is modeled after Wu Zetian (武则天), the revered and only female emperor in Chinese history, adding to its historical significance.

Binyang Cave, formerly known as Lingyan Temple, comprises three sections: Binyang Middle Cave, Binyang North Cave, and Binyang South Cave. Initially excavated in the first year of the Jingming period (AD 500) during the Northern Wei Dynasty, Binyang Cave boasts a history spanning over 1500 years. It holds the distinction of being the first royal cave, commissioned to commemorate the historical achievements of Emperor Xiaowen, particularly in relocating the capital to Luoyang and spearheading the Sinicization reform.

The construction of Binyang Cave spanned 24 years and employed over 800,000 individuals. However, only the middle Binyang Cave was completed during the Northern Wei Dynasty, while the south cave (constructed from AD 595-616) and north cave (built from AD 641-650) were finished successively during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, respectively.

Among the countless Buddha statues in Binyang Cave, the Amitābha in the south cave has become an internet sensation. His raised right hand, in a pose often mistaken for a "victory sign" (index and middle finger extended), has sparked online interest. However, this gesture is actually a mudra, a symbolic hand position used in Buddhist art. In this case, the Amitābha's mudra likely represents granting wishes or fearlessness. Unfortunately, the thumb on this raised hand is broken, further contributing to the resemblance of a victory sign.

Nestled amidst the slopes of West Hill lies Wanfo Cave, aptly named for the over 15,000 small Buddhas adorning its south and north walls. This captivating spectacle is a true testament to Buddhist devotion. Take center stage, the main Buddha Amida sits serenely in a lotus position on his Sumeru throne. His distinctive wavy hair knot and gentle, full face radiate a sense of peace. Behind him, a magnificent display unfolds - 54 lotus carvings, each cradling a Bodhisattva in a unique pose. From the countless Buddhas with their diverse expressions and hand gestures (mudras) to the main figures, Wanfo Cave embodies the harmonious essence of the Western Pure Land.

A hidden gem awaits you by the south entrance. Here, a graceful Bodhisattva statue exudes a sense of tranquility. This very figure is said to have inspired the renowned Peking opera artist Mei Fang, influencing his performances.

Guyang Cave 古阳洞

Standing as the oldest (built in 493 AD) and most content-rich cave in the Longmen Grottoes for over 1,500 years, Guyang Cave boasts a remarkable legacy. Over 1,000 Buddhist niches in various styles adorn its walls and ceiling, accompanied by 800 inscriptions showcasing diverse shapes, patterns, and the finest preserved stele calligraphy from the Northern Wei period, making it a treasure trove of both artistic mastery and historical significance.

Lotus Cave (Lianhua Cave) 莲花洞

Carved from a natural karst cave, Lotus Cave on the north side of Fengxian Temple gets its name from the massive lotus relief adorning its ceiling. This flower, symbolizing purity in Buddhism, is flanked by three graceful apsarases on both the north and south walls, all facing inwards to honor the sacred lotus. Below, a vibrant scene unfolds: a 5-meter-tall Gautama Buddha delivers a sermon to his standing students, surrounded by a multitude of smaller Buddha statues joining the gathering.

★ More about What to See in Longmen Grottoes >>

Two Magical Stones

Apart from the amazing grottoes with exquisite Buddha statues, you can also Venture beyond the grottoes and discover two fascinating natural wonders - two magic stones. The first, Peony Stone, a dark green stone, is intricately adorned with white and cyan peony patterns, earning its name for their lifelike details and elegant simplicity. The second, Plum Blossom Jade, is a unique variety found only in Luoyang. Its natural pattern resembles delicate plum blossoms and boasts trace elements of iron, zinc, and other minerals, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

While the West Hill boasts the grand Longmen Grottoes, the Eastern Hill offers a quieter yet charming experience with four unique attractions

Buddha Worship Platform 礼佛台

Standing directly opposite Fengxian Temple, this platform offers the perfect vantage point to capture the majestic Vairocana Buddha and the sprawling West Grottoes in a single, breathtaking view. Its proximity to the sightseeing car stop adds to its convenience.

East Hill Grottoes 东山石窟

While smaller in scale compared to the West Hill Grottoes, the East Hill offers a unique perspective on Longmen's artistic heritage. Dating solely from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), it boasts around 20 large and medium-sized caves, alongside smaller ones. Highlights include Two Lotus Cave (二莲华洞), Kanjingsi Cave (看经寺洞), Leigutai Three Caves (擂鼓台三洞).

Xiangshan Temple 香山寺

Nestled amidst the Eastern Hill, Xiangshan Temple boasts a rich history spanning centuries. Originally built in 516 AD during the North Wei Dynasty, it was later rebuilt in 687 AD during the Tang Dynasty. The Stone Tower, a prominent feature within the temple grounds, was said to be a favorite haunt of the formidable Empress Wu Zetian, and whispers of her reign linger here.

Centuries later, the renowned poet Bai Juyi (白居易) found solace in this tranquil setting. He was so enchanted by the temple's serenity that he moved nearby and adopted the title "Hermit of Xiangshan." Even in the 20th century, the temple offered a cool retreat during the summer heat. Statesman Jiang Jieshi (蒋介石) and his wife sought refuge here, and their preserved villa with its original furnishings stands as a testament to that time.

