Luoyang Longmen Grottoes: What to See & Travel Tips
The Longmen Grottoes are one of Central China's most incredible cultural and historical treasures, featuring thousands of Buddha statues, dozens of stupas, and ancient inscriptions in 2,300 caves on the left and right banks of the Yihe River. It's an ideal destination for anyone interested in Chinese heritage and the history of the Wei and Tang Dynasties. Learn how you can visit this wonder for yourself in our comprehensive guide.
Vairocana Buddha in Longmen Grottoes
Travel Essentials for the Longmen Grottoes
The West Gate of Longmen Grottoes
- Hours of Operation: Spring, summer & autumn (March to October) 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Winter (November to February) 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Ticket Prices: 90 RMB (12.92 USD) for adults, 45 RMB (6.46 USD) for children under 17
- Recommended Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours
Longmen Grottoes is located in Luoyang, Henan Province. There are two parts of the Longmen Grottoes: the Western Hill Grottoes on the left bank and the Eastern Hill Grottoes on the right. The Western Hill Grottoes have more remarkable caves, so most routes are focused heavily on exploring this area. There are 2,300 caves between the Western and Eastern sides, with over 100,000 Buddhist images and hundreds of ancient inscriptions from the Tang Dynasty.
What to See at the Longmen Grottoes
With thousands of caves to explore, there's plenty to see at the Longmen Grottoes, but we recommend prioritizing the most classic and representative spots, which we've highlighted below. We also put together several suggested routes that will help you maximize your time and see the best of this fantastic site.
Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Temple
The 17-meter Vairocana Buddha
The Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Temple is the most impressive part of the Longmen Grottoes. It's over 17 meters tall and was created by Tang Dynasty-era artists. This colossal statue represents Mahayana Buddhism and is full of intricate detailing and stonework. You can see the Vairocana Buddha up close in the Western Hill Grottoes or from a distance at the Buddha Worship Platform on the opposite bank of the Yihe River.
Wanfo Cave
A wall of Buddhas in the Wanfo Cave
Wanfo Cave is another must-visit site in the Western Hill Grottoes. It's also known as "Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave" because of the ten thousand beautifully carved Buddha figurines that adorn its north and south walls. These figures are only about four centimeters tall and are a lovely representation of Tang Dynasty relics.
Xiangshan Temple and Baiyuan Park
Xiangshan Temple in Longmen Grottoes
Head to the Eastern Hill Grottoes, and you'll find two important sites with comparably fewer tourists than those on the Western side: Xiangshan Temple and Baiyuan Park. Xiangshan Temple is one of the oldest sites in Longmen Grottoes, created by the Wei Dynasty and refurbished during the Tang era. You can see representations of both styles there. It was also frequently visited by the ancient empress Wu Zetian.
Baiyuan Park is where Bai Juyi, a famous ancient poet, is buried. This park is also home to lovely gardens and pavilions and is a fantastic place to visit in the warmer months to relax after exploring the Longmen Grottoes.
How to Explore the Longmen Grottoes
Admire Vairocana Buddha in a distance
There are several ways to explore the Longmen Grottoes, and we can help you determine which is right for you based on your mobility, time constraints, and what you want to see.
- Essential Route: This route focuses primarily on the Western Hill Grottoes and Vairocana Buddha, where most of the Longmen Grottoes highlights are. It takes roughly 2.5 hours and is suitable for all ages.
- In-Depth Route: If you're interested in in-depth exploration and want to get some hiking in, this route is for you. It covers everything in the Essential Route, plus Xiangshan Temple and Baiyuan Park. It will take between 3 and 4 hours.
- Take a Cruise: This option is excellent for those with limited mobility and senior visitors because you'll be able to see all the highlights without exerting too much energy. The round-trip boat ride takes you to Vairocana Buddha and Baiyuan Park and costs an additional 69 RMB, or 10 USD, on top of your entrance ticket.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
How to Get to Longmen Grottoes
There are no direct flights to Luoyang, so most people get there by high-speed train. Xi'an is a 1.5-hour ride away, and Zhengzhou is 45 minutes by high-speed train. From Beijing, it takes 4.5 hours to get to Luoyang. From there, the Longmen Grottoes are a 30-minute drive from the Luoyang train station.
Travel Tips
- Keep these travel tips in mind to have a stress-free and enriching experience at Longmen Grottoes.
- You can store your luggage for free at the Northwest Tourist Center.
- Shuttle buses run from the Northwest Tourist Center to the ticket check, and you can find electric shuttle cars throughout the park. These buses and carts cost roughly 9.75 RMB, or 1.4 USD per ride.
- Between April and October, the Longmen Grottoes have night visits. It's a magnificent way to see the caves aglow, especially in the area of the Vairocana Buddha. We recommend that you visit the grottoes in the afternoon and stay after 6 p.m. to enjoy the illumination in the park before leaving.
- Wear sturdy shoes with good tread and consider bringing hiking poles, especially if you're going to do the longer in-depth journey around Longmen Grottoes.
Immerse Yourself in Ancient Culture at Longmen Grottoes
Visiting Longmen Grottoes is like stepping back in time to the Tang Dynasty, with astounding carvings, statues, and inscriptions that give you a new understanding and appreciation for Chinese culture. We can help plan your dream vacation. Visit our contact page or email us at trip@odynovotours.com today.
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