Bai's Garden 白园

Nestled amidst the picturesque Pipa Peak on the Eastern Hill, Bai's Garden serves as a serene memorial to the revered poet Bai Juyi. Here, time seems to slow down as you wander through a landscape steeped in tranquility. Old buildings stand as silent testaments to the past, while verdant plants, a peaceful pond, and vibrant flowers create a truly poetic environment. As you stroll along the Poem Corridor, take a moment to admire the many poems by Bai Juyi exquisitely carved into the walls. These enduring verses become one with the tranquil beauty of the garden, offering a glimpse into the poet's soul and further enriching your experience.

Longmen Grottoes now offers a unique experience: night tours! Witness the awe-inspiring transformation as darkness descends. Bathed in evening light, the 1,500-year-old Buddha statues take on an air of mystery and grandeur. This enchanting experience is part of Luoyang's initiative to promote nighttime exploration of the city's iconic landmarks.

Ticket: Night tour tickets are separate from daytime admissions (CNY 90).

Opening Hours: 19:00-23:00 (Caves on the West Hill close at 22:00, Xiangshan Temple closes at 23:00)

Note: Longmen Grottoes' opening hours and accessible areas can vary throughout the year. Please check for the latest updates before your visit.

Longmen Grottoes is located in Longmen Town, Luolong District, Luoyang City.

• 15 km away from Luoyang downtown, about 30 minutes' drive;
• 5 km away from Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, about 15 minutes' drive;
• 26 km away from Luoyang Beijiao Airport, about 45 minutes' drive;
• 26 km away from White Horse Temple, about 45 minutes' drive;
• 55 km away from Shaolin Temple, about 1.5 hours' drive.

How to Get to Luoyang: Many tourists choose to get to Luoyang first and then travel to Longmen Grottoes. Luoyang can be reached by a few international flights, some domestic flights and many high speed trains. If you are already in China, it is easy to take direct flights to Luoyang from Beijing (2h), Shanghai (2-2.5h), Chengdu (2h), Chongqing (1.5h), Guangzhou (2.5h), Shenzhen (2.5h), etc., and high speed trains from Beijing (4-4.5h), Xian (1.5-2h), Zhengzhou (40 min), Shanghai (5 ~ 9h), etc. All flights land on Luoyang Beijiao International Airport and all high speed trains arrive at Luoyang Longmen Railway Stations.

Luoyang to Longmen Grottoes: Luoyang is not equipped with metro at present. The most chosen way for independent travelers to get to Longmen Grottoes is driving or taking a taxi. If you get to Luoyang by high speed train before noon, you can visit Longmen Grottoes directly. More about How to Get to Longmen Grottoes >>

Usually, it takes 2 ~ 3 days to have a Luoyang tour. The highlights of Luoyang include Longmen Grottoes which is known as the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art, 1900-year-old White Horse Temple (also China's first Buddhist temple), 2000-year-old burial site - Tianzi Jialiu Museum and beautiful Luoyang Museum with a lot of history to tell. Of course, you can't miss a Kung Fu exploration in Shaolin Temple (in Dengfeng city) if you visit Luoyang. It is only 55 km (about 1.5 hours' drive) away from Luoyang City.

☛ 2 Days Luoyang Longmen Grottoes Tour
☛ 3 Days Luoyang Kung Fu Tour

It's strongly recommended to extend your Luoyang tour to its attractive neighbors. After Shaolin Temple visit, you can spend 1 day exploring Zhengzhou or Kaifeng. If you are fond of nature, Mount Yuntai, Guoliang Village and Xiaolangdi Reservoir on Yellow River are recommended.

However, the best way to extend your Luoyang trip is starting a Xian Tour. Owning world-class treasures, Xian offers a lot to see and do. Taking a 1.5~2 hours high speed train, you can unveil an incredible experience of two old capital cities. It is quite popular to travel Beijing and Xian with Luoyang, because Luoyang is just located between them. Get inspired from our Xian Luoyang Tours now!

☛ 6 Days Ancient Xian & Henan Tour （Xian / Luoyang / Dengfeng / Zhengzhou）
☛ 8 Days China Ancient Capitals Tour (Beijing / Luoyang / Xian)
☛ 10 Days China Culture Tour Plus Shaolin Kung Fu Experience (Beijing / Xian / Luoyang / Dengfeng / Zhengzhou / Shanghai)

Luoyang and nearby Shaolin Temple are very popular with our customers. Since 2012, we have helped thousands of customers visited the region successfully. With our fully-inclusive private tour packages, all of our customers enjoyed their trips to magnificent Longmen Grottoes, legendary Shaolin Temple, educational Luoyang Museum, beautiful Yuntain Mountain, etc. Some of them even had the rare opportunities to take part in the grand International Peony Festival in Luoyang. Many customers suggest visit Luoyang with Beijing, Xian, Pingyao and Shandong in northern China to explore authentic Chinese culture. Below are some inspiring travel stories:

★ Cultural Immersion Trip in Ancient Capitals of China （Beijing - Taiyuan - Pingyao - Xian - Luoyang - Dengfeng - Zhengzhou - Kaifeng - Qufu - Mount Tai - Beijing）
★ Sweet Couple's 21-Day Northern China Exploration （Beijing - Datong - Mount Wutai - Pingyao - Xian - Luoyang - Jinan - Taian - Qufu - Beijing - Chengde - Beijing）
★ 19 China Trips of Vijay’s People - Spreading around Family & Friends of Wonder’s Good Service (Beijing / Luoyang / Xian / Chengdu/ Guangzhou / Guilin)
★ Sucking Cultural Fragrance from Time-honored Architectures (Kathmandu - Kunming - Lhasa - Shigatse - Xian - Luoyang - Pingyao - Datong)

Read more China travel stories > or find recommended similar tours>.